Vegetables

[secuono]

Grass! Free and its there 3 seasons out of the year!

 

[oneacrefarm]

I have been reading where rabbits(not sure about those for meat) need at least a cup of vegetables a day . Well that can get pretty expensive around here and I had been doing that but I find my rabbit does fine without them and I have been feeding him some every now and then because he gets pellets and hay , what do you think ?

Rabbits are herbivores, not vegetarians. In the wild, they eat very little fruit or veggies. They eat grass, leaves and the like. In fact, they eat alot of things you would not think they would eat...thistles, thorny branches, bark, etc.

Actually, too much fruit or veggies is not good for them. The fruit has too much sugar and some of the veggies can cause digestive issues.

I would reserve fruit/veg as an occasional treat, not an everyday food. Pellets, hay, water and leafy greens are best.

 

[Ms. Research]

I have been reading where rabbits(not sure about those for meat) need at least a cup of vegetables a day . Well that can get pretty expensive around here and I had been doing that but I find my rabbit does fine without them and I have been feeding him some every now and then because he gets pellets and hay , what do you think ?

Rabbits are herbivores, not vegetarians. In the wild, they eat very little fruit or veggies. They eat grass, leaves and the like. In fact, they eat alot of things you would not think they would eat...thistles, thorny branches, bark, etc.

Actually, too much fruit or veggies is not good for them. The fruit has too much sugar and some of the veggies can cause digestive issues.

I would reserve fruit/veg as an occasional treat, not an everyday food. Pellets, hay, water and leafy greens are best.

Actually everything I've read from experts, vets, etc. say that vegetables are a necessity for a balanced diet for your rabbit. And I consider many leafy greens as vegetables. Regarding fruit, it can be given as a daily TREAT without harm to your rabbit. Just as long as it's a small amount and introduced slowly to your rabbit.

The domestic rabbits are now far removed from the wild rabbit. Thought hardwired on some things, their diet, due to domesticating the rabbit has changed. Though I have to say the wild rabbits did like the strawberries in my garden just like my domestic rabbits do.

Also regarding pellets, when a rabbit hits the year mark, experts, vets, etc state that you need to cut back on the pellets due to possible weight gain for your rabbit (not good for breeding does).

My rabbits are thriving on the pellets, hay, vegetables, fruits, oats and water that they get daily.

For the OP who started this thread, they are your rabbits. You feed them what you think they need. As I've done extensive research and have three "guinea pig" rabbits that I've been experimenting on with veggies and fruit, they are doing just fine.

K

 

[Mea]

What do you give them to help with their growing teeth?

K

Not quite certain about the question... A rabbit's front teeth will grow constantly thru its lifetime. A rabbit with Good teeth will keep them worn by the simple fact that they 'scissor' and wear against each other.
Maloclusion ( forgive the spelling) is anything other that the correct Bite. This can happen due to injury...breaking a front tooth thus permitting the corresponding tooth in the opposite jaw to grow with out being worn down. Heredity can also play a part in the teeth not meeting and wearing correctly. And there are some breeds that will have a period of growth when maloclusion could happen.... those usually grow out of it.

People have used hardwood branches for the animals to gnaw on to help with the wearing process. Some rabbits will need to have their teeth clipped at regular intervals.

 

[Ms. Research]

What do you give them to help with their growing teeth?

K

Not quite certain about the question... A rabbit's front teeth will grow constantly thru its lifetime. A rabbit with Good teeth will keep them worn by the simple fact that they 'scissor' and wear against each other.
Maloclusion ( forgive the spelling) is anything other that the correct Bite. This can happen due to injury...breaking a front tooth thus permitting the corresponding tooth in the opposite jaw to grow with out being worn down. Heredity can also play a part in the teeth not meeting and wearing correctly. And there are some breeds that will have a period of growth when maloclusion could happen.... those usually grow out of it.

People have used hardwood branches for the animals to gnaw on to help with the wearing process. Some rabbits will need to have their teeth clipped at regular intervals.

The question was for ibreedlionheads. Stated only fed pellets and a little hay. I was wondering what was given to help a rabbit keep their teeth trimmed naturally. But truly appreciate your input.

I am aware of the heredity part of teeth. Especially for the smaller breeds. My Rabbit Vet warned me though Kreacher had a good bite at 2 months, he wouldn't know until at least 4 months that his bite was good. Kreacher at 8 months has excellent teeth so his breeding was perfect.

