What food?

[oneacrefarm]

Hi, I am new to this forum and very new to show bunnies. We just purchased our first 2 show bunnies this weekend. We will just be participating in Breeding; but we do not know what to feed or how to feed, etc. The breeder was feeding Petrus; however, it's not sold in our area. Is there anything that would be a good substitute or a different type of feed we should try? Also, are there any supplements we need to begin adding or anything else we should know! Any help you can offer will be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Hi and Welcome! Depending on what part of the country you are in, there are many quality feeds. What you want to look for is an alfalfa based pellet with at least 16% protein, a good grass hay (like timothy or coastal) and lots of fresh clean water. I also highly recommend that you join ARBA. You will find a world of information and they will send you a book that has lots of good information. You can also get Bob Bennett's book, Storey's Guide to Raising Rabbits.

Here is a link to a pretty good electronic book put out by FAO (Food and Agriculture Org. of the UN.)

Good luck and stay connected!

 

[AZ Rabbits]

I wasn't aware of the nesting box, it that just a small box for them to lay in?

A nesting box is what they have their kits in. On day 28 after breeding, put the nest box in the cage with bedding in it (I use Timothy Hay). On about day 31, she has the kits. I take the nest box out of the cage when the kits are 3 weeks old. Then repeat the cycle the next breeding.

 

[Ms. Research]

Actually, alfalfa should be the basis of the protein in their diet. Maybe what she meant was Timothy HAY and not Alfalfa hay. If you feed a good alfalfa based pellet, then add alfalfa hay, it will be too much protein for them. Most rabbit breeders use an alfalfa based pellet and a good grass hay, like Timothy to add fiber.

I use a Timothy Hay Based pellett as I was told that once they hit 8 months, it would be wise to switch due to weight issues. That's why I stayed, like my breeder, with Timothy Hay pellets. I did give my two rabbits alfalfa HAY for a time to put the weight on. Wheat grass helped too. Once they hit 3 months, timothy based pellet and timothy HAY.

Also my Rabbit vet concurred that it would be wise to not go alfalfa based pellets and stay with timothy hay based pellets. Rabbits love the sweets and it's tough switching. So why deal with the hassle. If I have kits, I plan to continue what I'm doing. But make sure kits and Mom get alfalfa hay instead of Timothy hay which the boys will continue get. Don't want them to get fat either.

K

 

[AZ Rabbits]

I remember reading somewhere certain types of pellets are better than others. I can't find it again, so thought I'd just ask. What pellet does everyone feed their rabbits? The feed stores closest to me sell nutrena, I use it for my birds. Is it's rabbit food ok?

Most all commercial rabbitries feed 16% alfalfa hay based pellets and not a thing more. They don't need anything else unless the rabbit has special needs. If you supplement it with something else, that is above and beyond their basic needs.

As to what kind, they all use different kinds. I find that shorter pellets have less waste under the feeder. Some don't like corn-based pellets. Some breeds do better with one brand than another. Get what is available in your area and monitor the health of your rabbits. If switching feed, do slowly (25/75% - 50/50% - 75/25% - 100% etc). Otherwise they might get diarrhea or temporary discomforts.

 

[terri9630]

Oh thank you. I'll have to see if we have Star Milling in our area. A friend who knows more about rabbits than we do, also suggested that we need to put more cover on our bunny, over his back. Is there a specific supplement for cover? We have been showing pigs and there is a different supplement for everything; so I wasn't sure if it was the same for rabbits. And at the risk of sounding silly; what is Timothy Hay. I have Alfalfa and Coastal Hay on hand for the horses and goats. Also, I did give him a piece of wood to chew on, but I wasn't aware of the nesting box, it that just a small box for them to lay in?

We have alfalfa for the horses so that's what the rabbits get too. The nest box is for the doe when its tome for them to have their babies.

 

[Ms. Research]

I keep forgetting the commercial side, sorry. Alfalfa pellets put the weight on that is needed for processing commercial rabbits.

I on the other hand have pets/show. Completely different than commercial.

So I have to watch the intake of my rabbits so they don't get obese and suffer in their older age. Rabbits due tend to get arthritis.

So if I upset anyone, I am sorry.

Timothy based pellets are just as good as alfalfa based pellets. It all depends on what your need of the rabbit is.

K

 

[AZ Rabbits]

It all depends on what your need of the rabbit is.

Very true!

 

[oneacrefarm]

I keep forgetting the commercial side, sorry. Alfalfa pellets put the weight on that is needed for processing commercial rabbits.

I on the other hand have pets/show. Completely different than commercial.

So I have to watch the intake of my rabbits so they don't get obese and suffer in their older age. Rabbits due tend to get arthritis.

So if I upset anyone, I am sorry.

Timothy based pellets are just as good as alfalfa based pellets. It all depends on what your need of the rabbit is.

K

No offense taken! But, keep in mind that people DO show many "commercial" types of rabbits, like Californian, NZW or Standard Rex. Actually, you are the first person I have met/heard that feeds a Timothy based pellet. It could be that the specific breed you are raising has weight issues and therefore needs Timothy pellets.

 

[Ms. Research]

I keep forgetting the commercial side, sorry. Alfalfa pellets put the weight on that is needed for processing commercial rabbits.

I on the other hand have pets/show. Completely different than commercial.

So I have to watch the intake of my rabbits so they don't get obese and suffer in their older age. Rabbits due tend to get arthritis.

So if I upset anyone, I am sorry.

Timothy based pellets are just as good as alfalfa based pellets. It all depends on what your need of the rabbit is.

K

No offense taken! But, keep in mind that people DO show many "commercial" types of rabbits, like Californian, NZW or Standard Rex. Actually, you are the first person I have met/heard that feeds a Timothy based pellet. It could be that the specific breed you are raising has weight issues and therefore needs Timothy pellets.

Yep, I have smaller rabbits ranging from 2 to 4 lbs. When researching, I've read that at 8 months if feeding alfalfa pellets, you must switch to timothy based pellet so there is no problems with obesity. So why feed alfalfa pellets if you can supply timothy based pellets with alfalfa HAY for a few months which I did for weight gain and muscle tone? It really worked well for me. I have no fat rabbits. All very healthy, coats shiny and full.

K

 

[2seth2]

I use Bar Ale rabbit pellets but yours sound fine You should switch from alfalfa to timoty it is better for them