How much should a rabbit eat?

[SamLM5511]

In my researching I have seen that a rabbits main source of nutrition (whether pellets or fodder) should be 2% and/or 3%-5% of the bunnies body weight (of course they should have constant access while growing). I was wandering if this was accurate or if the needed more or less? I just want to make sure my new little bun is eating enough!

[tanlover14]

How old is your bun and what is his weight?

Rabbits under the age of 7 months should be on unlimited alfalfa pellets as well as unlimited hay. You can begin introducing veggies around 3 months of age, slowly so the buns tummy gets accustomed to the different greens – 1 at a time, and should end up at around 2 cups of vegetables per 6 lbs of body weight as an adult. After 7 months, you can begin limiting pellets to 1/4 to a 1/2 cup per 6 lbs body weight. And they should be transitioned to timothy pellets around this time as well.

Here are two very good links:
This one is for diet in general:
http://rabbit.org/faq-diet/

and this one is for vegetables & fruits specifically:
http://rabbit.org/suggested-vegetables-and-fruits-for-a-rabbit-diet/

Hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions you may have!

[SamLM5511]

Thanks so much for the reply!

My little boy is only nine weeks old, so I have been giving him constant access to everything. But it didn’t look like he was eating hardly any of his pellets. But he is a Netherland Dwarf Lionhead cross (so he won’t get very big, probably a max of 3.5 lbs) and he currently weighs 1.5 lbs. So after your advice and looking at those websites, it’s not surprising that he isn’t eating a huge amount of pellets.

I want to eventually switch to feeding him things that I grow (oat hay, barley fodder, BOSS, maybe a little flax, etc.).

As far as other questions, I want to keep Petey in the basement (near my bedroom) so I can see him more. But I’m worried that there isn’t enough natural light. There are three small windows that are partially blocked by bushes and that’s the only source of natural light, however we do let him up in the family room to run around and play and there is a lot of light up there. I was wondering if he should be moved back upstairs or if he will be okay in such low light.?

Thanks so much!

[Beka27]

You already have a thread in the Q&A section regarding the basement living question, so just keep this one to the topic at hand: diet.

[SamLM5511]

Just an update:
I moved my handsome little boy downstairs and he seems much more relaxed about me handling him (but he is still plenty bouncy and playful when we bring him upstairs to run) and he seems to be eating a lot more! So excited!! ????

[tanlover14]

Is there more interaction with you all upstairs? That could explain why he seems more happy and is eating more ! I would keep him upstairs if he’s showing such a positive reaction to being a part of the family.

[SamLM5511]

He’s actually been eating more sense we moved him to the basement.

[tanlover14]

Oh wait, I read that completely backwards. LOLLL. Sorry!

[SamLM5511]

Haha! All good, I appreciate all the input!!

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