What Do Rabbits Bunnies Eat?

Rabbits should have a

daily diet

of mostly hay, a smaller amount of

fresh vegetables

, and a limited number of pellets Hay is the most important part of a rabbit’s daily intake. Unlimited,

high-quality grass hay

, such as Timothy, orchard or brome, should make up the bulk of a rabbit’s diet.

What is the best rabbit food?

  • Kaytee Fiesta Gourmet Variety Diet Rabbit Food
  • Oxbow Essentials Adult Rabbit Food
  • Mazuri Timothy-Based Pellet Rabbit Food
  • Vitakraft VitaSmart Complete Nutrition Rabbit Food
  • Brown’s Timothy Hay Food for Rabbits
  • Tiny Friends Farm Russel Rabbit Food
  • Small World Pellet Rabbit Food.

Are Timothy pellets good for rabbits?

Not only that, but grinding hay helps keep their teeth from getting too long. Luckily, knowing the

right food

for your bunny can help. Ohio House Rabbit Rescue recommends that your bunny’s main diet include three things; limited timothy pellets , unlimited timothy hay and a daily fresh green salad.

Do rabbits like to be held?

Most rabbits love to be cuddled and stroked when approached in the right way. Few like being held or carried as being so high up from the ground makes them feel insecure , however, many will happily sit on your lap or snuggle up next to you for a cuddle.

What are 3 things rabbits eat?

They require a balanced diet of hay, fresh veggies and fruit, and a few pellets Rabbits have very sensitive digestive tracts, so the transition to hay or pellets, or the introduction of new fruits and vegetables, must be done gradually to allow the rabbit’s system to adjust.

What is toxic to rabbits?

Apples and pears are the most notorious examples, but the pits from apricots, peaches, plums, and mangos also contain cyanide, as do cherry pits. While the amount of cyanide contained in fruit seeds and pits is generally scant, it is best to avoid feeding them to rabbits altogether.

What should I not feed my rabbit?

  • Yogurt Drops
  • Bread, Pasta, Cookies, and Crackers
  • Avocado
  • Cereal
  • Iceberg Lettuce
  • Silverbeet
  • Hamster Food
  • Walnuts.

How much hay should a rabbit eat?

A healthy rabbit’s diet should consist of unlimited amounts timothy and other grass hays , 1-3 cups of fresh leafy greens daily, and only about 1/8-1/4 cup of quality timothy pellets for rabbits up to 5 lbs and up to 3/4 cup for rabbits up to 10 lbs. Fruits and sugary vegetables (i.e. carrots) should only be offered as.

What veggies do bunnies eat?

  • Carrot tops.
  • Watercress.
  • Green leaf lettuce.
  • Red leaf lettuce.
  • Butter lettuce.
  • Basil.
  • Cilantro.
  • Bell peppers.

Can a rabbit survive on just hay?

Rabbits should be fed in a way that is as close as possible to their natural diet: mostly grass or hay. In fact, rabbits could live on hay and water alone , but we recommend providing some fresh leafy vegetables and a small amount of commercial feed.

Which is better for rabbits hay or pellets?

Pellets should make up less of a rabbit’s diet as he or she grows older, and hay should be available 24 hours a day. Alfalfa pellets are fine for younger rabbits but timothy pellets are preferred for older rabbits.

Can rabbits survive without pellets?

We know that it’s important to move

pet rabbits

to a hay-based diet, but some caretakers are now going a step further and giving their rabbits a completely natural, pellet-free diet. After all, wild rabbits are able to survive without pellets.

Should you bathe a rabbit?

Rabbits are meticulously clean and almost never need a bath Bathing them can even be harmful, since they tend to panic in water and may fracture a limb or their spine if they thrash around.

How long should a bunny be in its cage?

To keep your rabbit happy and healthy, let it out of its cage at least once a day, giving it time to roam. Though at least one hour is necessary, aim closer to three or four As a rule, never keep your rabbit cooped up for 24 hours at a time.

Do bunnies like baths?

Bathing is also extremely stressful for rabbits and has many potential and serious dangers. Rabbits are clean animals and will groom and wash themselves. Companion rabbits will wash and groom each other too.

