Food security

[ThorBunny]

Hey all! 

I’ve been pondering: do rabbits learn food security? Thor has been eating both her pellets and her salad slower over the course of the last year. When we first got her she would inhale her whole salad and pellet ration in one sitting, but super gradually she has slowed down her intake so that now her morning pellets take almost all day (leaves a few mouthfuls until 5-6pm) and her evening salad takes her 3 hours to eat. She still gets excited about both and eats a good amount right away. Eats hay well and treats greedily. 

So just wondering if others see similar things in their bunnies? She was abandoned outside before we got her so I can see that perhaps she is just getting comfortable with her routine and knowing she will always have food. Or could she be having a low level health issue? 

[Wick & Fable]

Yes, they do. Similar to assimilating to typical house sounds and certain, unavoidable loud noises (TV, door slams, etc.).

If you feel her poos, pees, and appetite are the same, it doesn’t seem too worrisome. Wick doesn’t inhale his pellets in one go anymore either.

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.

[Q8bunny]

Chewie’s a piglet with treat type food, but despite having a steadily good appetite, he’s a grazer. A few noms of pellets, a few noms of salad, nom nom nom of hay, play, nap, repeat.

[Scarlet]

I’ve found them always having access to food or being given treats when nervous calms them down, much like other animals, so it’s likely relaxing for a rabbit to know they can eat and not have to run and search and fight for food. I’ve also learned never touch their food when they’re nose-deep interested in it, it can really upset them.

[Author]

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