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A rabbits diet should consist of:
85% Rabbit Pellets
10% Timothy Hay
5% Fruits/Veggies
Pellets
A good quality pellet is a very important part of your bunny's diet. It should
be a minimum of 16% protein and a maximum of 19% protein. When looking for a brand of pellets, do not choose one with "junk" in it. By Junk, I mean one with dried fruits or vegetables in it, or other
colorful chunks. If you use a good quality pellet you do not need to use any vitamins (vitamins can cause diarrhea) and your rabbit is more likely to live a longer healthier life. Keep the pellets in a cool and dry area, either in a sealed container, or
zip lock bag. This is to keep out rodents or bugs. The most common problem in feeding, is over feeding. Rabbits under 3 months of age, or pregnant/nursing does, should be free feed (always have unlimited food). Other then that, your rabbit should be on a diet. It makes a much happier, healthier rabbit! General rule of thumb is 1 once of pellets for every pound of rabbit. (Example: Holland lops should have about 3-3.5 oz of pellets per day) If you have to change your brand of rabbit pellets, do it by mixing the old with the new, and gradually increase the new. Too quick of a change can result in digestive problems.
Water
For those of you who don't know, Rabbits require fresh clean water at ALL times. If you rabbit is in a seasonal climate, use warm water in the winter, and cool water in the summer. As stated above, if you use a good quality pellet, then you do not require vitamins in the water. I use Vanodine V.18 to disinfect and sterilize water/bottles.
Timothy Hay
Use Timothy Hay to help prevent wool block, or other intestinal blocks. Do not use Alfalfa, as it is just too rich for rabbits. Most rabbits love timothy hay, and this is why it should be used sparingly. Some rabbits will choose the hay as their main diet, instead of the pellets. Make sure the hay is not wet or moldy, or your animal may become ill.
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© 2006 The Rabbit Info Center and Crystal Publications
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