Am I feeding them too much?

[mystic.kitty]

I don't want to create weight problems in my bunnies so thought I would check with you all that I am not over feeding them

I feed them twice a day with as much hay as they can eat. They each have a small amount of pellets (about an egg cup each) twice a day and in the morning they would have a piece of fruit of veg, eg an apple between then and then again another piece of fruit of veg in the evening, say some spinach.

Is that too much for them , they are both 15 weeks old.

Should I cut back on anything? I like to feed them twice a day with the hay as they run out otherwise.

I'm still new to the rabbit owning business you see, but am learning a lot very fast! And feeding amounts is something they never tell you when you pick up your bunny.

[Kay]

Hiya, and welcome to the wonderful world of bunnies!

I would say that the hay is fine, the pellets personally I would feed a little less but not much less.

I be careful with the fruit and veg though. Your buns are still very young and fruit inparticular can give them runny botties.

Introduce the veg slowly. At first I'd normally just give grass and then try them on a little bit of carrot top the leafy bit.

What kind of hay are they having?

[mystic.kitty]

My package of hay says Burgess Supa Forage Excel. Its supposed to be of a higher nutritional value that normal hay.

They love the stuff, can't seem to get enough hay

I've been introducing the fruit and veg slowly, so far they've only had apple, spinach, brocolli and carrot and no runny bottoms so far.

Can I feed them cauliflower as it seems to be an uncertain veg, some lists I've seen say its ok some say no?

[Kay]

Sounds like you have it all in hand then, well done.

Not sure about cauliflower I've never fed it before :oops:

[IzzyTwig]

Seems fine to me, as long as they don't feel overweight and they're not eating so much they're no longer interested in hay there shouldn't be any need to change their diet or cut back on anything.
Given they're still young and growing don't cut back on the pellets if they're not overweight or not eating anything else as they need more food than older buns due to the need to grow.

Cauliflower leaves are fine, not sure about the cauliflower itself though.

[bunnyhopper]

It is fine to give them a constant supply of hay, as they nibble it during most of the time they are awake! It is the constant nibbling that keeps their teeth worn down and prevent teeth probs later.

[mystic.kitty]

Thank you for your help. At least I know I shouldn't end up with two huge buns! They always have enough appetite to eat their hay so I guess I've got it right. They adore their fruit and veg too. Glad to know I'm also ok feeding them twice a day, my friend who also has a rabbit only feeds hers in the evening (when they remember grrrrr)

[Estelle]

I would only give them a small piece of apple once a week as a treat. Unlimited hay is the most important thing and a selection of veg. I give mine spring greens, brocolli, parsley and brussel sprouts.

[winstontickle]

I give cabbage and carrots mainly, and in the spring and summer there is enough grass anyway. Unlimited hay is the most important thing I reckon, and to adjust your mix/pellets accordingly to size and age of bunny. As long as the dish is empty and they are eager for their next feed then that is a fairly good guide, but it's important they don't get overweight as then they can't clean their bottoms and eat their soft pellets.

Are rabbits the only animal which eats it's own poo????:shock::oops:

[bunnyhopper]

Don't forget - bunnies tell lies.
They convince you they need more pellets... and you are a terrible person that hasn't fed them for aaaaaaaaages, even if it was 5 minutes ago...
They look at you with those eager bunny doe eyes, pleading for an extra handful...
You get the picture :roll: