Can Rabbits Eat Millet Spray? Top Answer Update

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All wild rabbits possess individual tastes, including individuals of the 13 cottontail species. But many cottontails will eat bird seed like sunflower seeds, which are loaded with nutritious oil. If a homeowner does not clean up spilled bird seed, cottontails and other wild animals will be attracted to sprouting seed as well as the seeds themselves.

Function Cottontails feed by foraging or eating a little of whatever plant material they can get their hands on, including grasses, flowers, leaves, bark, vegetables, fruits, sprouts, and even wicker baskets. But they generally prefer fruits, vegetables, and fresh flowers to seeds. Favorite foods are dandelions, clover, goldenrod, grapes and apples. Wild rabbits will eat as fast as they can of any food source they can find to store fat for lean times. All wild rabbits possess individual tastes, including individuals of the 13 cottontail species.

But many cottontails will eat bird seed like sunflower seeds, which are loaded with nutritious oil.

Problems In addition to eating spilled bird seed, cottontail rabbits will also eat fresh seeds from tables set for ground-eating birds such as pigeons and quail. Rabbits may eat so much bird seed that the birds don’t get any. Cottontails also damage yards and gardens by eating any greenery, including stripping the bark off trees. Snakes, coyotes, owls, hawks, crows, raccoons, and foxes prey on adult and young cottontails. You enter a yard or garden where wild rabbits live to hunt them, and some of these predators, like hawks, also hunt birds.

Exclusion Discourage cottontail rabbits from making a home in a yard or garden by daily cleaning up spilled bird seed, mowing lawns to shorten the grass for the rabbits to hide in, and fencing around bird feeders set up near the ground. The Squirrel Wars book recommends using a chain link or hard wire fence that is at least 2 feet high and driven at least 6 inches below the ground. If the fence is not placed that deep underground, cottontail rabbits will dig under fences for treats such as sunflower seeds. Use 1/4-inch or smaller mesh, notes Mass Audubon, the Massachusetts chapter of the Audubon Society. Cottontail rabbits not only eat spilled bird seed, but also fresh seeds from tables set for ground-eating birds like pigeons and quail.

If the fence is not placed that deep underground, cottontail rabbits will dig under fences for treats such as sunflower seeds.

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In the wild, all hamster species will eat a variety of seeds, plants, and insects, and the bulk of your hamster’s diet should consist of a good quality hamster mix. As with humans, foods with lots of artificial colors and additives are not good for your hamster.

Your hamster can be fed a variety of fruits and vegetables. You can give your hamster a small piece of fruit or vegetables daily, but do not give them citrus fruits or onions as these foods are very acidic and will give your pet an upset stomach. Instead, take a look at the list below and see how much variety you can give your hamster! All fruits and vegetables that you offer your hamster should be washed well to remove any dirt or pesticide residue, drain away excess water, and present the treats to your pet.

Grapes

melon

Kale

cucumber

Sweet corn/corn on the cob

Peas

carrots

Apple

banana

celery

grass

broccoli

cauliflower and cauliflower greens

dandelion leaves

bean sprouts

As previously mentioned, your hamster would also eat insects if they lived in the wild. You can provide the protein your hamster needs by feeding your pet any of the following foods.

Dry cat food (kitten dry is ideal)

Boiled chicken or turkey

Crickets or mealworms (live, canned, or freeze-dried)

Scrambled or boiled egg

Hamsters can also get millet spray and all hamsters, especially the dwarf hamsters, will happily eat small birdseed such as foreign finch mix, mixed millet, flaxseed and budgie tonic seeds. Try mixing a little into your pet’s hamster mix. Other foods your hamster will enjoy are cooked rice, cooked pasta, cooked potatoes, and porridge. A dog biscuit (like Biscrok or Bonio) will help keep your hamster’s teeth groomed, or a piece of squid will do the trick.

It’s important not to give your hamster any sticky treats like chocolate or candy. Chocolate is very toxic to many animals and sticky foods, especially those that melt, get stuck in your hamster’s cheek pouches. If you want to treat your hamster to something special, why not try one of the following foods – hamsters love them!!

Rabbits love sunflower seeds with black oil (BOSS). They are a great winter tonic! I only feed my rabbits BOSS during the cooler months as it is a high calorie, high fat and “hot” food. So it keeps you warm and shiny, ideal for a dry winter coat. This helps by getting the oil back into their coats.

I’m talking about the black oil sunflower seeds, not the striped seeds. The striped seeds have thicker, tougher shells. Black oilseeds have thinner husks and are more nutritious. Black oil sunflower seeds are high in protein, rich in vitamin E, linoleic acid and a good source of fiber. Rabbits benefit from this snack seed as a high source of energy in cold temperatures.

I do not recommend using BOSS during the heat of summer (June, July, and August here in Maine, it may take longer in your area). I have a feeling that if fed in hot weather they cause more hair loss and can cause intestinal problems from hair blockage. But if you have a rabbit that is in a molt then this is a great additive to add to your rabbit diet. By adding the extra calories and protein, they’ll inflate their coat and get new growth. Overfeeding or overfeeding BOSS can also trigger a molt in rabbits, so feed in moderation. This is used as a tonic, not a feed!

Here are the general nutritional components of black oil sunflower seeds, I’ve also listed some of the benefits of each alongside the article

28 Percent Fat – Fat in rabbit diets serves as a source of energy and helps absorb fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K). It also adds shine and shine to the coat and helps slow down shedding.

25 percent fiber – This helps meet a rabbit’s mass and feed requirements and also promotes a healthy gut.

