|
How important is correct feeding?
As a rabbit owner, this is the most
important part of your work. This governs the
health and general well-being of your pet. Most
beginners will tend to overfeed their rabbits,
making them ill. Other than pregnant does, most
rabbits need to be fed only once per day. If you
feed at a regular time of day your rabbit will
soon be used to a routine.
How much food does a rabbit need?
Once ounce
of food per pound of body weight is the norm.
However, rabbits have very unique metabolic
systems. Some dwarf breeds require 4 ounces per
day, and some require only 1.5 ounces or less. The
required amount should be deduced by starting at
one ounce of food per pound of body weight and
weight and condition should be monitored on a
weekly basis. If the rabbit feels thin or too fat,
increase or decrease the quantity accordingly.
Younger rabbits generally require more food per
pound of body weight than adult rabbits.
What do wild rabbits eat?
Wild rabbits always seem to be in the
peak of condition. They eat almost anything that
grows, right down to the roots. Wild rabbits seem
to be aware of which plants are poisonous to
eat.
What is a balanced diet for a rabbit?
A balanced diet for an average rabbit is a mixture
of good quality hay, pellets and raw vegetables.
It is generally recommended that as a rabbit
matures, hay and vegetables should be a greater
proportion of their diet.
What health problems are caused by a poor diet?
Bowel upsets are the most common
result of a poor diet. When buying your rabbit,
you should ask how it was previously fed. This
way, you can gradually change its diet over to
your preferred option. Serious illness can
result from a sudden change in diet.
How many vegetables should they ideally have?
A rabbit's diet should consist of between 20%
and 40% vegetables. This can be varied day-to-day.
Your rabbit should always have available a good
selection of raw vegetables. Dark leaved
vegetables (such as cabbage) and root vegetables
(like carrots) are a good choice.
How should dry food be stored?
Always keep dry food in an airtight
plastic container away from bright lights or
high temperatures. Also, make sure to store hay
above ground level.
Do pregnant or nursing does need a special
diet?
Pregnant rabbits do not require a
special diet, although a mixture of milk and
water is an ideal supplement to keep her
strength up. The doe should be fed extra
quantities as her appetite increases during
pregnancy.
Why do rabbits always eat their own
droppings?
Rabbits do not always eat their own
pellets and your rabbit may in fact never do this.
They sometimes re-digest their own pellets since they are a
good source of vitamin B. In the wild, these
make an excellent food store for those long
winter months.
|
