Diet information from a vet- This is what information i've been given.

Quote: Myself- "I want to make sure i'm maintaining my rabbits health. I currently have 14 rabbits and there have been mixed unproffesional views regarding feeding amounts and care. I currently feed 50-100 grams of spring greens, 50-100 grams of hay, and a small handful of pellets- probably about 10-25 grams of hard feed. Is this diet adequete for an average/medium size rabbit? If not, what quantities of feed should i be giving to be making sure my rabbits get the best care? They are currently on science selective pellets with about 19% fibre i believe. Thankyou very much."

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Quote : Vet(Just Answer)

Hello...I'm Dr. Coldiron and I will attempt to help you with your veterinary question! It sounds like your dietary allowances are adequate. I would suggest that you feed the hay and pellets free choice! I also recommend Timothy, Orchard, or Grass hay. I recommend restricting alfalfa hay and pellets...small amounts are OK, but keep it limited. Rabbits eat almost constantly...unless they are becoming obese, there is no need to restrict the diet. The pellets and hay are very important to the wellness and wear of the rabbits teeth. At the very least leave out plenty of hay. Sounds like you are doing very well with their diet otherwise! I wish you the best with your bunnies!



Best Regards,



Dr. Coldiron

This above was from a qualified vet verified by a third party on justanswer.
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Does anyone have any views on this? I noticed that the vet said pellets wear down teeth. This is something i've believed for along time after having no teeth problems with my lot, except for shadow with mallocursion. More recently after changing diet- i've had another bunny develop molar spurs. I'm not sure if this is related to diet change or just conincidence.

Also i weighed out my hay- 100grams is what it suggests on the rosewood hay cookies, if anyone gets them, per day per rabbit. I've put 50 grams in my question as i've given less hay to my bunnys that eat less hay- Although it is always available.

Thanks
Ambience xx

I recommend restricting alfalfa hay and pellets

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Science Selective is alfalfa based. Which is why I can't give Mini too many.

The other thing is, that may be a vet but is it a vet experience in dealing with rabbits? I don't see the problem with feeding hay ad lib, why restrict it? If you feed farm bales it's not expensive. I'm also not sure on those cookies. The hay is all finely chopped and compacted, they just don't seem so appetising to me as a load of long stemmed fresh hay.

Schuette said:

Science Selective is alfalfa based. Which is why I can't give Mini too many.

The other thing is, that may be a vet but is it a vet experience in dealing with rabbits? I don't see the problem with feeding hay ad lib, why restrict it? If you feed farm bales it's not expensive.

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Any Timothy based ones ?

Yes exotics vet- specialist in rabbits. I don't really restrict hay, i just measured it out today for a gauge of what should be fed daily after reading on the rosewood cookies, the recommended daily amounts- according to them.

I measured 100 grams of hay out today- and some of my rabbits get through this, but adonia my dwarf wouldn't get through even a quarter of that. I still put enough in her indoor cage, but she doesn't eat it. Her rack is filled daily also.

On the other hand - Rose, ava and athena get more than this as they eat like horses

Just about to start buying farm bales from lynne at holiday hutch as it's cheaper than what i pay now- i've been buying the 21 kg of hay from pet express or ebay for £20.00 a bale. I get this 3 times a month usually.

Ambience xx

Ambience said:

Any Timothy based ones ?
x

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as far as i know bunny basics T are the only timothy based pellets out there :wave::wave::wave:

There is one but I can't remember which one.

The reason hay wears teeth down is (I believe) down to the silicates in it and the way they chew it. I don't think the motion is the same for pellets.

donnamt said:

as far as i know bunny basics T are the only timothy based pellets out there :wave::wave::wave:

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Thanks Handy to know

Ambience x