15 Percent Protein – Protein is needed for growth, disease resistance, milk production, general health, and reproduction.

Calcium – Calcium plays a key role in bodily processes such as heart function, muscle contraction, clotting and levels of electrolytes in the blood. But you don’t want excess calcium in a rabbit’s diet as it can lead to urinary problems.

B Vitamins – A rabbit produces its own B vitamin through bacteria in the rabbit’s hindgut, whose needs are met by caecotrophy. So B is not very important for a pet rabbit.

Iron-

Vitamin E – helps remove toxins from your rabbit’s body, this helps maintain the immune system.

Potassium – Rabbits need this when they are sick as they lose potassium through watery feces.

Feeding BOSS Rabbits – Rabbits should only be fed BOSS as a condition mix or tonic treat, 6 seeds per rabbit head in the feed hopper or pot will do! DO NOT OVERFEED! You don’t want fat lazy rabbits. Food with the shells on is good extra fiber for the rabbit’s digestive tract. Some show breeders feed BOSS as a daily conditioner a week before a show. I don’t think you should add them to a large feed bag as you cannot control the amount of BOSS each of your rabbits consumes. Black oil sunflower seeds are not a complete food source for your rabbit as they contain few of the necessary nutrients your rabbit needs. These should only be offered as part of a rabbit’s diet, not as the sole source of food.

Vitamins A and E are susceptible to poor or prolonged storage in feed. Both vitamins are needed for rabbits to be ready and able to breed. Instead of increasing the pellets, I suggest feeding about a tablespoon of black oil sunflower seeds for vitamin E and a good handful of dark leafy greens (dandelion, plantain, raspberry, and kale are fine) for vitamin A. If the rabbits have never had these greens, start with just a few leaves and work your way up to help those unwilling females.

One thing I like about BOSS is that even rabbits that “have nothing to eat” will nibble on them. When I got my first Angoras many years ago I tried adding BOSS to their diet and the results could be seen in coat growth and quality. I can only assume it came from higher protein foods. Fur growth in Angoras or other woolly breeds uses a lot of protein to maintain fiber growth. A little more to burn makes the fiber thick, dense and soft.

BENEFITS – They are packed with nutrients, amino acids and calories, making them a great supplement for almost any rabbit to some extent. They also help with shiny fur. The side effect is the voluntary sunflowers that sprout. I grew some this summer (will be growing a plot in 2013) and saved the seed heads, then grew the plant and gave the rabbits a green treat in the cages. Not only did they eat the leaves, they also gnawed at the stems until it was all gone!

CONS – Not too much, but potentially too much protein and calories which can cause heat issues in the summer months. Overfeeding too often can lead to weight gain and shedding problems. I believe that the positive aspects of BOSS outweigh the negative ones. Be sure to feed them clams, as they add the necessary fiber and are easy for rabbits to chew through. Black oil sunflower seeds often encourage your rabbit to gain weight due to their high fat content. This extra body weight helps rabbits maintain their body temperature through the winter, fall, and spring months. Your rabbit may not need to maintain as much body heat during the summer months. Therefore, consider reducing the amount of black oil sunflower seeds your rabbit eats during these months.

I hope this answers any questions you may have about feeding BOSS to your rabbits. If anyone has other ideas or questions, please post in the comments section. Will be working on a rabbit conditioning mix post and BOSS is involved with this mix. Also, if there are any requests for new posts and ideas, email me and let me know! JOIN THE RABBIT REVOLUTION! Like us on Facebook and subscribe to receive updates as they are released.

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If wild rabbits have ever made their way into your garden, you’ll know that bunnies can develop quite a fondness for the flowers you’ve been growing for months.

But what about pet rabbits? Are Flowers Safe for Rabbits to Eat?

The answer: yes and no. Some flowers, like daisies and sunflowers, are perfectly safe for rabbits. Unfortunately, there are many other popular flowers and plants that are poisonous to rabbits, including lilies and rhododendrons.

With that in mind, it’s important to know exactly what flowers are growing in your yard before releasing your rabbit into your yard.

Why do rabbits chew flowers?

You feed your rabbit a balanced diet of hay, leafy greens and pellets, so why does it feel the need to chew anything it finds?

Well, your rabbit’s teeth will continue to grow throughout its life. Chewing helps shorten teeth and maintain proper dental health, so it’s a necessary and highly satisfying behavior for your pet.

And eating flowers can also be a rewarding pastime for your furry friend. There are many common flowers that rabbits find delicious. So don’t be surprised if your rabbit tries to look for a tasty snack in your garden.

However, not all flowers and plants are safe for rabbits — some are even highly toxic — so it’s important to be aware of which flowers rabbits may eat.

Let’s take a closer look at some popular types of flowers to find out if they’re safe for your pet to nibble on.

Can rabbits eat roses?

The world’s most famous flower is a popular choice with gardeners around the world, and it’s perfectly safe for your rabbit to eat, too. Rabbits can eat rose petals and all parts of the rose bush. So if you have a rose garden that you want to keep pristine, keep your rabbit away from it.

Can Rabbits Eat Marigolds?

It depends on the type of marigold. Marigolds are considered harmless to rabbits, so it’s okay for your rabbit to eat these brightly colored flowers. However, some sources list French and African marigolds as unsafe for rabbits, so it’s best to stay away from these varieties.

Can rabbits eat daisies?

Yes. Daisies are regularly listed as safe flowers for bunnies. So if you catch your bunny nibbling on a daisy or two while you’re exploring your garden, don’t worry.

Can rabbits eat dandelions?

Most people mistake dandelions for a weed, but did you know that many parts of the dandelion plant are used in herbal medicine and cooking?