Regarding having rabbit's teeth trimmed by a vet regularly, doesn't this stress out a rabbit? And isn't it better to cull a rabbit with "bad teeth" instead of allowing this trait to continue? I think going to the vet once a month to get teeth trimmed would not be a nice life for a rabbit. Plus a bit costly for an owner. But I guess it would depend on whether the rabbit was a pet. I know reading lots of info from breeders, that this trait is culled because of the stress and expense.

My rabbits have lots of hay to chew on. Plus they love toilet paper rolls stuffed with goodies and hay that helps as well. I check my rabbits bite every time I groom, and so far all is well. Good teeth.

K

 

[Mea]

Regarding having rabbit's teeth trimmed by a vet regularly, doesn't this stress out a rabbit? And isn't it better to cull a rabbit with "bad teeth" instead of allowing this trait to continue? I think going to the vet once a month to get teeth trimmed would not be a nice life for a rabbit. Plus a bit costly for an owner. But I guess it would depend on whether the rabbit was a pet. I know reading lots of info from breeders, that this trait is culled because of the stress and expense. Good teeth.

K

Culling...( removing from the herd) is an option. and if it is due to heredity... a good response.
In the case of an injury, when a temporart remedy is useful...the teeth can be clipped using (human) fingernail clippers. Rabbits do not have nerves in their front teeth, nor blood vessels... ( remember the teeth grow constantly thru their lifetime...fairly quickly too) Other than they might not appreciate the handling to get the job done... it does not 'hurt' them.
Now if someone has unlimited money to spend.... by all means pay the vet to do a two second job.

 

[Ms. Research]

Regarding having rabbit's teeth trimmed by a vet regularly, doesn't this stress out a rabbit? And isn't it better to cull a rabbit with "bad teeth" instead of allowing this trait to continue? I think going to the vet once a month to get teeth trimmed would not be a nice life for a rabbit. Plus a bit costly for an owner. But I guess it would depend on whether the rabbit was a pet. I know reading lots of info from breeders, that this trait is culled because of the stress and expense. Good teeth.

K

Culling...( removing from the herd) is an option. and if it is due to heredity... a good response.
In the case of an injury, when a temporart remedy is useful...the teeth can be clipped using (human) fingernail clippers. Rabbits do not have nerves in their front teeth, nor blood vessels... ( remember the teeth grow constantly thru their lifetime...fairly quickly too) Other than they might not appreciate the handling to get the job done... it does not 'hurt' them.
Now if someone has unlimited money to spend.... by all means pay the vet to do a two second job.

Temporary remedies are great if you know what you are doing. I wouldn't advise anyone to use fingernail clippers on the teeth of a rabbit if you don't know what you are doing. Just be cautious. Clipping fingernails are a lot different than clipping teeth.

K

 

[AZ Rabbits]

Actually everything I've read from experts, vets, etc. say that vegetables are a necessity for a balanced diet for your rabbit.

I'll be bold enough to say that those experts and vets you're hearing from are ignorant of modern day domestic rabbits. The above statement is simply false. And please understand this isn't a personal attack on you, you are going off what these people have told you. But it's just not true. And many people starting out (or even raising rabbits long term) are listening to these "experts" who don't know what they're talking about.

A domestic rabbit only needs pellets (if the pellets are good quality pellets). Then there are needs that may need to be filled based upon certain health or circumstantial needs at a specific time (health issues, nursing issues, etc). And the protein content needs may vary based upon results you are seeking. Things like Timothy Hay have benefits, but usually aren't necessary. It's an option. As are some of the other so-called necessities. Heck, just read what so-called "experts" say about salt spools. They say they are necessary for the rabbit's health. But if you find a real expert who really does know what they're talking about, they'll explain that it is a waste of space, unneeded and causes some problems with other components.

There is also wisdom in learning what certain items do for them in these special circumstances. For instance, what herbs helps the doe dry up, what helps produce milk, what can ACV do for what situations, etc... But this is more of a natural medicine than a daily diet. This is fine tuning rabbit health naturally.

The vegetables are treats and extras above and beyond what is needed. In fact, I would bet that most of the ailments associated with rabbits are from people feeding their rabbits "treats" which aren't good for their systems. They cause them to overwork, tax them and cause other problems which lead to ailments. Most have good intentions, but are often done in ignorance... well meaning ignorance.

