How to maintain appetite for hay?

[Rainn]

Sorry in advance if this is a double post i think my wifi made my previous attempt disappear 🥲 So, i know this is a commonly asked question but I’m quite paranoid about Eclipse’s hay habits after Rain developed dental issues from refusing to eat it. Right now I give 1/4th cup of alfalfa pellets in the morning all at once, then 1/4th again in the night. But I noticed that Eclipse seems to wait for her pellets instead of eating hay. How do I combat this? Im especially worried because this week she’ll be introduced to lettuce and the window for hay eating time will be even shorter. Should I give her an extra 1/4th midday to make sure she’s eating SOMETHING (since young rabbits can have unlimited), or should I just give the nighttime 1/4th earlier? Right now its 8 a.m for morning pellets and 10/11 p.m for night pellets. She does not get ANY pellets as treats or small snacks outside of this because I really really dont want to mess this up this time.

[DanaNM]

She’s very young, right? Personally I would make sure she has pellets and timothy available at all times for now (if she’s still under 6 months). When she’s a bit older you can start reducing the amount of pellets she gets to encourage hay eating.

Presenting hay in a variety of ways can also encourage her to try it (stuffed in toys, toilet paper tubes, in the litter box, in a hay rack, etc.).

My impression is that Rain’s teeth and hay were kind of a chicken and an egg question. She seemed so similar to my Moose, and in his case I think he didn’t eat hay because he had bad teeth, not the other way around.

. . . 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.  

[Rainn]

Yes she’s 13 weeks now. And *sigh* I think you’re right…because a bunny that can eat hay will usually happily eat it at some point in the day.  Could just have been genetics for Moose and Rain 😔. Luckily Eclipse seems to be eating hay even when pellets are present so I think I will give her 3 feedings instead of the 2, just to be sure she’s getting plenty of protein/calcium. She also had her first small piece of romaine today and everything looks normal 😌 They do grow so quickly

[DanaNM]

Yes, as long as she’s munching on hay a bit then I think she will be just fine when it’s time to reduce the pellets. 🙂

When do we get to see some pics of her? The suspense is killing me!

Poor Moose and Rain 🙁 Some buns just don’t hit the genetic lottery, but it doesn’t change how much we love them. <3

 

. . . 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.  

[Rainn]

Ah I still don’t really know how to insert photos and videos on here after five years 😂 Hopefully those send, I’ve got so many already. I’ll try to add a video of Eclipse binkying as well after gleefully eating my hair like its spaghetti 🤦‍♂️
And you’re very right, it’s really heartbreaking when you’re doing your best and expect those full 8-10 years and it doesn’t turn out that way…but it’s like that with humans too sometimes. All we can do is love them and have our happiest years anyways.

[DanaNM]

Awwww a Dutch! I love dutchies! 😀 The pics came through fine!

And yes so true about never really knowing how long we’ve got with anything or any bun. <3

. . . 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.  

[Wick & Fable]

Up close boople pictures are the best :3

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.

[Rainn]

Agreed! Love the precious booples 🙂

[LBJ10]

Aww! Look at her! She’s definitely growing. It’s understandable that she would be focusing on pellets right now. As long as she is eating some hay, then I think you will be OK later on down the road. She should make the transition naturally when it comes time to reduce her pellets.

[Rainn]

Thank you! I’ll be keeping this all in mind. ❤️

[Author]

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