Dandelion flowers are just as safe for your rabbit as the leaves. In fact, many rabbits seem to love the taste of dandelions, so don’t worry if your rabbit starts munching on one of these pretty little flowers.

Can rabbits eat sunflowers?

Many avid gardeners will attest that sunflowers are a common target for wild rabbits, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise to find out that these gorgeous yellow flowers are safe for your pet. However, it is best not to give your rabbit sunflower seeds – seeds of any kind can be difficult for your rabbit to digest and should therefore never be included in your rabbit’s diet.

Can rabbits eat lavender?

Pretty and fragrant, lavender is used in humans to relieve anxiety, stress, and more. Luckily, it’s also a safe herb for your lovely bunny to munch on as it’s non-toxic to bunnies.

However, not all rabbits like the taste and smell of lavender, so don’t be surprised if your pet turns up their nose at this special garden treat.

Can Rabbits Eat Pansies?

With compact plants and flowers in a huge range of colours, pansies are a popular garden addition in many countries. They’re also a favorite snack for wild rabbits, and another flower your domesticated bunny will enjoy eating.

Can rabbits eat cloves?

no Carnations are poisonous to rabbits, so never let your rabbit nibble on one of these beautiful flowers. And if you insist on planting some carnations in your yard, be sure to keep your pet away from the area.

Can Rabbits Eat Petunias?

Petunias are easy-care plants that bear flowers in a wide variety of colors and are much loved by garden lovers around the world. And if your bunny gets a chance to graze in your yard, there’s a good chance he’ll love nibbling on petunia leaves.

Fortunately, petunias are perfectly safe for rabbits.

Can rabbits eat buttercups?

If you have buttercups growing in your garden, make sure your rabbit doesn’t get a chance to eat them. Buttercups regularly feature on lists of plants poisonous to rabbits, so don’t let your pet chew on them.

While some sources suggest that small amounts of buttercups in dried hay won’t harm your rabbit, the safest option is to avoid these particular flowers altogether.

List of flowers poisonous to rabbits

There are some flowers that are poisonous to rabbits or unsafe for bunnies to eat. Flowers that rabbits should never eat include:

azaleas

bluebells

buttercups

cloves

chrysanthemums

daffodils

thimble

geraniums

hydrangeas

irises

lilies

poppies

Rhododendrons

tulips

Note, however, that this is not an exhaustive list of flowers that are unsafe for rabbits. If you have any doubts about whether a particular flower is right for your pet, it is safest not to feed it to your rabbit.

Finally, please note that you should never give your bunny flowers that have been treated with pesticides as the nasty chemicals they contain can be harmful to bunnies. Therefore, you should never let your rabbit eat flowers or plants that you bought from a florist.

What should I do if my rabbit eats a poisonous plant?

If you’re at all worried that your rabbit has eaten something toxic, the safest thing you can do is to see a veterinarian right away. Your veterinarian can then assess your rabbit and determine whether or not it needs treatment.

The good news is that in many cases if your rabbit has a small nibble on some of the flowers that are listed as unsafe for rabbits, it is unlikely to cause them any major harm. However, it’s better to be safe than sorry, so don’t hesitate to take your bun to the vet if you’re concerned.

How do I stop rabbits from eating my flowers?

If you want to prevent your bunny or wild rabbits from eating your flowers, there are a few different strategies you can try. One is to plant your garden with varieties that are commonly classified as rabbit repellent; However, these do not necessarily repel all wild rabbits.

You can also find a range of taste preservers at gardening stores, or you may want to try making your own recipe at home (using rabbit-safe ingredients only, of course). However, these repellents need to be reapplied periodically.

This leaves one remaining option as the safest bet: restricting your rabbit’s access to certain areas of the yard altogether. If there are certain flowers in your yard that you don’t want your pet to get to, build a fence to keep them out. Alternatively, you can supervise them closely whenever they’re allowed to explore, and redirect them to safer chewing options when they start targeting your beloved flowers.

Final Thoughts

Rabbits can eat some flowers, and there are several common types of flowers that they can safely consume. However, there are also many flowers and plants that are dangerous and even poisonous to bunnies, so make sure you are aware of everything growing in your garden before you let your bunny go foraging.

Rabbits are herbivores (plant eaters) and are considered grazers because they eat continuously. They have a complex digestive system and are very efficient at processing food. They also have very specific dietary needs. If you introduce new food too quickly or feed an inappropriate choice of food, the rabbit’s normal digestive flora (normal bacteria) will be disrupted, gas and toxin producing bacteria can overgrow and the rabbit can become very ill and possibly die.

What do rabbits eat?

Rabbits should be fed primarily hay, a smaller amount of fresh vegetables, and a limited number of pellets on a daily basis. Hay is the most important part of a rabbit’s daily intake. Unlimited, high-quality grass hay, such as timothy, orchard, or brome, should make up the majority of a rabbit’s diet. Grass hay is high in fiber, which is vital to maintaining a rabbit’s healthy digestive tract. While young, growing rabbits can eat any type of grass hay, alfalfa hay is not recommended for adult rabbits as it is too high in protein and too high in calcium.

Timothy pellets may be offered at approximately 1/8-1/4 cup per 5 lbs (2.25 kg) of body weight. Overfeeding pellets to adult rabbits is a common cause of obesity and loose stools (caused by an overgrowth of abnormal bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract) because pellets are generally low in fiber and high in carbohydrates. In addition to hay, wild rabbits eat many other fresh plants.