Be cautious in feeding vegetables. Start with small amounts. Domestic rabbits are not wild rabbits. They were developed a certain way, to eat certain things and for a certain purpose. Domestic rabbits in the US are also different than rabbits other places. They have been focused and developed over generations to live, eat and breed a certain way. There is no comparison, even if they look similar.

Also, I must note that the above information is based upon raising rabbits for breeding long term for meat production. If you have a pen of rabbits you are wanting to eat and not wanting to breed or keep for very long, you can do whatever you want because the main purpose is to get them fat to eat. You must still be cautious to a certain extent, but fattening them up is different than long-term optimal health. Because if you feed them wrong, you will have negative effects on them longer-term.

Again, this isn't aimed at anyone specifically. It was just itching at me and needed to be said. Sorry if I offended.

 

[Bossroo]

I have raised thausands of rabbbits on alfalfa pellets alone at a University ( at a Veterinary Teaching Hospital School so the latest research was available to me instantly) and private settings for umty generations and years. No health problems ever. Feeding other goodies are all fine and dandy if you have the time but in a large operation just too labor intensive and costly. Alfalfa is one plant that has the most ballanced nutritional value and it's pellets are just compacted vegetation, simple as that. The hard pellets are great for keeping the evergrowing front teeth in good condition. As for trimming the curled/ long front teeth... restrain the rabbit in a box or towel with just it's head protruding so that you couldn't get scratched by it's toe nails, then use those large toenail clippers... trim away. However, do it a favor and just cull that rabbit since as the teeth grow it is unable to get proper nutrition from it being unable to eat properly which may lead to other health issues. The so called experts and /or Vets that say that rabbits need a "balanced diet" just don't know what they are talking about since they are dealing with the pet trade and have a vested interest in seperating one out of one's money.

 

[doubled]

Actually everything I've read from experts, vets, etc. say that vegetables are a necessity for a balanced diet for your rabbit.

I'll be bold enough to say that those experts and vets you're hearing from are ignorant of modern day domestic rabbits. The above statement is simply false. And please understand this isn't a personal attack on you, you are going off what these people have told you. But it's just not true. And many people starting out (or even raising rabbits long term) are listening to these "experts" who don't know what they're talking about.

A domestic rabbit only needs pellets (if the pellets are good quality pellets). Then there are needs that may need to be filled based upon certain health or circumstantial needs at a specific time (health issues, nursing issues, etc). And the protein content needs may vary based upon results you are seeking. Things like Timothy Hay have benefits, but usually aren't necessary. It's an option. As are some of the other so-called necessities. Heck, just read what so-called "experts" say about salt spools. They say they are necessary for the rabbit's health. But if you find a real expert who really does know what they're talking about, they'll explain that it is a waste of space, unneeded and causes some problems with other components.

There is also wisdom in learning what certain items do for them in these special circumstances. For instance, what herbs helps the doe dry up, what helps produce milk, what can ACV do for what situations, etc... But this is more of a natural medicine than a daily diet. This is fine tuning rabbit health naturally.

The vegetables are treats and extras above and beyond what is needed. In fact, I would bet that most of the ailments associated with rabbits are from people feeding their rabbits "treats" which aren't good for their systems. They cause them to overwork, tax them and cause other problems which lead to ailments. Most have good intentions, but are often done in ignorance... well meaning ignorance.

Be cautious in feeding vegetables. Start with small amounts. Domestic rabbits are not wild rabbits. They were developed a certain way, to eat certain things and for a certain purpose. Domestic rabbits in the US are also different than rabbits other places. They have been focused and developed over generations to live, eat and breed a certain way. There is no comparison, even if they look similar.

Also, I must note that the above information is based upon raising rabbits for breeding long term for meat production. If you have a pen of rabbits you are wanting to eat and not wanting to breed or keep for very long, you can do whatever you want because the main purpose is to get them fat to eat. You must still be cautious to a certain extent, but fattening them up is different than long-term optimal health. Because if you feed them wrong, you will have negative effects on them longer-term.

Again, this isn't aimed at anyone specifically. It was just itching at me and needed to be said. Sorry if I offended.

Amen, I agree. I was not going to chime in cause people always think I'm rideing them, but after 45 years of raising like you 1000"s of Rabbits on pellets only they have never needed anything else and DRESS OUT at 10 wks at 3 to 3 1/2 lbs, not live weight, dressed weight with minimal fat. Pellets are a complete feed, Protein-Carbs-Fiber-Minerals-Vitamins ect.