How many times a day should I feed my rabbit?

The total amount of fresh food that you may give to your rabbit daily (once your bunny has been gradually introduced to it), is a minimum of 1 heaping cup (loosely packed), per 5 pound of body weight, given two times a day.

Can bunnies eat bananas?

Fresh, raw bananas can be consumed safely, but only in moderation While bananas are rich in water, potassium, vitamin B6 and antioxidants, they’re also packed with starch and sugar. Too much sugar and starch in a rabbit’s diet can lead to digestive problems, an upset stomach, gas and diarrhea.

What do bunnies need in their cage?

  • A spacious and secure hutch
  • Bedding materials
  • Litter trays and fillings
  • Plenty of hay and other food
  • A food bowl or dispenser
  • A bottle or water bowl
  • Toys
  • Rabbit-safe cleaning products.

Is chicken pellets good for rabbits?

Chicken pellets are bad for rabbits Chickens and rabbits are two very different animals with their own dietary needs. Since chickens are omnivores, their feed contains protein and calcium. Rabbits do not need calcium included in their diet, and are not able to digest the protein sources in chicken feed.

What human food can rabbits eat?

  • Fruit. Pretty much any fruit will make a good sweet treat, though the high sugar content means it should only be given in moderation
  • Vegetables. Similarly, most vegetables are safe for rabbits to eat
  • Herbs
  • Garden plants
  • Chocolate
  • Iceberg Lettuce
  • Avocado
  • Meat.

Can rabbits eat lettuce?

Myth #3 – Rabbits eat lettuce Reality: a rabbit’s diet shouldn’t be based on lettuce Rabbits shouldn’t eat some lettuces (such as iceberg), as they contain lactucarium, which can be harmful in large quantities.

How often should I feed my bunny pellets?

Pellets. Feed your rabbits a small amount of good quality pellets or nuggets daily Give them the right amount – measure 25g (an eggcup-full) of pellets per kg of your rabbit’s body weight.

Can you overfeed a pet rabbit?

Rabbits have sensitive digestive systems. Overeating can cause obesity and digestive problems which could lead to death A rabbit’s diet should consist of 85% grass hay, such as meadow, timothy, or orchard hay. The rest of the diet should be fresh vegetables, fruit, and pellets.

What is better for rabbits timothy or alfalfa?

When looking at which type of hay to feed a rabbit or guinea pig, Timothy hay and Meadow hay are often considered the better and healthier options Alfalfa is known as a great hay for baby rabbits, as it contains higher calcium and protein levels to help support healthy growth and development.

Do bunnies like being wrapped in a blanket?

Rabbits adore soft fabrics Your pet will roll around in blankets and towels in your home. They love the softness and warmth provided by such materials. These soft furnishings provide all manner of comfort and entertainment to rabbits.

What does it mean when a bunny nudges you?

Nudging: Nudging can either mean one of two things: Your rabbit is trying to get past you or smell something and you’re in their way Or they are trying to get your attention because they want a treat or to be petted. Whether an act of bossiness or attention seeking, your rabbit is trying to get your attention.

How do you potty train a bunny?

  • Fill the bottom of the litter box with a layer of pellets – about an inch deep
  • Place the litter box in a corner of your rabbit’s cage
  • Keep your rabbit in her cage until she’s using her litter box reliably
  • When she’s ready, let your rabbit have time out of her cage.

What do bunnies drink?

In short, water is vital Rabbits must have access to plenty of fresh water at all times. Rabbits eating lots of fresh grass and greens will drink less, whilst those eating mostly hay will drink more. Bowls are better than bottles as lapping from a bowl is more natural to rabbits.

What do bunnies like to play with?

Objects to play with or throw – such as untreated straw, wicker, sea-grass mats and baskets, balls and plastic flower pots Solid plastic baby toys such as ‘key rings’, rattles, stacking cups and some robust cat and parrot toys can make good rabbit toys.

What time should I feed my rabbit?

