Feeding Rabbits
Rabbits are probably the easiest of all pets to feed. Much of the diet
can be provided at very low cost by feeding foods already in the home or
grown in the garden. All food items fall into one of three major
constituent groups: carbohydrates, proteins and fats. Carbohydrates
provide energy for muscular activity. Proteins build body tissue. Fats
store reserves of energy, insulate the body from temperature changes and
aid in the absorption of other requirements assisting in bodily
functions. These other requirements are vitamins and minerals. These arc
needed in much smaller amounts than the major foods. Without thorn,
though, an animal quickly succumbs to illness. The final dietary item is
water. Although many food sources contain water, a rabbit needs to have
fresh water available at all limes. More water is lost via perspiration,
urine and fecal waste than is provided in food. All of these nutritional
requirements are found within cereals, green foods and vegetables. If
foods are given in variety, vitamin supplements are not necessary.
Indeed, excessive use of additives can do more harm than good.
Cereal
These provide the bulk of carbohydrate content of the diet. Those most
commonly given to rabbits are whole or crushed oats, bran, maize and
barley. These are best served as a mix, with oats and bran being in the
largest ratio. Other household cereals, such as corn flakes and shredded
wheat, can be added to the mix. Bread, which has been hard baked or
toasted, can be cut into pieces and added as well.
Mash
Dry cereal moistened with hot water or milk is termed a mash. This is
appreciated as an alternative to a dry mix. It is often fed to pregnant
and lactating does. A few drops of cod liver oil ensure that there is no
shortage of vitamin C. This is particularly beneficial during the winter
months when the amounts of sunlight are at their shortest. Mashes,
however, sour quickly. Any uneaten mash should be removed once the
rabbits lose interest in it.
Pellets
Commercially prepared pellets are available. Each has its own
properties, some being laxatives, others astringents. One balances the
other if a variety offered. Other common wild plants that are safe to
feed to rabbits are clover, comfrey, thistles, plantain, shepherd's
purse, yarrow, coltsfoot, chickweed, groundsel, bramble and dock. Many
others are found in different countries. Keep in mind that rabbits do
not eat only wild plants; they are partial to certain flowers as well.
Be aware that diarrhea is easily induced in the spring by the sudden
rise in available plants. Feed plants carefully on a build-up process;
likewise, reduce as autumn approaches. Lawn trimmings are enjoyed, but
do not offer them to a rabbit if insecticides have been used.
Additionally, do not collect wild plants from areas subject to car fumes
and fouling by other animals. Remember to wash all green food before
giving them to your pets.
Poisonous Plants:
Few animals eat plants that are poisonous. However, precautions should
be taken.
Fruits and Vegetables
Most fruits and vegetables are happily received by rabbits. These can be
given, cut into cubes, as a mixed salad. Apples, grapes, pears, oranges
and strawberries are enticing. Carrots, beet root, sugar beets, swedes
and parsnip, together with root crops, can be offered.
Hay
Rabbits should be supplied with as much fresh hay as possible. Hay is
good bedding as well as good food. The quality of hay varies; that sold
in pet shops is usually excellent.
Feeding Time
Opinions differ among breeders as to whether rabbits should be fed once
or twice a day. Once in the early evening, with tidbits provided during
the day, seems to be adequate. The important thing is to establish a
regular lime of feeding.
Water
Water can be supplied in earthenware pots or gravity fed bottles.
Bottles are superior; the water cannot be spilled or fouled with urine
or droppings. Those with metal tips last longer. The bottles arc
attached to the hutch wires by metal or plastic clips. The spout goes
through the wires so the rabbit can lick at it. During freezing weather,
the tips often clog. Check the bottles regularly and maybe supply an
extra water pot in the hatch. Clean and refill the bottles daily.
Refection
Rabbits, along with hares, shrews and other herbivores, may eat their
own feces. Actually, those eaten arc not the normal feces containing
waste products of the digestive system. Rather, they are special pellets
of partially digested food. What happens is that food passes into the
stomach tor digestion. Not all the food, though, is assimilated into the
body. Some passes on through the system to the cecum. Here, bacteria act
on it and important vitamins of the B complex are synthesized. It then
passes along the colon and out through the rectum as fecal pellets.
These are re-eaten and mix with the new food intake. They probably help
start the breakdown of food, especially plant cellulose. This is because
the pellets contain bacterial enzymes. Normal fecal droppings are then
passed out.
Tidbits
Avoid feeding very sweet items, such as candy, to your pets. Tidbits
should be choice foods, like cheese, egg, raisins and the like.
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