1st Time Rabbit Owner Veggie Advice!

[Lov_Elly22]

Hi! So I am going to be adopting two rabbits in the next couple of months - just getting things set up. I’ve been doing loads of research so I’m 100% prepared. However, I’m not new to rabbits entirely - I am studying a degree in the animal industry and I’ve volunteered at an RSPCA small animal centre for 2 years so I’ve been around lots of rabbits; cut nails, handled, seen their care etc. I currently own 8 guinea pigs and run my own boarding business for them (and also foster from time to time), I also have gerbils and hamsters so exotic pets are definitely my passion!

Anyways so I’ve always wanted rabbits and this is my first time actually getting my own! So far I understand all the proper care, the one thing I’m struggling with is creating a plan for their weekly veg feeding schedule!

My guinea pigs have a weekly feeding plan where I rotate a variety of veggies each day, and ensure they’re getting all they need and not giving veggies that shouldn’t be fed daily everyday! So I wanted to do the same with rabbits.
I’ve seen the safe-food and unsafe-food charts, and they’re great, but I really wanted to know how often each of the veggies can be given in a week - e.g what can be given daily, 3x a week, 2x a week etc. so I thought I’d ask here! Any advice would be greatly appreciated! I just want to go into this fully prepared and get my rabbit care as good as it can be!
It would also be amazing if some of the veggies could match up with what I feed my guinea pigs so I can just buy more, but I’m totally open to giving other veggies/greens too and understand rabbit veggie needs are different! My piggie veggies include cucumber, bell peppers, coriander, romaine lettuce, red/green leaf lettuce, kale, spring greens, carrots and apple.

Sorry for the long post but thanks in advance!

 

[Graciee]

Hi! So I am going to be adopting two rabbits in the next couple of months - just getting things set up. I’ve been doing loads of research so I’m 100% prepared. However, I’m not new to rabbits entirely - I am studying a degree in the animal industry and I’ve volunteered at an RSPCA small animal centre for 2 years so I’ve been around lots of rabbits; cut nails, handled, seen their care etc. I currently own 8 guinea pigs and run my own boarding business for them (and also foster from time to time), I also have gerbils and hamsters so exotic pets are definitely my passion!

Anyways so I’ve always wanted rabbits and this is my first time actually getting my own! So far I understand all the proper care, the one thing I’m struggling with is creating a plan for their weekly veg feeding schedule!

My guinea pigs have a weekly feeding plan where I rotate a variety of veggies each day, and ensure they’re getting all they need and not giving veggies that shouldn’t be fed daily everyday! So I wanted to do the same with rabbits.
I’ve seen the safe-food and unsafe-food charts, and they’re great, but I really wanted to know how often each of the veggies can be given in a week - e.g what can be given daily, 3x a week, 2x a week etc. so I thought I’d ask here! Any advice would be greatly appreciated! I just want to go into this fully prepared and get my rabbit care as good as it can be!
It would also be amazing if some of the veggies could match up with what I feed my guinea pigs so I can just buy more, but I’m totally open to giving other veggies/greens too and understand rabbit veggie needs are different! My piggie veggies include cucumber, bell peppers, coriander, romaine lettuce, red/green leaf lettuce, kale, spring greens, carrots and apple.

Sorry for the long post but thanks in advance!

You'll hopefully get more in depth responses than this, but I feed my pigs and buns the same daily pigs sometimes get extras that aren't what I'd feed the buns.

I feed kale, and some herbs daily(2/3 different types) Pigs get a mixed leaf salad too daily which I don't give buns.. And that's it tbh. I throw in spring greens and stuff from the garden too but yea I really don't over complicate it tbh

 

[Lov_Elly22]

You'll hopefully get more in depth responses than this, but I feed my pigs and buns the same daily pigs sometimes get extras that aren't what I'd feed the buns.

I feed kale, and some herbs daily(2/3 different types) Pigs get a mixed leaf salad too daily which I don't give buns.. And that's it tbh. I throw in spring greens and stuff from the garden too but yea I really don't over complicate it tbh

Haha nooo any advice is good advice so thank you! Maybe I am over complicating this but I tend to do that with everything! Simple could be a good way to go to be honest! Especially keeping food costs down coz that’s a big factor for me as I have boarding animals too!