Providing pellets or fresh greens during the evening feeding is optimal. Rabbits are most likely to eat their pellets during the evening and overnight hours Providing food during this time decreases the number of unwanted behaviors (chewing, playing with water bottle) that may occur in the overnight hours.

What should you not do with rabbits?

  • Keeping your rabbit outside
  • Buying a rabbit for your children
  • Trusting the pet store
  • Locking your rabbit up
  • Not spaying or neutering
  • Bathing your rabbit
  • Not paying attention
  • Trying to cuddle.

Can bunnies eat grapes?

White and red grapes can be fed to your rabbit as a treat, on occasion Most rabbits will love the sweet taste. They are a great treat to use for training and bonding. Feed your rabbit fresh (not dried) grapes that have been washed.

Can bunnies eat broccoli?

Do not give broccoli to rabbits It will give them painful gas. Never give your rabbit kale or spinach. Kale and spinach can cause health problems over time, due to the high amount of oxalates and goitrogens.

Can rabbits eat lettuce everyday?

Once you’ve established that your rabbit’s digestive system can easily handle lettuce, it can become a daily addition to their diet You can feed your rabbit anywhere from 1 to 4 large lettuce leaves per day, with larger rabbits being able to eat more lettuce without ill effect.

What kills rabbits fast?

The most commonly used rabbit poison of this type in the Bay of Plenty is Pindone , though a CSL is not required to purchase or use Pindone in a baitstation, a CSL is required if using bait-mats or hand broadcasting pindone onto the ground. These poisons are fast acting and will kill rabbits after a single dose.

Can bunnies eat apples?

Pet rabbits like to eat fresh fruits as occasional treats. Apple is a safe and harmless fruit choice for rabbits , according to Dana Krempels of the University of Miami Department of Biology. Keep apples and other treats to a minimum, however, as the sugar content is high.

What is the best bedding for rabbits?

The best bedding for rabbits can help to keep your pet healthy for longer. A rabbit’s bedding must keep them safe, comfortable, and warm. Rabbits often eat their bedding, so it cannot be toxic. Shredded paper, Aspen shreds, specialist litter or pellets, and hay are all safe options.

Can rabbits eat grass instead of hay?

Rabbits can eat grass instead of hay , however it’s not a change that should be made overnight. This kind of major change in a rabbits diet needs to be made in a slow transition over the course of a few weeks.

Do rabbits miss their owners?

This means that yes, rabbits remember their owners If rehomed, a rabbit may be confused and disoriented by new owners for a while. As rabbits enjoy routine, a rehomed rabbit will also miss a former owner. The expressions and reactions of a previous human will be comforting.

How do I know if my rabbit is eating enough?

  • Too much sugar.
  • Poor quality hay.
  • Too many fresh veggies.
  • Too much protein.
  • Not enough fiber.

Can bunnies eat watermelon?

Yes! Rabbits can eat watermelon – and most will do so with surprising gusto! It’s no great secret that all rabbits have quite a sweet tooth… And the rich, succulent flesh of a watermelon is a treat they’ll surely enjoy. As much as most rabbits love watermelon, it’s not a particularly nutrient dense food.

How long does a bunny live?

Rabbits, just like other domesticated animals, have an average lifespan which can help an owner keep their bunny in optimum health in every stage of life. Unlike their wild relatives, who live for an average of one to two years, domesticated rabbits can live between eight to 12 years.

What happens if I don’t give my rabbit hay?

Blockages can often be fatal. If a rabbit doesn’t eat enough hay then this can slow down the rabbit’s intestinal functions and cause serious problems eg. GI Stasis (see below).

How often should you change straw in rabbit hutch?

Hay bedding in a rabbit’s living space should be changed once a week if the rabbit uses a litter box If a rabbit doesn’t use a little box, this hay will need to be changed once every 2-3 days. Additional hay should be added at least once daily as rabbits will likely consume this hay for food.

Sources


https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/category/small-animal/rabbit-shop/rabbit-food


https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/oxbow-2-oz-smple-rewards-cranberry


https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/category/small-animal/small-animal-food-treats/small-animal-food/rabbit-food-2


http://www.bunnyhugga.com/a-to-z/rabbit-behaviour/handling.html