A pet rabbit’s diet should be supplemented with a variety of green leafy vegetables each day. Rabbits can eat as many vegetables as they want each day, as long as they don’t get diarrhea and as long as the vegetables aren’t as high in carbohydrates as carrots and potatoes. Variety is important. Introduce new vegetables slowly and in small amounts, watching for loose stools, diarrhea, or signs of gas.

“Carrots should be fed sparingly as they are very high in carbohydrates and can disrupt GI bacterial flora.”

Especially good veggies are dark leafy greens like romaine lettuce, bok choy, mustard greens, carrot tops, cilantro, watercress, basil, turnip greens, beet greens, broccoli greens, and cilantro.

Some leafy greens, such as collards and dandelions, parsley, kale, Swiss chard, and escarole, should be fed in limited amounts because they are high in calcium and if fed in excess can contribute to the formation of calcium-based bladder stones. Other acceptable vegetables include broccoli, green peppers, Brussels sprouts, endive, wheatgrass, radicchio, and squash. Iceberg lettuce or lettuce should not be fed as it is mostly water and low in nutrients.

Carrots should be fed sparingly as they are very high in carbohydrates and can disrupt GI bacterial flora. A small amount of many different vegetables is much better than a large amount of one food.

Young rabbits less than 7-8 months old should be fed a choice of alfalfa pellets and alfalfa hay; They need the extra protein and calcium as they grow. You can also have a variety of vegetables. At around 7 months they will need to be switched to an adult diet as described above as their growth slows.

How often should I feed my rabbit?

Rabbits should be fed and given fresh water daily; Hay should always be available. As a nibbler, they should have food available at all times.

Do I need to give my rabbit vitamins?

No, rabbits do not need any additional vitamins. All you need is a varied, high-fiber diet.

Can I offer treats to my rabbit?

Yes, but first check with your veterinarian about the types of treats that are recommended. Rabbits can certainly become overweight if fed an abundance of high-calorie treats. Biscuits, nuts, seeds, grains and bread should not be fed to rabbits.

“Cookies, nuts, seeds, grains and bread should not be fed to rabbits.”

Fruit can be fed in very limited amounts – no more than 1-2 tablespoons of high-fiber fresh fruit (like apple, pear, or berries) every 1-2 days. The high sugar content in fruits (and even carrots) can disrupt the normal bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract when given in excess.

How much water do rabbits need?

Fresh water should be available 24 hours a day. Some rabbits prefer water bowls and others prefer drinking bottles. If you offer water in a drinking bottle, be sure to check for clogs and fill with clean water daily. If you offer your rabbit water in a bowl, make sure the rabbit doesn’t spill it in their cage or mess it up with feces.

Is there anything else I should know?

Rabbits need to chew to keep their continuously growing teeth healthy. Chew toys should always be available; Hard wooden chew toys (blocks and sticks) and cardboard are best.

“Rabbits engage in coprophagy, which means they eat their own feces.”

Rabbits engage in coprophagy, which means they eat their own feces. This happens at night, and these fecal pellets are different from those normally passed and seen by owners. They are called cecotropes, cecal feces, nocturnal feces, or night feces. They are usually small, soft or pasty, darker in color, and have a strong fermented or sweet odor. These pellets serve as a rich source of nutrients for the rabbit, particularly protein and vitamins B and K. Most owners never observe this behavior as it occurs in the early hours of the morning. In this case, remember that this is normal and necessary for your rabbit’s health.

March 17, 2017 by Katherine Sullivan Last updated October 14, 2019. Published by

Rabbits have a specialized digestive system. Their unique ability to process fiber and nutrients makes them adaptable to many different environments, but their unique digestive system means their guardians have to be extra careful when feeding them.

A number of foods can upset rabbits’ digestion and harm their health. There are also a few foods – some of which are surprising – that are potentially toxic to them. Check out our list of 15 foods you should never feed your rabbit:

1. Yoghurt drops

According to Rabbit.org, research suggests that yogurt candy can contribute to fatal cases of enterotoxemia, “a toxic overgrowth of ‘bad’ bacteria in the intestinal tract.” If you’re looking for a healthy treat to feed your rabbit, try green peppers or Brussels sprouts.

2. Bread, pasta, cookies and crackers

These high-carb, sugary treats will really only “treat” your rabbit’s stomach problems. Avoid foods high in sugar or artificial ingredients as these — like yogurt candy — can potentially lead to enterotoxemia.

3. Avocado

When you think of ideal rabbit snacks, chances are fresh fruits and vegetables come to mind. However, avocados should never be included in your rabbit’s diet. According to Small Pet Select, this fatty fruit can be fatal if ingested by a rabbit.

© iStock.com/Zelenenka

4. Grain

Feeding your rabbit grains — such as granola, a processed food made from flaked corn, peas, pellets, grains, and seeds — can cause dental and stomach problems.

5. Iceberg lettuce

This may come as a shock, but you should avoid feeding your rabbit light-colored lettuce, including iceberg, as this may contain lactucarium, a chemical that can be harmful to your rabbit’s health if ingested. Iceberg lettuce is also mostly water and adds little to no nutrients to a diet.

6. Silver Beet

Like iceberg lettuce, silver beet — sometimes referred to as Swiss chard — is another leafy green that your rabbit should avoid. According to a veterinary center in New Zealand, the vegetables can cause your rabbit to suffer from colic and bloating and should be replaced with fibre-rich fruits, vegetables and herbs. Radishes, alfalfa, and rosemary are great options.

7. Hamster food

We get it. You may have more than one animal companion, and perhaps you were hoping to feed two birds with one hand, so to speak. But while rabbits need a special high-fiber diet — think high-quality timothy hay, fresh vegetables, and herbs — hamster food will do little to nothing for your rabbit’s diet.