 

[Omi]

Rabbits could eat any of the foods you give to your piggies, but I would favour the ones with green leaves. So, kale, spring greens and herbs (coriander, parsley, basil, thyme, oregano) are nutritious and would be ideal. I would not feed carrots or apple, as it's not good for rabbits to get overweight, although carrot tops are fine. I vary the foods that I give, but do not have a set plan.

I also feed a lot of fresh forage to my rabbits, so plantain, cow parsley, dandelion, sow thistle, red campion, red deadnettle, lemon balm and many others.

Rabbits also like to have tree leaves and small branches to nibble (hawthorn, ash, hazel, rose, willow etc). Bramble leaves are also very beneficial to a rabbit's digestion.

As you're probably aware the majority of a rabbit's diet should be hay, so any vegetables should form only around 10%. You could also hand cut some fresh grass, in the place of some of the hay, which is usually very popular with rabbits.

When you adopt your rabbits, you should ask the person, who has been looking after them, what foods they are used to having. Anything that they haven't had previously should be fed in very small amounts to begin with.

I hope you enjoy your new rabbits

 

[Graciee]

Haha nooo any advice is good advice so thank you! Maybe I am over complicating this but I tend to do that with everything! Simple could be a good way to go to be honest! Especially keeping food costs down coz that’s a big factor for me as I have boarding animals too!

Yea Im growing a few different herbs and watercress atm in the garden so some of that gets thrown in and my kale is going crazy so there's lots of that available atm, but when I'm buying I don't go mad tbh. I do buy baby corn for one of my pig every few weeks coz he really loves it and if I cut up a pepper pigs get some, same goes for anything really. Tbh the pigs get way more variety than the buns, for buns I just go leafy greens mostly.

Well done for doing all your research before hand tho, it's good to be prepared and know what you wanna do

 

[Lov_Elly22]

Rabbits could eat any of the foods you give to your piggies, but I would favour the ones with green leaves. So, kale, spring greens and herbs (coriander, parsley, basil, thyme, oregano) are nutritious and would be ideal. I would not feed carrots or apple, as it's not good for rabbits to get overweight, although carrot tops are fine. I vary the foods that I give, but do not have a set plan.

I also feed a lot of fresh forage to my rabbits, so plantain, cow parsley, dandelion, sow thistle, red campion, red deadnettle, lemon balm and many others.

Rabbits also like to have tree leaves and small branches to nibble (hawthorn, ash, hazel, rose, willow etc). Bramble leaves are also very beneficial to a rabbit's digestion.

As you're probably aware the majority of a rabbit's diet should be hay, so any vegetables should form only around 10%. You could also hand cut some fresh grass, in the place of some of the hay, which is usually very popular with rabbits.

When you adopt your rabbits, you should ask the person, who has been looking after them, what foods they are used to having. Anything that they haven't had previously should be fed in very small amounts to begin with.

I hope you enjoy your new rabbits

Thanks for the awesome advice! I have noticed people tend to favour the leafy greens with rabbits so I’ll probably stick to that, with some forage mixed in as you say. I’m definitely going to let them have a run in my garden as often as weather permits so they’ll get grass that way! I love the idea of asking the previous owners what they’re fed tha ta such a good idea! I’ll probably adopt through the RSPCA so I’ll ask the fosterer what veggies they like!
Thanks again I’m sooo excited to have some bunnies!

 

[Lov_Elly22]

Yea Im growing a few different herbs and watercress atm in the garden so some of that gets thrown in and my kale is going crazy so there's lots of that available atm, but when I'm buying I don't go mad tbh. I do buy baby corn for one of my pig every few weeks coz he really loves it and if I cut up a pepper pigs get some, same goes for anything really. Tbh the pigs get way more variety than the buns, for buns I just go leafy greens mostly.

