Can someone clarify something for me?

[sarahthegemini]

So I’ve done a lot of reading and have discovered that the fresh portion of a rabbits diet should be 75% leafy greens and 25% non leafy greens . Sounds simple enough BUT does brocolli, cauliflower, cabbage and brussels count as leafy or non leafy? I have read conflicting articles! I’m going to be introducing veg to my bunbuns in a week (when their tummies have settled/adjusted to their new pellets) and I’d like to go into a supermarket or farm shop and not be totally lost haha! I’m thinking of trying romaine lettuce first (that seems to be a favourite here?) and go from there. So, what exactly does brocolli , cauliflower , cabbage and brussels count as? Also are there any other veggies you’d recommend for young buns?

[Azerane]

Cabbage and brussels are possibly leafy greens, broccoli and cauliflower definitely aren’t. As a general rule, I would feed little to none of these particular greens. They are all from the brassica family and brassicas are known for causing gas. Some bunnies tolerate small amounts better than others, but gas can lead to GI stasis, which you really don’t want. I tried feeding brussel sprouts and broccoli to my previous bun Bandit with poor results, but I’ve heard that some rabbits do tolerate them. You really are better off starting out with things like romaine lettuce, bok choy, coriander etc. The definite leafy greens that are easier on tummies. Romaine is a good first one to try.

[tobyluv]

Here is a good article on greens/veggies, with a lot of choices listed: http://rabbit.org/suggested-vegetables-and-fruits-for-a-rabbit-diet/

Cauliflower isn’t listed, but the other 3 you mention are listed under non leafy greens. Besides romaine, some good starter greens are red or green leaf lettuce, cilantro, kale and parsley (parsley shouldn’t be fed as often). Those are all easy to find in grocery stores and usually well liked. Carrot tops are always a favorite, but it can be hard to find fresh ones. Only try one new green a week.

[sarahthegemini]

Thank you both, I apologise for all the questions, I feel like I’m spamming the boards but this is all new to me and I don’t have anyone in my ‘real life’ that know a great deal about rabbits.

Azerane – I’ll avoid cabbage, brussels, brocolli and cauliflower then. It’s a shame as we usually have at least fresh cauliflower in the fridge but I don’t want to take any unnecessary risks and give them something that could lead to GI stasis. I’ve read horrific things about it.

tobyluv – I’ve put kale on my list! Along with cilantro and parsley. When you say parsley shouldn’t be given as often, how much is “too much”? Would having it a few times a week be okay or is that too much? When introducing new veggies, what sort of portion size should I try? One leaf of romaine lettuce or should I start with it really small pieces and then build up?

[Vienna Blue in France]

Mine love curly green cabbage (or whatever its called…).

It’s not the tightly rolled (farty) cabbage which looks like a slimy bald human head (!), but the darker version with thicker leaves that look like the outline of a brain’s surface….

(It’s called “chou vert” in French which is cabbage…)

[Azerane]

No need to apologise, we love talking about anything bunny related Good luck getting us to stop once we get started

[tobyluv]

Posted By sarahthegemini on 11/19/2016 3:56 AM

Thank you both, I apologise for all the questions, I feel like I’m spamming the boards but this is all new to me and I don’t have anyone in my ‘real life’ that know a great deal about rabbits.

Azerane – I’ll avoid cabbage, brussels, brocolli and cauliflower then. It’s a shame as we usually have at least fresh cauliflower in the fridge but I don’t want to take any unnecessary risks and give them something that could lead to GI stasis. I’ve read horrific things about it.

tobyluv – I’ve put kale on my list! Along with cilantro and parsley. When you say parsley shouldn’t be given as often, how much is “too much”? Would having it a few times a week be okay or is that too much? When introducing new veggies, what sort of portion size should I try? One leaf of romaine lettuce or should I start with it really small pieces and then build up?

Parsley a few times a week is fine.  One romaine leaf shouldn’t be too much.  Some of the outer leaves can be pretty large, but even one of those should be okay.  I have 2 rabbits, so I break my leaves up into pieces to avoid fighting and pulling food out of each other’s mouth, but you can break it up or keep it whole, however you think your bunny might prefer it.

[sarahthegemini]

Vienna – slimy bald human head?! I’ll never look at a cabbage the same way again 

Azerane – that’s good to hear,  I’m beginning to annoy my partner with my constant bunny chatter  now I have an outlet for it!

tobyluv – thank you for your portion input! I’ll start them on one leaf and go from there  Good to know about the parsley too!

[sarahthegemini]

Had a good look in n local supermarket today and saw romaine lettuce, fennel, bok choy, spring greens, watercress, spinach, rocket, kale and of course plenty of fresh herbs: parsley, basil, coriander, mint, dill, rosemary, sage and thyme. Only thing I was hoping to see but didn’t was chicory. I only bought romaine lettuce to start with

[LittlePuffyTail]

I pretty much only give my buns leafy greens. The only non-leafy greens I’ve tried they won’t eat. And broccoli gave one of my buns a bad case of gas so I don’t offer it anymore.

[Bam]

I give my bunny kale and black kale, parsley, dill, coriander (cilantro), mint and broccoli.

You’ll need to do a bit of experimenting to see what agrees with your bun. My Bam can’t have carrots or he gets poopy butt.
During the growth season I feed lots of dandelion, plantain, yarrow, willow and apple leaves. In the U.K all buns should be vaccinated before they’re given fresh forage.

You can give apple or willow twigs during winter, buns like to gnaw the bark. It’s good for their teeth too, and a boredom-breaker.

[sarahthegemini]

Posted By bam on 11/22/2016 3:34 PM

I give my bunny kale and black kale, parsley, dill, coriander (cilantro), mint and broccoli.

You’ll need to do a bit of experimenting to see what agrees with your bun. My Bam can’t have carrots or he gets poopy butt.
During the growth season I feed lots of dandelion, plantain, yarrow, willow and apple leaves. In the U.K all buns should be vaccinated before they’re given fresh forage.

You can give apple or willow twigs during winter, buns like to gnaw the bark. It’s good for their teeth too, and a boredom-breaker.

My buns are both vaccinated We got them vaccinated a week after we got them (microchipped too!) I’m going to start them on the romaine in a few days (want to be sure their tummies are okay on their new pellets – they’ve had them for about a week now, I’ve been gradually reducing the old and increasing the new. So far no problems!) Then I’ll try one new leafy green a week. What’s the best way to do this? Do I give them the romaine every day for a week gradually increasing the portion or do I give them the romaine and leave it a few days for their tummies to ‘adjust’? Sorry for all the questions again, Bam!

[sarahthegemini]

Posted By LittlePuffyTail on 11/22/2016 12:52 PM

I pretty much only give my buns leafy greens. The only non-leafy greens I’ve tried they won’t eat. And broccoli gave one of my buns a bad case of gas so I don’t offer it anymore.

I think I’ll probably just give non leafy veggies as a treat.

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