Fat Bunny!

[CowieCow]

So it has come to my attention that Cowie is getting pretty tubby. So I was wondering if you guys could help me out. The last time I took her to the vet, about a year ago she was 6.6 lbs. Now I know she gets way too many treats, and that is mainly because my boyfriend loves to give her little piece of everything whenever he makes a salad, which is just about everyday. So first of all I know that needs to stop. But as far as her daily meal she gets 1/4 cup of Oxbow Timothy Pellets. And for her veggie I try to give her 3 types, collards, chard, and dandelions. I’ve had trouble ALL winter getting dandelions, and even since the weather has broken, I only found them once. So I think it’s time to find another veggie that is more readily available. But looking at the veggie list all of those contain vitamin A, am I giving her too much? Do you think I should find something else without vitamin A, like escarole or cilantro? I’m kinda stumped here if anyone has any ideas on how to slim her down please let me know. I know first and for most the treats need to cut way back. Also, I read somewhere that pineapple was good for helping bunnys break down hair, because of the enzymes. It’s starting to get really hot now and she is shedding like crazy, do you think pineapple would be good?

Confused,

Katie

http://s142.photobucket.com/albums/r96/kjgirl17/?action=view&current=100_0682.jpg

[Sarita]

She’s pretty. Rexes do have a tendency to become overweight – I think it’s something in their genes.

I would make sure first of all she is getting plenty of exercise around the house. Find something to stimulate her and keep her moving.

Rabbits need vitamin A just like any other vitamin so continue to give her the greens she likes.

I would cut back on the pellets – she is getting unlimited hay correct?

Hay is the best thing for keeping bunnies gut moving when they are shedding.

[Sage Cat]

Hey Cowie Cow,

She has great ears!

I would also recommend giving her a little less pellets. I remember y’all set up an “obstical course” for her – do you still do stuff like that to keep her active?

I know buns should get at least one veggie every day that has Vitamin A in it – but they can have other veggies. For her size she should be getting about 1 1/2 cup of loosely packed veggies a day.

My buns get a pretty good variety of veggies – 2 crunchy & 2 leafy a day.

I know that there is a good farmers market in Golden – I bet you can find all kinds of stuff there. Or if you have time the Farmers market in Boulder is awesome!!!

I give my buns the Papaya tablets – there is pineapple enzymes in them too – to help with hair digestion & just because they love the Papaya tablets.

Here is the link to the Colorado HRS article page: http://www.coloradohrs.com/article_index.asp – there is a feeding your rabbit correctly section.

P.S. I never find dandelions for sale in the grocery stores.

[Beka27]

i would also try and increase her veggie variety. add them one at a time over the course of a week or so to make sure it does not upset her tummy. there are all kinds of dark green lettuces and herbs you can give. what i do is i have a printed out list that says what is safe and i take it with me to the store so i don’t forget. you can find the list in the bunny info section under diet.

how are her feet? rexes, as well as being prone to being overweight, are also prone to sore hocks.

[CowieCow]

Yes she gets unlimited hay. I thought cutting back on the pellets would probably help. I’m planning on going to the farmers market, the first one is this saturday the 7th. So I’ll definitely be heading down there to get some fresh veggies of Cowie. I’m originially from Massachusetts, and one thing about Colorado, the produce out here is really kinda crappy in comparison atleast. Well it’s probably mostly King Soopers, they’re produce sucks. I will try giving her more variety and less pellets, and of course less treats. Her feet are good. Her whole run area is carpeted so nothing to really hurt or irritate those little furry feet. When and where is the Boulder market? I’d like to check that out sometime.

[Sage Cat]

Thats funny; I recently spent a year in Massachusetts – I could never fiend what I wanted at Shaws. I am not a fan of King Soopers.

Have you tried Wild Oats (14357 W Colfax Ave Lakewood) or Vitamin Cottage (12612 W Alameda Pkw)?

You have to check this Market out. But, it gets crowded early.
Boulder Farmers Market (www.boulderfarmers.org)
13th Street between Arapahoe Avenue and Canyon Boulevard
Saturday, 8:00am – 2:00pm, April thru 1st Saturday in November
Wednesday, 4pm – 8pm, May thru First Wednesday in October

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