My adult bunny doesn't like any hays other than alfalfa

FORUM

What are we about? Please read about our Forum Culture and check out the Rules.

BUNNY 911 – If your rabbit hasn’t eaten or pooped in 12-24 hours, call a vet immediately! Don’t have a vet? Check out VET RESOURCES

The subject of intentional breeding or meat rabbits is prohibited. The answers provided on this board are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. It is your responsibility to assess the information being given and seek professional advice/second opinion from your veterinarian and/or qualified behaviorist.

BINKYBUNNY FORUMS

This topic has 1sd reply, 2 voices, and was last updated 10 years, 5 months ago by Kokaneeandkahlua.

Viewing 1 reply thread

Author

Messages
- 02/24/2016 at 7:34 PM
  bunz714
  Participant
  15 posts
  So, I’ve had Pickles since he was 3 months old and he was given alfalfa hay and unlimited pellets. When he was old enough I introduced veggies (about 2 cups a day). Then, at around 10 months, I started mixing timothy hay in with his alfalfa so I could slowly get him used to the change. Instead of eating the timothy, he just picked around it and only ate the alfalfa.
  
  When he was finally around 1 year, I decreased his pellets to 1/3 cup a day, gave him unlimited timothy hay, and kept up his 2 cups of veggies (1 cup in the morning, 1 cup at night). I’ve tried different brands and cuts of timothy, along with trying to get him interested Oxbow’s orchard and botanical. After he rejected all of those as well, I ordered 3 samples of second cut timothy, orchard mix, and meadow from One Ear Up. He, of course, didn’t care for any of those either.
  
  At this point, I don’t really know what to try. I’ve attempted mixing his pellets in with the hay, sprinkling a little bit of fresh strawberry “juice” on it, and sprinkling alfalfa. NOTHING WORKS. I really don’t want to take his pellets away because I want to make sure he is still eating, but I’m out of ideas.
  
  Does anybody have any suggestions?
- 02/25/2016 at 12:28 AM
  Kokaneeandkahlua
  Participant
  12067 posts
  Keep trying! They often do not like something the first few times it’s offered. Decrease the alfalfa a lot, and with the limited pellets, I’m sure he’ll turn to the hay. You did the right thing in trying different kinds-nothing stacks up flavour wise to alfalfa though I’m sure so it just has to stop being available I think.
  
  Now don’t make a huge change-decrease the alfalfa slowly so he keeps eating And try offering the same type of hay several days in a row. Fluff the hay you are offering a couple of times a day-I mean literally fluff it up and top it up -that encourages them to try.
Author

Messages

Viewing 1 reply thread

You must be logged in to reply to this topic.