Well done for doing all your research before hand tho, it's good to be prepared and know what you wanna do

I think I’ll get my dad to grow some more herbs, we already grow mint and coriander so I’ll definitely grow some more, that’ll keep cost down! Yeah I do think Guinea pigs are easier to give variety that rabbits, it does seem like rabbits prefer the leafy greens.
Thank you thoughI really wanted to get this right, coz when I first had guinea pigs years ago they were my brothers pets first but he got bored of them (don’t know how!) and they kinda got thrust upon me so I had to learn their care quickly! This time I can get ready with loads of time and preparation

 

[HouseOfRabbit]

You might find the Twigs Way books in the RWAF shop of use. Parsleys Warren also do foraging days occasionaly as well.

 

[InspectorMorse]

You have probably already seen all of these, but I’ll post the links anyway

Greens, Veg and Herbs

Greens, vegetables and herbs are a vital part of a rabbit's diet. Click here for our recommended list, preparation advice and more.

rabbitwelfare.co.uk

Recommended Vegetables and Herbs

Discover recommended vegetables and herbs for your rabbit's diet. Explore expert advice to ensure a healthy and balanced diet for your furry friend. Learn more

rabbitwelfare.co.uk

To feed or not to feed - gas is the question

To feed or not to feed, gas is the question...Find out about rabbit feeding, gut health, gas, and more with our expert guide.

rabbitwelfare.co.uk

Poisonous Plants

Identify and avoid poisonous plants for your rabbit's safety. Explore our comprehensive guide to keep your furry friend healthy and happy. Learn more now

rabbitwelfare.co.uk

I feed my Rabbits Coriander, Mint, Flat leaf Parsley, Basil, Dill, Methi (AKA Fenugreek- not fed daily as it makes the Bunnies wee smell like curry! ) Cavolo Nero, Spring Greens, Romaine Lettuce, cucumber, carrot TOPS only

Whilst not all Rabbits have a problem with brassica veg I mostly avoid feeding it. My Rabbits might occasionally have a very small portion of broccoli or sweetheart cabbage.

I never feed any fruit, not even as a treat.

One Rabbit does get a tiny slice of carrot once a week.

I live in a very urban area and I am now almost housebound so foraging isnt really an option for me anymore. But if I could access Rabbit safe fresh forage I would favour feeding that more than Veg. Although none of my 3 current Rabbits are keen on fresh forage, but love it dried. I think that is probably because it’s what they have been raised on.

I can sometimes access fresh hawthorn, apple and pear tree leaves, dandelion leaves, plantain, blackberry and raspberry leaves,

I expect you already know this, but when keeping both Rabbits and Guinea Pigs they should not be housed in the same environment as Rabbits can be asymptomatic carriers of Bordetella Bronchiseptica which can be passed on (aibourne transmission) to Guinea Pigs. Bordetella can cause fatal pneumonia in Guinea Pigs.

Good luck with your new Rabbits

 

[Graciee]

You have probably already seen all of these, but I’ll post the links anyway

Greens, Veg and Herbs

Greens, vegetables and herbs are a vital part of a rabbit's diet. Click here for our recommended list, preparation advice and more.

rabbitwelfare.co.uk

Recommended Vegetables and Herbs

Discover recommended vegetables and herbs for your rabbit's diet. Explore expert advice to ensure a healthy and balanced diet for your furry friend. Learn more

rabbitwelfare.co.uk

To feed or not to feed - gas is the question

To feed or not to feed, gas is the question...Find out about rabbit feeding, gut health, gas, and more with our expert guide.

rabbitwelfare.co.uk

Poisonous Plants

Identify and avoid poisonous plants for your rabbit's safety. Explore our comprehensive guide to keep your furry friend healthy and happy. Learn more now

rabbitwelfare.co.uk

I feed my Rabbits Coriander, Mint, Flat leaf Parsley, Basil, Dill, Methi (AKA Fenugreek- not fed daily as it makes the Bunnies wee smell like curry! ) Cavolo Nero, Spring Greens, Romaine Lettuce, cucumber, carrot TOPS only

Whilst not all Rabbits have a problem with brassica veg I mostly avoid feeding it. My Rabbits might occasionally have a very small portion of broccoli or sweetheart cabbage.