8. Walnuts

Walnuts are high in fat, not fiber, which can cause uncomfortable digestive upsets in your rabbit. If you’re looking for a healthy snack to feed your rabbit, try fresh vegetables or herbs.

9. Oatmeal

While feeding rabbits oatmeal won’t do them much harm, it’s not an ideal meal. Rabbits need large amounts of timothy hay, hearty vegetables and fresh water – oatmeal does nothing to improve their nutritious diet.

10. Chocolate

Chocolate is an absolute taboo for bunnies. As with companion dogs, chocolate has no place in your rabbit’s diet. The sweet treat can be toxic to rabbits and should never be fed to them.

11. Peanut Butter

Like walnuts, peanut butter — which is also high in fat — should be avoided. The creamy snack will do nothing for rabbits except possibly give them a tummy ache.

12. Potatoes

Although potatoes do not necessarily poison rabbits, this man-loved vegetable is not ideal for them. Potatoes are high in carbohydrates and starches, both of which can cause problems for your rabbit’s digestive system.

13. Rhubarb

This common garden plant can be poisonous to animals if eaten raw. If a rabbit eats raw rhubarb, it could die, although this is rare, according to the RSPCA.

14. Meat

Some of you are probably wondering, “Seriously?” We’re just making sure we cover all our bases! Rabbits are herbivores, which means they eat plants. Wild rabbits wouldn’t eat meat, and neither should your domesticated housemate.

15. Cauliflower

Cauliflower is a vegetable, so it would make a perfect healthy snack for your bunny, right? Surprisingly no. Although vegetables are an ideal complement to the high-fiber hay required to feed rabbits, cauliflower causes rabbits to become bloated and gassy. If you want to give your rabbit fresh vegetables to nibble on, consider green peppers, beets, or radishes.

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Grain refers to the edible parts of the grain. The most commonly grown grains include wheat, corn, barley, rice, oats, millet, rye and sorghum. Then we incorporated cereals like frosted flakes, fruit bows and lucky charms. But are these cereals safe for rabbits?

In very small amounts, unsweetened dry cereal is safe for most rabbits. In the wild, rabbits do not typically eat large amounts of grain, except at certain times of the year when fresh foliage is scarce. Rabbits under 12 weeks old or who are overweight due to their high carbohydrate content should never be fed muesli.

If your rabbit has digestive problems, avoid feeding them processed and unprocessed grain treats. Rabbits with digestive problems cannot digest and absorb the starch in their intestines. Too much starch can lead to health problems like GI stasis and enterotoxemia.

Can I feed my rabbit dry grain?

Dry grain can be fed to rabbits. However, rabbits are not allowed to eat cereal with milk, nor should they ever be given a whole bowl of cereal. There are some precursors to feeding rabbits dry grain. These include:

Rabbits should never be fed dry grains that are high in sugar. These include Fruit Loops, Lucky Charms, Frosted Flakes, Trix, Granola, and Honey Bunches of Oats.

You must avoid giving your rabbits dry grains with nuts. Nuts are high in fat and carbohydrates, which can lead to obesity, heart problems, digestive problems, diarrhea, gastrointestinal stasis, and enterotoxemia.

Grain treats considered safe for rabbits include:

Oatmeal, bran flakes or barley

Minimally processed grain

Whole grains with no added sugar (such as shredded wheat, rice krispies, corn flakes, and corn chex)

Dried whole grain crackers

How much grain can a rabbit eat?

Cereals and grains are classified as treats for rabbits. Rabbit treats should be portioned to avoid unhealthy weight gain and health problems.

As long as your rabbit is healthy and receiving a nutrient-dense diet of high-quality grass hay, an occasional granola treat won’t hurt.

In general, rabbits should eat no more than 1/2 teaspoon of grain treats per pound of their body weight per day.

If you are unsure of the correct serving size of muesli for your rabbit, the table below should help:

Cereal Treat Dwarf Rabbit (approx. 3 lbs.) Medium Rabbit (approx. 6 lbs.) Large Rabbit (10 lbs. or more) Shredded Wheat 1 piece 2 pieces 4 pieces Cheerios 3 pieces 6 pieces 10 pieces Rice Crispies 1 tsp. 2 TEA SPOONS. 4 tsp. Chex types 2pcs 4pcs 6pcs

Keep in mind that the above are just occasional treats. While it’s fine to feed a 3-pound dwarf rabbit 1 piece of grated wheat every day, it’s much healthier to add different treats (e.g. pieces of fruit) rather than sticking to one variety.

Rabbits have a delicate digestive tract that cannot process starchy and sugary foods. Overloading a rabbit’s system with high-carbohydrate food quickly leads to problems associated with poor digestion, such as: B. soft droppings, diarrhea, flatulence or abdominal pain.

Eating large amounts of grain-based foods also typically results in GI stasis and post-indigestion dysbiosis in rabbits. As such, it’s best to keep muesli away from your rabbit if they have frequent digestive problems.

Can rabbits eat oatmeal?

Oats come from oat grain, a cereal grass. Oats are non-toxic to rabbits and can be given to rabbits as an occasional treat.

Don’t rush to fill your rabbit’s bowl with oatmeal, however, as rabbit oatmeal is not without health problems.

Do not cook oatmeal for rabbits

Rabbits have a different digestive tract than humans. As such, it’s best not to feed them any cooked meals, including cooked oatmeal. However, a little won’t harm your rabbit.

