Healthy eating for a picky bunny

[Lisa B]

Bugs primarily eats pellets – I mix 2/3 part Forti-diet timothy hay pellets and 1/3 part “carnival,” just another version of Fiesta. He has access to hay 24/7 which he does eat but not much. I give him a baby carrot 1-2 times a day for a snack. I’ve tried giving him several green veggies – spinach, lettuce, cilantro, radish tops, parsley – he won’t eat it. He’s taken a few bites but he just won’t do it. I know he needs these to be healthy but he won’t eat them, and I’d rather not deprive him of other food in order to force him to eat veggies unless it’s necessary. Does anyone have any tips or advice so Bugs can be a healthy rabbit? I’m scared he’ll have health problems and he’s only about 8 months old.

[Little Lion Head]

Bugs should be eating primarily hay and a limited amount of pellets depending on age and size. I can’t remember at what age you should start limiting. You can encourage him to eat more hay by putting it in fun new spots. I put a box of hay in the living room and a paper bag of hay in the bedroom and it got Pumpkin eating twice as much as she had been. I think in Pumpkin’s case, she didn’t want to go into her cage to eat, b/c she was forced to spend the night and most of the day in there (she has more room now). Maybe if Bugs runs into the hay in the fun new places he will eat more often.

Small pieces of carrot should be used a treat and used sparingly. There is too much sugar. Maybe try some fresh herbs, like basil, cilantro, parsley, mint, etc. Sounds like Bugs likes sweet stuff, so this is worth a shot. And don’t give up on the other leafy greens. Pumpkin has turned her nose up at someone one day, just to turn around and eat it a week later.

How is Bugs’ pooping? If he’s not eating enough hay, watch his poops to make sure he’s not have digestion issues! Also, the hay helps keep bunny teeth grinded down and if he’s not eating enough, he could end up with dental issues. I

[Author]

Messages