One of my rabbits, Ham, is five years old, but didn't have any hay until he came into our care. He's a big boy from being given too many pellets, so we're trying to gently reduce the amount we give him each day, and are giving him a generous handful of kale, spinch, brocolli, carrot tops and herbs too. He has usually finished it all off midday and acts like he's starving when we shut them in for the night. He has an abundance of meadow hay in his hutch - both on the floor and in a feeder, but he never touches it. I have seen him nibble a tiny amount on the off occassion.
Do you think this is because he's grown up never being given it? And can anyone advise maybe another type of hay that might be more tempting to him? Beatrice eats hay all day, as she should, and always seems content. Ham seems restless in the evenings and is always nosing around his food bowl. I have to hold myself back from not giving him more pellets and greens even though I know he's had more than enough for the day!
As we're trying to get him to a healthier weight and I know hay is meant to be 80% of their daily intake, I'd really appreciate any advice on how to tempt Mr. Ham with some hay. Tonight I have literally put a handful in his bowl in an attempt to make him realise it's edible!
Thank you for any advice, everyone
Do you think this is because he's grown up never being given it? And can anyone advise maybe another type of hay that might be more tempting to him? Beatrice eats hay all day, as she should, and always seems content. Ham seems restless in the evenings and is always nosing around his food bowl. I have to hold myself back from not giving him more pellets and greens even though I know he's had more than enough for the day!
As we're trying to get him to a healthier weight and I know hay is meant to be 80% of their daily intake, I'd really appreciate any advice on how to tempt Mr. Ham with some hay. Tonight I have literally put a handful in his bowl in an attempt to make him realise it's edible!
Thank you for any advice, everyone