High fibre, high quality hay is essential for the digestive health of rabbits.
Hay will be picked through and no longer desirable within 6 to 8 hours, so it is ideal to add fresh hay to the litter-boxes 3 to 4 times per day.
By offering hay in a very large litter-box, your rabbit’s natural tendency to eat and poop simultaneously will be satisfied and she will consume more hay overall - approximately 5 pounds per week, depending on the individual rabbit and the overall diet offered.
You can expect 25% of the hay to be wasted, soiled, or simply not wanted by your bun, so never wait for the box to be empty before offering more hay.
You will know your buns are eating enough hay when their droppings are consistent in shape and size, and crumble to powder at the slightest pressure.
Droppings that are strung together indicate a build-up of fur in the digestive system; “stringers,” or poops that are small, dark, and hard indicate a need for more hay, grooming, hydration, and exercise.
A variety of high-fibre, low-protein grass hays is best. Oat/barley/rye, and timothy make great staples and Bermuda, orchard, and brome are all suitable for most adult rabbits.
For babies and geriatric rabbits, add protein-rich alfalfa hay to the mix.
Leafy greens such as romaine lettuce, endive, escarole, parsley, cilantro, swiss chard, carrot tops, and herbs, including basil, mint, watercress, and dill, are excellent sources of nutrients, cellulose, and flavour.
Offer a variety of at least 3 to 5 of these per day and keep mineral-rich veggies such as kale, collard greens, broccoli, and dandelion greens to a minimum.
Timothy hay based pellets are ideal for teen and adult rabbits.
Molasses-free pellets (available at BunnyLuv Essentials) will eliminate many of the problems that can come along with sugar-rich options, and will also allow you to offer treats that contain sugar such as a thin slice of carrot each day or a small cube of apple, pear, strawberry or other fruit.
(Avoid fruit that is overly ripe as the sugar content is increased.)
If your bun cannot tolerate sugar at all, save her favourite veggie from the mix and offer it as her treat.
Avoid cereal, crackers, nuts/seeds, corn, commercial treats, and bread.
For a great selection of premium quality hay, our very own vegetable mix, molasses-free timothy hay pellets, fun treats, etc., visit BunnyLuv Essentials, or for more specific information regarding diet and care, contact us at (818)988-4488 (from http://www.bunnyluv.org/rabbitcare_new.htm)
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