Soon to be Netherland Dwarf mum

[bunmumab]

Hello,

I will be getting a Netherland Dwarf at the beginning of April. I have had rabbits for many years, but this is my first Netherland Dwarf and first baby in many years! I hope some people here can help answer my questions. I live in the UK. The rabbit will be 8 weeks old when I get him/her.

Pellets: what pellets should I buy for a smaller rabbit? I'm worried about choking.

Hay: I currently have guinea pigs, so they eat a mixture of Timothy, Meadow and Orchard hays. Is this ok for the bunny too?

Veg: the guinea pigs eat peppers, green beans, spring green, cucumber, celery daily, with occasional herbs (corridaner and parsley). Are these OK or should the rabbit eat different? How much veg for a young rabbit?

Forage: can dry forage be fed daily from that age? What forage do you recommend?

My last rabbit had dental and GI issues (these were linked) so I'd like to prevent these issues as early as possible so any recommendations for anything to help would be greatly appreciated.

Unrelated to feeding, but where can I get the bunny insured in the UK? Preferably with dental cover.

 

[Omi]

Hello and welcome to the forum

It's great that you are wanting to do some research and preparation for your new bunny.

Regarding pellets, for a very young rabbit, I would continue with the feed that he/she is currently eating, before changing. Any changes need to be done very slowly. Also pellets should form a very small part of an adult rabbit's diet for dental and GI reasons. Also rabbits will eat more hay if not full-up with pellets.

Hay should be the major part of the rabbit's diet and basically the best hay is the one that your bunny will eat the most of. The mixture you are feeding your piggies would be fine.

A diet for piggies is slightly different to that for bunnies as bunnies don't require the Vit C component. Best veg for bunnies would be dark green leafy greens and/or any herbs, including Coriander and Parsley, but others are also OK, eg Basil, Thyme, Oregano, Mint and Dill. It's best to find out whether your new bunny is already eating any green foods. If so, then these can be gradually increased in quantity, trying just one type at a time.

Dried forage is fine, as is fresh forage, which also provides hydration. Most rabbits enjoy freshly-cut grass as well. Leaves from rabbit-friendly trees are also very good, as are Bramble leaves. Rabbit-friendly bark on twigs is also excellent for bunnies to nibble.

I have no experience with insurance.

Have a look at these two websites, which are excellent sources of information.

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