How Quickly Should I Introduce New Foods?

[Cavbudg]

Hi there,

I own two bunnies and both never had veggies from their previous owners so I’ve been trying to get them onto fruit and veg (as well as their hay and pellets etc).

I’ve been spending lots of time trying to work out what fruits and veg they like and so far they seem to be eating basil and carrots (I want to get them onto some more greens). 

Now that I have an idea of what they like, I want to introduce it. I know that when introducing a new food to a bunnies diet you have to give it to them slowly so it can all digest properly, but I was wondering how quickly can I introduce it? I’m going away in 18 days for a holiday and someone will be looking after the house and animals while I’m away so I want to make it easier for the house sitters when feeding the animals their fruit if I can.

So far the bunnies are getting 4-6 pieces of basil from my garden (they aren’t big leaves) and 2 pieces of carrot (from the tops) a day. I was wondering how much basil and carrots should my bunnies get a day and how quickly can I add more leaves and slices to their diet?

Please help,

Thanks.

[Sarita]

I would say about a week between new introduction of veggies. I think you could definitely increase the basil…is it the carrot tops you are feeding them or the actual carrot?

[Cavbudg]

The carrot tops and some of the carrot but not lots.

[Cavbudg]

I give them 5 or so slices from the top half of the carrot.

[LittlePuffyTail]

Carrots are considered treat food because of the sugar content and all treat foods should be limited to about 1 TBSP per day.

[Cavbudg]

Thank you for the info! I’ll cut down their carrots to training tricks only. 

[Author]

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