Dislikes hay

[Balli]

Ever since she was a baby, I have been feeding my bun All Living Things brand timothy hay. She has gradually eaten less over the years, so I bought some Oxbow alfalfa hay (advertised as being sweet). Surprisingly, she won’t eat very much of it. Barely any. I refresh it daily and replace it, without response. Kind of at my wits end because it is turning wasteful..

I have tried to mix some of the more loose pieces in with her pellets, but she will toss them out of her bowel. I understand how important hay is in their diet, but have figured she is getting what she needs through the pellets? The only thing I can think of is just feeding her hay to get her back into it, but I dont want to starve her. Any suggestions?

[DanaNM]

Hi there,
She could have a dental issue that is hurting her mouth (especially if her hay consumption has declined over time).

First step would be to have her molars checked at the vet. My bet is that she has a molar spur.

Adults shouldn’t have alfalfa, but you can try other grass hays, like orchard grass or oat. Sometimes bunnies prefer different brands as well.

. . . The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.  

[kurottabun]

It’s odd that she used to be a good hay eater but has eaten less over the years. I second DanaNM in saying she may need to have her molars checked at the vet.

Hay is not just important for their diet, but it also helps wear their teeth down due to the abrasiveness. Pellets can’t really do that.

[Balli]

I have never heard of dental specs before!! Thank you so much for this information, I will get that checked out and switch to a different kind of hay.

[Sirius&Luna]

It also sounds like she has constant access to pellets, is that the case?

If you determine that it’s not a teeth problem, and is just pickiness, I recommend limiting pellet and veg portions to twice a day. If a bunny has constant access to tastier options then they’re unlikely to eat hay, but if hay is all there is for large chunks of time, they tend to get on with it and eat it. You can also try sprinkling the hay with tasty but healthy treats, like dried flowers and herbs, as well as serving a variety of hays like oat or meadow.

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