I never feed any fruit, not even as a treat.

One Rabbit does get a tiny slice of carrot once a week.

I live in a very urban area and I am now almost housebound so foraging isnt really an option for me anymore. But if I could access Rabbit safe fresh forage I would favour feeding that more than Veg. Although none of my 3 current Rabbits are keen on fresh forage, but love it dried. I think that is probably because it’s what they have been raised on.

I can sometimes access fresh hawthorn, apple and pear tree leaves, dandelion leaves, plantain, blackberry and raspberry leaves,

I expect you already know this, but when keeping both Rabbits and Guinea Pigs they should not be housed in the same environment as Rabbits can be asymptomatic carriers of Bordetella Bronchiseptica which can be passed on (aibourne transmission) to Guinea Pigs. Bordetella can cause fatal pneumonia in Guinea Pigs.

Good luck with your new Rabbits

I didn't know that brassicas could cause an issue, that's really interesting, none of mine have had any issues with them, except broccoli - that one seems to cause gas for Clementine I'm growing cavolo nero, which is just black kale so that's a brassica and spring greens are also a brassica I thought? Do you feed those daily without issue? I always have but now I'm wondering if it's just been luck my buns have tolerated it

 

[Shimmer]

I didn't know that brassicas could cause an issue, that's really interesting, none of mine have had any issues with them, except broccoli - that one seems to cause gas for Clementine I'm growing cavolo nero, which is just black kale so that's a brassica and spring greens are also a brassica I thought? Do you feed those daily without issue? I always have but now I'm wondering if it's just been luck my buns have tolerated it

I've had some rabbits that didn't tolerate brassicas very well. They tended to get very sludgey urine.

 

[Shimmer]

Here are some more useful diet links:

FEEDING PET RABBITS — Frances Harcourt-Brown

www.harcourt-brown.co.uk

......from which there are theses 2 lists:

From the greengrocer — Frances Harcourt-Brown

www.harcourt-brown.co.uk

FORAGING FOR WILD PLANTS — Frances Harcourt-Brown

www.harcourt-brown.co.uk

....and then the booklets by Twigs Way:

Gardening with Rabbits by Twigs Way | Rabbit Welfare Shop

If you'd like all three books in this series, Foraging For Rabbits, Gardening For Rabbits and Growing and Feeding Vegetables and Fruit for Rabbits use this link to save Twigs Way special offer for all 3 books. Save yourself £4.50 by using the special deal link.

shop.rabbitwelfare.co.uk

Foraging for Rabbits by Twigs Way | Rabbit Welfare Shop

If you'd like all three books in this series, Foraging For Rabbits, Gardening For Rabbits and Growing and Feeding Vegetables and Fruit for Rabbits use this link to save Twigs Way special offer for all 3 books. Save yourself £4.50 by using the special deal link.

shop.rabbitwelfare.co.uk

 

[Omi]

I didn't know that brassicas could cause an issue, that's really interesting, none of mine have had any issues with them, except broccoli - that one seems to cause gas for Clementine I'm growing cavolo nero, which is just black kale so that's a brassica and spring greens are also a brassica I thought? Do you feed those daily without issue? I always have but now I'm wondering if it's just been luck my buns have tolerated it

There are very many members of the brassica family. Some of them we eat the leaves (cabbage, spring greens and all types of kale); some the flowers (cauliflower, sprouting broccoli, calabrese) and some the buds (sprouts). Pak choi and other choi plants are also brassicas. We also eat roots of some brassicas, ie Swede and Turnip. Mustards, sometimes found in bags of salad leaves, are also brassicas.

Brassicas have often been reported as causing issues for rabbits. I think this is possible, although proper testing would need to be done to isolate the brassica as being the cause. Humans can have issues with certain foods or even whole groups of foods, so it's possible that rabbits can also.

