Hi there! What kind of hays have you tried to feed him?  Some rabbits that are picky about hay.  You might have to mix some or try a different hay.

Do you feed any pellets so he at least gets some food?

Hi. My doe was pretty poor with hay eating but I’ve noticed an improvement since bringing home a second rabbit…(not that I’m suggesting this is what you should do! ) One thing I used to do was feed less of the pellets and put hay in one end of her litter box. Rabbits seem to like to munch on it while it’s there.

Another hay that’s been mentioned a few times is American Pet Diner Timothy Gold. Apparently it’s irresistable. You could also try compressed hay cakes.
Does you bun have any trouble eating any of his other foods? How big is he and how much pellets do you give? What type of pellets are they?
These things can be adjusted to make him more hungry for the hay.

My Jester is really picky and was not eating much timothy hay.

I talked to the shelter that I got him from- they recommended that I try mountain grass. They said most picky buns WILL eat the mountain grass.

He eats it like crazy!! I’ve also cut down on fresh veggies and pellets, so he is eating a lot more mountain grass to satisfy his hunger.

which teeth are the problem teeth- the back teeth- molars or the front teeth- incisors?

I am not sure that getting him to eat hay will solve the teeth problems. When rabbits need to have their teeth trimmed (either due to overgrown molar spurs or incisors) it’s most likely b/c of malocclusion rather than just not chewing enough. So he will probably always need to have this done. What can you tell us about his teeth problem, which teeth, and how often does he have this done, what procedures does your vet use? Are there clues as to when he needs to have it done (changes in behavior, eating habits, etc)?

That being said, I would absolutely try to get him to eat more hay. It is important for his health, even if it does not resolve his teeth issues. Try different kinds (besides timothy, you can feed brome, orchard, meadow, oat). Have you tried different cuttings? You didn’t say where you got your hay and what type it is. Honestly, petstore bagged hay is usually kinda icky and NOT very good. You may want to try a higher quality hay. I use timothy and orchard Oxbow which is available at my local PetSmart. Others order American Pet Diner online or the BinkyBunny hay.

I don’t think that the front teeth are going to be affected by his eating hay since he has an underbite – they are not aligned and that is the problem. It may help with the molars (or not) depending on if the alignment is also with the molars.

Have you tried the American Pet Diner 2nd cut hay? My rabbits really love this. Also what about orchard hay – it is supposed to be sweeter tasting.

Sarita said what I was about to suggest. The Orchard Grass is softer and many bunnies with teeth issues go for a softer hay, along with 2nd cut Timothy.

My bunny didn’t like hay much at all (Spockie) and that was when I found the Timothy pellets. I just wanted to get some timothy hay into him somehow while he was being so picky.

If it’s the front teeth, does it hurt him to chew on things? I’m wondering if a hard chew toy, like a plain wood one (not plastic), might be good for him. Hard things to just gnaw on will help keep the teeth trimmed down some.

When you let him out in the grass, just be aware of whether it’s ever been treated with pesticides or other lawn chemicals. Outdoor grass isn’t as safe these days as we wish it was. If you just let him out for the chance to eat, he’s actually better off remaining an indoor bunny and having the better hay and grasses that you select for him.

We recntly adopted another bunny from a shelter, but they are still bonding. Since she eats EVERYTHING and ANYTHING you give her, we’re hoping once they are friends, he’ll start to eat more. In the mean time, he get pellets and fresh greens daily.

haha! Well, since you have got a hay eater in her, she may just get him eating it. Like I said, this happened with my two. Maybe make sure their hay containers are in view of each other.

My Honey hadn’t eaten hay since the day I bought her, and the people at the petshop warned me that she will not eat hay. I tried all different kinds. Then today when I went in I bought her some herbage hay as a last resort (Dandelion and Cammomile, if you were wondering) and she sniffed at it, then when I expected her to walk away she started to eat it. Maybe you could try some sort of herbage hay? Hope this is any help to you xx

Have you tried hay cubes? Before I bonded my rabbits one of them wasn’t a fan of hay, but he became very fond of the little cubes… first he ignored them but once he tried one he was hooked. I still offer them as a diversion.