Oatmeal
- Thread starter VickieB
- Start date
animalmom
Herd Master
Okey Dokey I'll get the ball rolling.
I use regular oatmeal, not quick cooked. I think it is also called rolled oats. My understanding is some of the nutritional value is lost with the quick cooked oats, and frankly I'm cheap so my rabbits get old fashioned oatmeal from Wal-Mart.
If you have a lot of rabbits then you might want to consider getting your rolled oats from your local feed store as that would be less expensive in the long run... just keep in mind it is probably in a 50 lb bag.
So far I have a "two paws up" rating on the oatmeal from everyone. The only warning I know of regarding feeding oats to rabbits is that it does make the bun shed more, so I don't feed much oatmeal to the rabbits during cold months.
I too would be interested in other opinions.
I use regular oatmeal, not quick cooked. I think it is also called rolled oats. My understanding is some of the nutritional value is lost with the quick cooked oats, and frankly I'm cheap so my rabbits get old fashioned oatmeal from Wal-Mart.
If you have a lot of rabbits then you might want to consider getting your rolled oats from your local feed store as that would be less expensive in the long run... just keep in mind it is probably in a 50 lb bag.
So far I have a "two paws up" rating on the oatmeal from everyone. The only warning I know of regarding feeding oats to rabbits is that it does make the bun shed more, so I don't feed much oatmeal to the rabbits during cold months.
I too would be interested in other opinions.
- Thread starter
- #3
animalmom
Herd Master
Oh, heck I'm a lazy person so I just reach into the container and grab some... I suppose it is a couple tablespoons worth... less than a quarter cup.
I don't know about upping the amount in the summer since I give it as a treat/supplement. Maybe one of the folks really into the nutritional aspects could give an answer. I'll go back to my book source and re-read that as it might touch on your question.
I don't know about upping the amount in the summer since I give it as a treat/supplement. Maybe one of the folks really into the nutritional aspects could give an answer. I'll go back to my book source and re-read that as it might touch on your question.
Beachbunny
Exploring the pasture
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What animalmom said...I am cheapy/frugal at heart...I use the wallyworld brand of original old fashion oats and toss a handful in the feed bowls of all the nursing moms( start this about a week before they kindle) this is suppose to help with milk production. When the litter is about 2 weeks from being weaned I stop giving it to the moms. Everybody else gets some once a week as a treat. Seems to work as the last litter I had was 11 all lived and mom had no issues nursing everyone
animalmom
Herd Master
I looked in my reference books on rabbits to see about oatmeal. Both books say oatmeal give extra energy and both books say give a tablespoon to the pregnant does starting about a week before kindling. I didn't see any reference to promoting shedding in either book, so I don't know where I got the idea that oats will increase shedding. Bad me.
I do know that the buns seem to enjoy the oats, and I enjoy giving them a treat that is good for them.
I do know that the buns seem to enjoy the oats, and I enjoy giving them a treat that is good for them.
Sycamore27
Exploring the pasture
I feel like I've heard the shedding thing before too animalmom, so I don't think you pulled it out of nowhere. Now, no idea if where I saw it was reliable or not. I know oatmeal is good for digestion and skin, in addition to being a pretty healthy calorie booster.
A thought on original rolled versus quick oats, quick oats absorb water fast to cook fast so I would be concerned about dehydration/constipation issues with quick oats. I don't have nearly enough animals to buy a bulk bag of animal feed rolled oats, so grocery store brand original oatmeal in the large canisters is what I've done thus far. The buns like them and my quail like them too, everyone seems to be handling them great digestion wise.
Cheers,
Jessie
A thought on original rolled versus quick oats, quick oats absorb water fast to cook fast so I would be concerned about dehydration/constipation issues with quick oats. I don't have nearly enough animals to buy a bulk bag of animal feed rolled oats, so grocery store brand original oatmeal in the large canisters is what I've done thus far. The buns like them and my quail like them too, everyone seems to be handling them great digestion wise.
Cheers,
Jessie