I have never had issues with feeding any brassicas to any of my rabbits. If I was sure that any food was causing problems, I would stop feeding it completely. I wouldn't feed it occasionally. There are so many alternatives, so I would just feed something else. This is also the reason why, feeding a new type of food in very small qualitities, preferably by itself, then monitoring effect, is a good way to proceed.

Gracie, if your bunnies have had no issues with kale every day, I would continue with it. As you know, we grow lots of kale (both cavolo nero and curly). They have kale every day. Just as an aside, our kale plants remain in the ground for 12 months. When young, we and the bunnies eat the leaves. From around February time this year, our curly kale plants (black kale isn't always quite so hardy we find) have been producing wonderful, broccoli-type shoots from the leaf axils, which we and the bunnies have been eating. Currently we are gradually pulling plants out as they have stopped producing very much and we need to get a new crop in. The bunnies get these and enjoy picking over the whole plant and even nibble the stems

Lov_Elly22, sorry to take over your thread with a side issue about brassicas. I would also recommend the articles from Frances Harcourt-Brown as well as the booklets from Twigs Way. In a subject area, which is sometimes unreliable and confusing, they are both sensible resources.

 

[Lov_Elly22]

You have probably already seen all of these, but I’ll post the links anyway

Greens, Veg and Herbs

Greens, vegetables and herbs are a vital part of a rabbit's diet. Click here for our recommended list, preparation advice and more.

rabbitwelfare.co.uk

Recommended Vegetables and Herbs

Discover recommended vegetables and herbs for your rabbit's diet. Explore expert advice to ensure a healthy and balanced diet for your furry friend. Learn more

rabbitwelfare.co.uk

To feed or not to feed - gas is the question

To feed or not to feed, gas is the question...Find out about rabbit feeding, gut health, gas, and more with our expert guide.

rabbitwelfare.co.uk

Poisonous Plants

Identify and avoid poisonous plants for your rabbit's safety. Explore our comprehensive guide to keep your furry friend healthy and happy. Learn more now

rabbitwelfare.co.uk

I feed my Rabbits Coriander, Mint, Flat leaf Parsley, Basil, Dill, Methi (AKA Fenugreek- not fed daily as it makes the Bunnies wee smell like curry! ) Cavolo Nero, Spring Greens, Romaine Lettuce, cucumber, carrot TOPS only

Whilst not all Rabbits have a problem with brassica veg I mostly avoid feeding it. My Rabbits might occasionally have a very small portion of broccoli or sweetheart cabbage.

I never feed any fruit, not even as a treat.

One Rabbit does get a tiny slice of carrot once a week.

I live in a very urban area and I am now almost housebound so foraging isnt really an option for me anymore. But if I could access Rabbit safe fresh forage I would favour feeding that more than Veg. Although none of my 3 current Rabbits are keen on fresh forage, but love it dried. I think that is probably because it’s what they have been raised on.

I can sometimes access fresh hawthorn, apple and pear tree leaves, dandelion leaves, plantain, blackberry and raspberry leaves,

I expect you already know this, but when keeping both Rabbits and Guinea Pigs they should not be housed in the same environment as Rabbits can be asymptomatic carriers of Bordetella Bronchiseptica which can be passed on (aibourne transmission) to Guinea Pigs. Bordetella can cause fatal pneumonia in Guinea Pigs.

Good luck with your new Rabbits

Amazing thanks for all the links! I’m definitely gonna feed my rabbits some of those, I’ll try to do a variety but obviously introduce slowly any new veggies.
I think dried forage is probably a good way to go anyway, I haven’t got too much fresh forage where I am either, but I’m sure they’ll like it just the same! The only one I can access fresh forage of is dandelion leaves, they’ll probably get that when out in the run on the grass as well
And yes they definitely won’t be kept together they’ll be in separate buildings entirely. They will share the garden however, is that ok as long as they don’t use the same patch of grass or do they need to be out at separate times? (Even though my Guinea pigs don’t get out on the grass much coz the weather is never right for them )
Thank you though I am excited!

