Green Green Greens!

[Mordaith]

First off, Fox is perfectly fine and healthy. His weight is good for his age, he is happy, loving, and recovered from his neutering perfectly.

Every new challenge in bunny ownership for me is extending the life and quality of life for my little buddy, as I am sure it is with everyone here. So, I’m trying to get a good diet for him.

 Our Vet, who is on the list of recommended Rabbit vets, has suggested cutting way way back on pellets, lots of hay, and a steady in take of greens.

Currently, his royal fluffiness enjoys Bok Choy and Romain lettuce. I’ve read that alternating between three leafy greens is a good idea. One of the Vet Techs, who is also a bun owner, suggested Kale. I’m considering giving it a try, as it is affordable, but I’ve heard that Kale can hurt bunnies if they eat too much of it.

In addition, Fox has a constant supply of Oxbow Botanical Hay. It is the only hay he will eat. I’ve got backs and bales of other hay, and he just wasn’t touching it. But this stuff he loves. Which, naturally, makes me concerned. Is it good for him? Anyone else feed their bunnies Botanical Hay?

 So, I suppose the advice I am looking for is – How much is too much greens, should I just put food out and let him eat it? I currently give him about a cup and a half of chopped fresh veggies three times a day. Unlimited Hay and clean water. And about 1/3 of a cup of Pellets a day, however, he eats less and less of those as time goes on.

I alternate veggies by feeding, not day. So he usually gets the lettuce, the the bok Choy, then the lettuce, and so on. I’ll add a third in to there soon. Should I stick with one veggie type a day – or is mixing it up within the day acceptable?

 

Thanks in advance for the advice!

[tobyluv]

Kale is a very good veggie for rabbits, and can be given daily. It’s best to give rabbits a variety of greens each day. Four or Five or more different ones if you can manage it and if there are good fresh varieties available. Don’t overload Fox with a lot of new greens at once, slowly introduce them into his diet. Switch it up at times, and try to alternate between the greens and veggies on the approved list every few days. Mixing up the veggie types is perfectly acceptable.  Many people give their bunnies mixed salads every day.  Most bunnies will appreciate having some variety in their diets, and we also have to choose the greens and veggies that are the freshest at the time. Most people give their bunnies more than the 2 cup minimum a day, so if Fox is doing well with the 4 1/2 cups you give him each day, that should be okay for him.

Here is the link to the veggie list: https://binkybunny.com/BUNNYINFO/VeggieList/tabid/144/Default.aspx

Botanical hay is fine. It is simply timothy hay with a little flowers and herbs mixed in.

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