Dietary Needs
Rabbit Pellets
Some ingredients to be aware of and try to avoid if possible are molasses and soy. These two ingredients are not necessarily harmful but are harder for the rabbit to digest.
I let my bunnies free range with their pellets, I fill the bowl up once a day and they eat as they please. Keep in mind, I do have some more sensitive stomached rabbits who I limit pellets to 1/4 cup a day as they over eat and can cause stomach issue, not to mention they won't eat enough hay. ( use your judgement on how you feed your rabbit )
For rabbits who over produce cecotropes, provide your rabbit with a lower protein pellets.
Some Brands We Recommend:
- Science Selective
- Martin Little Friends
- Purina Performance
Hay
What kind of hay should my rabbit eat? We skip alfalfa all together. We find it too rich and causes our babies to get poopy bums quickly. We start the babies off on timothy hay.
Some Brands We Recommend:
- Oxbow
- Full Cheeks
- Freshay Canada
Dietary Supplements
Here are some great aids to have on hand to further benefit your rabbits digestive system and for preventive measures.
Some brands we recommend:
- Sherwood - Prevention tablet
- Sherwood - Recovery Food
- Sherwood - SARx Rescue - Appetite Restore
- Sherwood - Digestive Support
- Sherwood - Urinary Support
- Sherwood - Joint Support
- Oxbow - Critical Care
The Difference between Hay Cuts
1st Cut
1st Cut
1st Cut
First cut hay is the first cut of the season from the field before it blooms. This hay has thinner stems but is more stemy than leafy. It's higher in fiber and lower in protein and fat content. The colour will be lighter with more yellow and brown parts. This is good hay for rabbits. If you have a rabbit that is overweight or is prone to getting G.I stasis.
2nd Cut
1st Cut
1st Cut
Second cut hay is a good hay for adult rabbits. It has more leaves on the stems which is more appetizing to your rabbit. This hay is greener then 1st cut and is not as stemy. The protein and fat content is a little higher than 1st cut and the fiber level is a bit lower.
3rd Cut
1st Cut
3rd Cut
Third cut is a very soft and heavy leafy hay. It should be a darker green than 1st and 2nd cut. It's higher in protein and fat content and lowest in fiber content. This hay is a treat or can be mixed with 1st or 2nd cut hay if your rabbit is a picky hay eater. If you have a rabbit that is underweight, this is an ideal hay to give them as
Third cut is a very soft and heavy leafy hay. It should be a darker green than 1st and 2nd cut. It's higher in protein and fat content and lowest in fiber content. This hay is a treat or can be mixed with 1st or 2nd cut hay if your rabbit is a picky hay eater. If you have a rabbit that is underweight, this is an ideal hay to give them as it's higher in protein and fat which should help weight gain.
Basic Care & Expert Care
Grooming
Brushing:
Rabbits do shed, however with the proper diet and weekly brushing you can maintain the amount of shedding!
We recommend this tool:
Small Pet Select Hair Buster Comb
Nail Trimming:
It's important to check your rabbits nails to ensure they do not get overgrown. Overgrown nails can cause your rabbits feet to be in pain and be uncomfortable for your rabbit. We recommend checking at-least once a month to see the growth and trim as needed!
Vet Care
Spaying & Neutering:
For territorial and for unwanted hormonal behavior, we recommend having your bun spayed/neutered when they reach 6 months old. Please do your research and find a vet you trust!
Illness & Infection:
Pay attention to your rabbits! if your bun is acting off or different taking them to the vet is its best chance of survival and catching an illness or GI stasis in time!
General Care & Nail Trims:
Rabbits don't need to see a vet regularly, but if you ever suspect something is off with your bun, the vet is your friend. Catching things early on in rabbits gives the rabbits the best chances of healing! If your also uncomfortable trimming your rabbits nails, booking an appointment at your trusted vet is recommended!
Bedding & Litter
Paper Based Bedding
Pine & Paper Pellets
Pine & Paper Pellets
Paper based bedding for rabbits is very absorbent and works well for indoor rabbits. They are typically dust free. The paper based bedding is also recycled so it is environmentally friendly and not to mention safe for your rabbit to chew on and eat.
Pine & Paper Pellets
Pine & Paper Pellets
Pine & Paper Pellets
Pellet litter (paper or pine) is very absorbent. Urine is quickly absorbed by the pellets which retain a lot of moisture. They create hardly any dust and are hypoallergenic so they are completely safe for both you and your rabbit! This litter can also be composted!
Wood Shavings
Pine & Paper Pellets
Wood Shavings
Wood shavings are a bedding we would recommend to avoid if you can, if you have to use it place a lot of hay/straw on top. The dust from wood shavings can affect your rabbits respiratory system. Cedar is toxic to rabbits. Chose aspen first & Pine second if that is your only options.
Rabbit Housing Inspiration