Feeding your rabbit raw oatmeal is much better than regular oatmeal for two main reasons:

Cooked oatmeal is easier to digest in a rabbit’s stomach. This raises insulin levels much faster, leading to weight gain and related problems. Cooked oatmeal is also more likely to cause digestive problems.

You’re less likely to overfeed uncooked oatmeal.

Uncooked oatmeal requires much more chewing than cooked oatmeal, which can be swallowed virtually without being processed in the mouth. Chewing allows rabbits to file their ever-growing teeth and keep their dentition in good shape.

In addition, raw oats are closer to what rabbits eat in the wild. According to Michigan State University, rabbits eat a variety of vegetables, grains, roots, and fiber to get all the nutrients they need.

This is especially the case during the dry or winter season when rabbits are less likely to find grass or leafy greens for food.

Nutrients in dry cereals

Cereals (½ cup, dry) Fiber (g) Protein (g) Fat (g) Carbohydrate (g) Vitamins and Minerals Cheerios 1.5 1.5 1 10 Vitamins A, B, C and D Folate, Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin , Vitamin B6 & Vitamin B12 Calcium, Iron, Potassium & Zinc Wheatmeal (2 biscuits) 6 5 1 38 Vitamin D, Thiamine, Folic Acid, Riboflavin & Niacin Iron, Calcium, Zinc, Phosphorus and Magnesium Rolled Oats 4 5.9 3.6 28 Ferulic acid, iron, magnesium, vitamin B1, zinc and phosphorus Bran flakes 4 2.1 0.48 18 vitamins A & C, iron, potassium and calcium Corn flakes without sugar 0.4 0.83 0.06 10.87 vitamins A & C, iron and calcium

Health Benefits of Grains for Rabbits

Unsweetened and unflavored dry cereal is an acceptable treat for rabbits. The key is to practice portion control and mix it up with other treats throughout the week.

Grains are a decent source of protein needed for growth and development. It also contains some fiber, which can help bulk up stools and improve your rabbit’s overall gut health. Dry cereal also offers:

Vitamin A. Helps maintain healthy bones and teeth in rabbits and promotes skin and eye health.

Helps maintain healthy bones and teeth in rabbits and promotes skin and eye health. Vitamin B-6. According to the Journal of Nutrition, a deficiency in vitamin B-6 can cause scaly skin, decrease growth rate, and contribute to mild anemia and cramps. In severe cases, rabbits can also experience a sudden paralytic collapse.

Accordingly, a lack of vitamin B-6 can cause scaly skin, slow growth rate and contribute to mild anemia and cramps. In severe cases, rabbits can also experience a sudden paralytic collapse. Vitamin B-9 (folic acid). A study in the Tohoku Journal of Experimental Medicine confirms that rabbits need folic acid for their health. Folic acid also lowers the risk of heart disease.

A study confirms that rabbits need folic acid for their health. Folic acid also lowers the risk of heart disease. Iron. Transports oxygen through the body, prevents anemia and stimulates the rabbits’ metabolism.

Transports oxygen through the body, prevents anemia and stimulates the rabbits’ metabolism. Calcium. Promotes stronger bones and teeth.

Promotes stronger bones and teeth. Potassium. Required for maximum growth.

Required for maximum growth. Phosphorus. Magnesium helps improve the strength of bones and teeth.

Magnesium helps improve the strength of bones and teeth. Magnesium. Manages heart rate, helps rabbits sleep and improves their muscle relaxation.

More considerations

Do not feed rabbits grain treats or starchy foods if they have or have had digestive problems. Rabbits with sensitive digestive tracts can experience bloating, abdominal pain and diarrhea after eating even a small portion of dry grain. This can be uncomfortable for rabbits, leading to emotional distress and loss of appetite.

Also, starches from grains that haven’t been digested in a poorly functioning gut can end up in the appendix. The cecum carries helpful bacteria that aid in the digestion of food in rabbits.

However, if the food has not been absorbed into the small intestine, it is fermented by the bacteria, leading to bloating, indigestion, and even debilitating digestive conditions like enterotoxemia.

Acute episodes of dysbiosis and GI stasis are also common after feeding rabbits large amounts of grain chow.

If you decide to feed your rabbits grain-based foods, consider the following:

Do not feed grain to rabbits under 12 weeks of age.

Do not feed grain to overweight rabbits. A high-carb diet is a surefire way to induce rapid weight gain in rabbits.

Rabbits should never be fed more than ½ teaspoon of grain (or dry grain) per pound of their body weight per day.

Problems with muesli for rabbits

Most commercially sold cereals are saturated with sugar, preservatives, flavorings and unhealthy fats. They are also processed in such a way that they are deprived of the most important nutrient for rabbits, fiber.

Commonly purchased cereals that are high in sugar, carbs, and fats include honey nut cheerios, honeyed oatmeal, fruit bows, lucky charms, raisin bran, frosted flakes, frosted mini wheat, among others. This grain is not suitable for rabbits.

Grains suitable for rabbits contain no added sugars and are higher in fiber. These include oatmeal, bran flakes, cornflakes, rice krispies, grated wheat, and weetabix.

But just because these cereals are safe for rabbits to eat doesn’t necessarily mean they’re good for them.

Such cereals are treats that should only be fed in moderation as they do not contain much fiber or nutrients that could benefit a rabbit.

According to PETA, feeding rabbits granola or processed grains made from seeds, grains, pellets, peas or corn can cause dental and stomach problems. In the wild, rabbits rarely eat grains, including legumes.

The RSPCA Victoria states that rabbits should not be fed pet cereals, breakfast cereals, grains, seeds, nuts, corn, bread, crackers or beans. If left uncontrolled, such feeds can be toxic to rabbits.

