pellet & seeds ??

[Mr.Pickles]

Hey guys, 

I’m a new bunny mama and I just got my bunny yesterday from a lady that offered him to me because she doesn’t have much time to take care of him anymore she still really does care for him so I want to do my best to care for him the best I can!

The bunny is almost 3 years old and he’s been fed pellets + a little bit of seed mix (hamster mix) for the past 3 years and his diet doesn’t consist of hay or any fruits or vegetables (the fruits and vegetables are usually treats for him), but he hasn’t had any dietary problems or needed to go to the vet for any reason.  He seems healthy, I will take him to the vet to get a checkup sometime next week though.  However, what do you guys think I should do in terms of his diet?

Thanks

New Bunny Mama

[Hazel]

Welcome!

Thank you for taking this poor guy in. He should be on a timothy based, plain pellet. No seeds, corn or colorful stuff. That’s junk food. If he has been fed this stuff exclusively his whole life, he’s most likely overweight. The vet should be able to tell if he is. He needs unlimited hay at all times (grass hay like timothy, not alfalfa). You could try to pick out the bad stuff from his pellet mix during the transition to a plain timothy pellet, but it might not be worth the trouble.

Do you have pictures of him? Is he neutered?

[NewBunnyOwner123]

I think you should slowly change him to a pellet without seeds. Oxbow is a very good brand. You can also go ahead and start introducing veggies. And give him hay! It should be available at all times in unlimited amounts. Not only is it good for digestive health, but it helps keep his teeth staying healthy. The pellets is what need to be limited. If you haven’t already, I’d book him for a wellness exam with your vet. Make sure he’s a healthy weight and not too fat after being allowed to eat seeds and unlimited pellets. Bunnies are very good at hiding illness and pain until it’s almost too late to save them

Edit to add: I guess I overlooked that he has a vet appointment lol seem to be on the right track!

[bpash89]

A wellness check up is always a good idea when bringing a new bunny home.

First of all, it’s great that you were able to take him in and are so active to become informed on what you bunny needs.  If you would read the diet section here because it is full of valuable information for the best diet for your new bunny.  He should in no way be eating hamster food.  He’s a rabbit, not a hamster.  They have different dietary needs and therefore different food.  Rabbit food shouldn’t have any seeds, nuts, or fruit bits in it, just plain pellets.  Oxbow is a respected brand but there are many others that fit the bill as well.  Bunnies must must must have access to hay at all times.  It’s really important for their digestion and it keeps their teeth trim.  I would make it my first priority to get him eating hay.  Timothy hay is the standard for adult rabbits but any type of grass hay (not alfalfa) is okay.   

Fruit should only be a treat since it’s high in sugar but many leafy green veggies should be staples in a bunnies diet as well.  The diet section has a list of bunny safe veggies.  It’s important to only introduce one new veggie at a time and slowly so that he can adjust to the new diet.  

My suggestion would be to get him on hay and then slowly transition him to good pellets.  After that start introducing veggies.  Just take things slow and gradually change his diet.  Sudden changes can cause an upset so slow and gradual is the key.   

[Mr.Pickles]

Thank you guys for your suggestions. I’ll definitely start him on hay first then slowly start cutting down his pellets as I introduce vegetables. Also he is not neutered yet…I was going to check with the vet to see if l should. It costs about $400 here so l will have to see whether it’s necessary… he is a single bunny and he hasn’t sprayed or been spraying. l will talk to the vet about it though.

[NewBunnyOwner123]

I would switch pellets and when he’s completely switched over then start veggies. That way if he gets an upset tummy you’ll know wether it’s the pellets or veggies. Also, u should make a post in the welcome thread and post some pictures we are a sucker for bunny pics!

[justwildbeat]

Usually males are neutered to curb their bad hormonal behavior. Since he’s 3 yrs old and doesn’t display any it may not be necessary. Especially if he’s a single rabbit. Just keep an eye on him and feel free to discuss this with your vet during the wellness checkup.

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