 

[Lov_Elly22]

So overall I’m seeing that there isn’t really a set how many times a week rabbits can have certain veggies, it’s more like these are what they can have and just rotate them in a week? Like 3-5 different types of veggies each day and a cup each roughly? - Not sure on the amounts, I’ve seen varying opinions on that!
If I fed them a variety of parsley, corriander, mint, dill, basil, romaine lettuce, red/green leaf lettuce, spring greens + kale (maybe only 1x a week with the brassicas like I do with my Guinea pigs), and cucumber - does that sound like a good variety?
Can they have romaine lettuce and red/green leaf lettuce almost daily? I’ve seen some people say yes and some no.
Ive seen some say cucumber should only be a couple times a week and in small amounts because of its high water content.
And what’s the opinion on bell peppers? Some say twice a week and some avoid completely. Not sure whether to bother feeding them or not.

I know there’s a lot of questions there, don’t worry if you can’t answer them, maybe the answer is that every rabbit is different and I need to slowly introduce things and see what affects my rabbits poops and what doesn’t?
Thanks for all your amazing responses! You’ve been so helpful I’ll definitely stay on here if I need more help

 

[InspectorMorse]

maybe the answer is that every rabbit is different and I need to slowly introduce things and see what affects my rabbits poops and what doesn’t?

^^^^^^.
That

 

[Lov_Elly22]

^^^^^^.
That

Haha yeah I thought so, it was like an afterthought I was like wait…maybe that’s it!Im definitely over complicating things!

 

[Omi]

Haha yeah I thought so, it was like an afterthought I was like wait…maybe that’s it!Im definitely over complicating things!

Definitely this

But to answer your questions about specific veg, romaine lettuce and lettuce leaves are fine to feed. I personally only feed them if I have them and would favour giving a variety of green leaves. So they rarely get lettuce. Cucumber is also fine and again, if I have it, they will also get some. Beware of advice which says not to feed often, due to high water content. It's good for rabbits to be well-hydrated. With Capsicums, we grow them here in the summer and I've tried giving some to the bunnies in the past. They are not that keen and so I now don't bother. I would certainly prefer to feed green leafy plants. Plants which provide extra fibre are beneficial for digestion.

 

[Lov_Elly22]

Definitely this

But to answer your questions about specific veg, romaine lettuce and lettuce leaves are fine to feed. I personally only feed them if I have them and would favour giving a variety of green leaves. So they rarely get lettuce. Cucumber is also fine and again, if I have it, they will also get some. Beware of advice which says not to feed often, due to high water content. It's good for rabbits to be well-hydrated. With Capsicums, we grow them here in the summer and I've tried giving some to the bunnies in the past. They are not that keen and so I now don't bother. I would certainly prefer to feed green leafy plants. Plants which provide extra fibre are beneficial for digestion.

Haha thanks for answering the more specific questions though!
I always have lettuce because my guinea pigs are obsessed it makes up a big portion of their diet (of course not iceberg lettuce). So I’ll probably feed a little of different types a day but mainly as you say preference on the other leaves/herbs. I also always have cucumber so maybe I’ll give that to them.
But, as I’ve now discovered, only if they like it and can tolerate it!
Ooo one final thing?- what’s your guy’s opinions on nuggets/pellets? I’m going to feed mine some but some people say varying amounts of them and some people don’t feed them at all!

 

[Graciee]

Haha thanks for answering the more specific questions though!
I always have lettuce because my guinea pigs are obsessed it makes up a big portion of their diet (of course not iceberg lettuce). So I’ll probably feed a little of different types a day but mainly as you say preference on the other leaves/herbs. I also always have cucumber so maybe I’ll give that to them.
But, as I’ve now discovered, only if they like it and can tolerate it!
Ooo one final thing?- what’s your guy’s opinions on nuggets/pellets? I’m going to feed mine some but some people say varying amounts of them and some people don’t feed them at all!

Mine get 5 pellets each a day they really should only get a few, it's mostly hay/grass, some veggies and tiny amount of pellets.

Mine went to vet Friday for their yearly vax and the vet said they were absolutely fine but don't want them to get any larger

I think a lot of people over do the pellets tbh

But see what the buns you get are being fed on and how much per day so you can keep it the same for them initially