Feeding an expecting doe... up the protein?

[rickerra]

Hi Gang,
New rabbiteer here. Picked up my trio of 2 year olds today. Both of my does have been mated and should be on their way to kindling litters in 3-4 weeks.

The only Rabbit feed I could find was Purina Complete and Nutrena Rabbit something-or-other. Both contain 16% protein. I couldn't find anything with higher protein in it.

Thought I read that expecting and weaning does should get 18% protein? Should I look to supplement the Nutrena chow I'm feeding them? How can I easily give them a tad more protein? Or just not worry about it?

Thanks for the advice!

 

[rickerra]

As an update. I am free feeding the pellet food and giving all the fresh hay they want.

It's surprising at how much the does just chow through that hay. There is a lot of green in the hay... I'm guessing alfalfa... so they should be getting enough protein.

2-3 weeks to go...

Cheers!

 

[RAL Rabbitry]

It depends on the breed but most does should not be fed more than what they were eating before they were bred especially if they are a smaller breed. A smaller breed sometimes has smaller litters and the kits get too big if the doe is free fed. They also put on too much weight being free fed and can have kindling issues.

If your pellets are alfalfa based I would not give them alfalfa hay as well.

 

[hoodat]

Most of the commercial operations just go 16 all the way so that's what I do also. They seem to get along on it fine.

 

[rickerra]

Most of the commercial operations just go 16 all the way so that's what I do also. They seem to get along on it fine.

That's reassuring. My does seem to be doing fine with 16% pellets and lots of hay. One had a nice litter of 8... and the other is doing the nesting dance and expecting soon.

Cheers!

 

[chickenrunnin]

I supplement my preg/nursing and babies with mannapro.. they get a small handful mixed in with their regular food. Since doing this they have become glossier, nicer babies, moms healthy and dont lose shine. I feel its like us taking a mulitviatimin daily.