Too old for alfalfa?

[Louiethebunny]

I just adopted my bunny Louie, he is five months old. When we adopted him two weeks ago from the shelter, he was eating alfalfa-based “young rabbit food” and was on timothy hay. Right now I have him eating timothy hay and timothy hay in his litter box, and I have been feeding him 1/8 cup of Oxbow Garden Select Young Rabbit food. It’s timothy and alfalfa-based, and I was wondering when he should start eating adult rabbit pellets? Some people say rabbits should be on adult food after just 5 or 6 months, so I wasn’t sure.

[Bam]

You can start him on adult food now, but if you stillnhave more junior pellets left,  they’re fine until hes around 7 months. It’s very good that he’s on timothy hay now, it can be difficult to wean a rabbit on to grass hay, if it’s been on alfalfa hay.

There are adult pellets that contain alfalfa, but the total protein and calcium levels in adult feed is adjusted so its lower than in junior feed.

 

[LBJ10]

It depends on the breed too. Obviously, a small bunny is going to stop growing at a younger age and can be transitioned to adult food sooner. A giant breed, on the other hand, will stop growing at a relatively older age. The young rabbit pellets are formulated for growth. Does it hurt to transition them sooner rather than later? Not really. I would say to use your best judgement.

[Louiethebunny]

Thank you, Louie is only about three pounds, and may reach up to six, (he’s a Havana). I’ll keep him on younger food for a bit longer, and will probably start transitioning to adult food in a few months.

[Author]

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