Misleading health claims

It can be tempting to include packaged grains in your rabbit’s diet. After all, they’re often marketed as healthy sources of fiber, minerals, and vitamins.

But even breakfast cereals marketed as healthy with health claims such as “whole grain” and “low-fat” contain sugar as the first ingredient.

Keep in mind that small amounts of whole grains will not make such cereals healthy. Research published in Cambridge University Press indicates that these health claims are an effective way to trick the general public into believing that these products are healthier.

The truth is that most packaged cereals lack the important fiber and protein needed to promote rabbit health.

Granola and muesli may seem natural and healthy, but they’re also laced with sugar and fat to enhance their flavor. Raw oatmeal is a much healthier and safer option for rabbits.

If you give your rabbit a high-sugar breakfast cereal, their blood sugar and insulin levels will spike, increasing their risk of obesity, heart disease, and related diseases.

Your best option is to look for minimally processed breakfast cereals that contain the least amount of sugar and the most fiber, protein, and important vitamins and minerals needed for rabbit health.

Millet sprays are long stalks of millet seeds, typically a golden honey color, given to ornamental birds, mainly hookbills, as a nutritious treat. Each stalk, typically about 30.48 cm (12 inches), contains a cluster of about 30 millet seeds. Millet sprays are also sometimes referred to as spray millet. Many varieties are sold prepackaged, although loose stems are available at many pet stores. When feeding caged birds, a plastic millet spray holder can be attached to the cage bars for easy access.

When attempting to hand tame a pet bird, it is often helpful to offer a hand treat to gain the animal’s trust. Many bird owners use small sprays of millet when training a pet bird that is not used to being handled. Millet is popular with many bird species, and millet seed mixes are also accepted by many ornamental birds.

Exotic bird stores often sell some varieties of millet spray. Some millet sprays are a deep burgundy color, although the most common and readily available variety is the tan or honey-colored spray. The gold-colored millet spray shafts are suitable for almost all parrots. Other oversized varieties can vary in color and are suitable for the largest parrots like macaws.

Bird owners should note that while millet sprays have some nutritional value, they should only be offered as an occasional treat. Millet sprays should not be the main ingredient in a bird’s diet. If a bird is fed exclusively millet spray or an all-seed diet, a bird can suffer from severe nutritional deficiencies. However, millet or spray millet can be offered as a treat or hand feeding as the seeds are naturally low in fat.

Bird keepers often use millet sprays as an incentive for young birds in the nest box to start feeding. Millet spray is often preferred by breeders when starting to wean very young chicks. Companion bird species such as parakeets, caiques, lovebirds and cockatiels seem to prefer millet spray, although larger species also enjoy the treat.

To increase the nutritional value of spray millet, you can germinate the seed. It’s important to feed the sprays to a bird within a day or two to avoid contamination and spoilage.

How to grow spray millet

Growing spray millet for pet birds, backyard chickens, or visiting songbirds is easier than you might imagine. Millet is grown worldwide as a staple for pets and humans, so the growing materials you need to get started are readily available and plentiful.

By learning how to grow spray millet yourself, you can ensure your crop is free from harmful chemicals and pesticides commonly used in agriculture. Farmers and gardeners who prioritize reducing their environmental impact can access organic, non-GMO seeds. In addition, you know that your harvest is optimally fresh and has not gone stale or rancid.

When and where to plant

Millet loves warm weather, so planning your plantings properly will improve your chances of a fruitful harvest. Don’t attempt to germinate millet seeds unless your region has achieved a steady temperature of 68-86 degrees. Millet grows best in full sun, so be sure to plant it in beds, borders, or containers where it will receive adequate light.

Prepare your soil

While spray millet is considered easy to grow, you can increase your success by preparing your soil before planting. Millet and corn have similar growing requirements, and any soil that corn thrives in will likely produce spray millet reliably as well. Millet, like corn, relies on nitrogen. Supplementation and fertilization can help optimize your soil if it lacks the nitrogen levels millet needs to grow.

Direct sowing works best for millet. Be sure to leave room for growing plants and cover with an inch of soil.

Growing spray millet not only needs to ensure your soil has the right nutrients, but also proper drainage. Standing water can harm grain crops and you should ensure that water does not collect. Incorporating sand, shredded bark, or other organic matter can help keep your soil moist without retaining too much water.

Does spray millet ripen quickly?

In general, millet ripens in 60-90 days. Weather patterns can affect crop production. So if your area experiences unusual temperatures or rainfall, you may need to adjust your estimates. In warm climates with long growing seasons, replanting can help reduce the stress that weather events can put on spray millet growers.

How to harvest

If you notice wild birds starting to visit your plants, it might be time to harvest your spray millet! To protect your crop from predation, monitor it regularly and harvest as soon as the seeds have turned golden brown on a spray.

How to store millet spray

Once you have harvested your millet crop, you need to store millet spray properly to avoid losses.

Like most grains, millet spray should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. If you plan on storing your millet for a long period of time, you should freeze it.

Protect millet spray from pests

Even if you store your millet spray properly, sometimes pests can linger and damage your crops. If you’re growing millet spray for birds, the presence of insects may not be a problem – many birds will eat insects and may enjoy the added treat. But when rodents can access your crops, the losses can be significant. Make sure you keep millet spray away from areas where you suspect or confirm the presence of rodents and use containers with proper seals that cannot be infiltrated by pests.

Is millet spray bad for birds?

If you’re looking for inexpensive ways to feed pets, backyard birds, or wild birds, millet is a great option.

By offering millet spray to your birds, make sure they are getting adequate calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus. These minerals help them achieve and maintain strong beaks and bones. Millet spray contains fewer oils than some other seed options and is a good addition to a balanced diet. Millet also provides protein that helps young birds maintain growth. But even the best bird seed is best in moderation. Millet spray provides many of the vitamins and minerals birds need for optimal health, and many birds seem to regard millet as a feel-good food. Birds sometimes prefer millet over other available options, limiting their diet range and potentially contributing to unhealthy weight gain.

To determine if millet spray is bad for your birds, research the nutritional needs of each type of pet or garden bird you feed. Spray millet is an inexpensive and nutritious option for birdseed, but all birds benefit from a varied and balanced diet.

Millet might not be the first type of seed that comes to mind when thinking about feeding wild birds. However, some members of FeederWatcher’s Forum have recently had fun laying out sprigs of millet for their birds. Forum member Downeylover writes: “I gave out a few bunches of millet with zip ties as a reward. It’s a hit! The cardinals were in non-stop, but I also saw juncos, titmice, titmice and house finches enjoying it.”

Millet is a small, round seed that is often found in wild bird seed mixes. Some species may toss millet aside while searching for richer foods in the mix, such as: B. Sunflower seeds with black oil. But white millet is readily consumed by some species, particularly ground-feeding birds. “Spray millet” is millet seeds that are still on the stalk and are usually sold as fortification feed for captive birds. Check at your local pet store to see if they carry it. Many native birds enjoy eating millet seeds, including finches, sparrows, towhees, juncos, pigeons, and cardinals (like those shown above).

Note that species like cowbirds and house sparrows also love millet. So if you don’t want to attract these species, you should avoid millet. Also, try to make sure you’re buying white proso millet, not red millet or golden millet, as these other types of millet are not readily eaten by most species. Spray millet can also be expensive – if you find spray millet to be too expensive, you can also purchase bags of white millet seeds to scatter on the ground or put in feeding bowls.

For more bird feeding tips, visit the FeederWatch bird feeding page or the All About Birds feeding page.

Rabbits love sunflower seeds with black oil (BOSS). They are a great winter tonic! I only feed my rabbits BOSS during the cooler months as it is a high calorie, high fat and “hot” food. So it keeps you warm and shiny, ideal for a dry winter coat. This helps by getting the oil back into their coats.

I’m talking about the black oil sunflower seeds, not the striped seeds. The striped seeds have thicker, tougher shells. Black oilseeds have thinner husks and are more nutritious. Black oil sunflower seeds are high in protein, rich in vitamin E, linoleic acid and a good source of fiber. Rabbits benefit from this snack seed as a high source of energy in cold temperatures.

I do not recommend using BOSS during the heat of summer (June, July, and August here in Maine, it may take longer in your area). I have a feeling that if fed in hot weather they cause more hair loss and can cause intestinal problems from hair blockage. But if you have a rabbit that is in a molt then this is a great additive to add to your rabbit diet. By adding the extra calories and protein, they’ll inflate their coat and get new growth. Overfeeding or overfeeding BOSS can also trigger a molt in rabbits, so feed in moderation. This is used as a tonic, not a feed!

Here are the general nutritional components of black oil sunflower seeds, I’ve also listed some of the benefits of each alongside the article

28 Percent Fat – Fat in rabbit diets serves as a source of energy and helps absorb fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K). It also adds shine and shine to the coat and helps slow down shedding.

25 percent fiber – This helps meet a rabbit’s mass and feed requirements and also promotes a healthy gut.

15 Percent Protein – Protein is needed for growth, disease resistance, milk production, general health, and reproduction.

Calcium – Calcium plays a key role in bodily processes such as heart function, muscle contraction, clotting and levels of electrolytes in the blood. But you don’t want excess calcium in a rabbit’s diet as it can lead to urinary problems.

B Vitamins – A rabbit produces its own B vitamin through bacteria in the rabbit’s hindgut, whose needs are met by caecotrophy. So B is not very important for a pet rabbit.

Iron-

Vitamin E – helps remove toxins from your rabbit’s body, this helps maintain the immune system.

Potassium – Rabbits need this when they are sick as they lose potassium through watery feces.

Feeding BOSS Rabbits – Rabbits should only be fed BOSS as a condition mix or tonic treat, 6 seeds per rabbit head in the feed hopper or pot will do! DO NOT OVERFEED! You don’t want fat lazy rabbits. Food with the shells on is good extra fiber for the rabbit’s digestive tract. Some show breeders feed BOSS as a daily conditioner a week before a show. I don’t think you should add them to a large feed bag as you cannot control the amount of BOSS each of your rabbits consumes. Black oil sunflower seeds are not a complete food source for your rabbit as they contain few of the necessary nutrients your rabbit needs. These should only be offered as part of a rabbit’s diet, not as the sole source of food.

Vitamins A and E are susceptible to poor or prolonged storage in feed. Both vitamins are needed for rabbits to be ready and able to breed. Instead of increasing the pellets, I suggest feeding about a tablespoon of black oil sunflower seeds for vitamin E and a good handful of dark leafy greens (dandelion, plantain, raspberry, and kale are fine) for vitamin A. If the rabbits have never had these greens, start with just a few leaves and work your way up to help those unwilling females.

One thing I like about BOSS is that even rabbits that “have nothing to eat” will nibble on them. When I got my first Angoras many years ago I tried adding BOSS to their diet and the results could be seen in coat growth and quality. I can only assume it came from higher protein foods. Fur growth in Angoras or other woolly breeds uses a lot of protein to maintain fiber growth. A little more to burn makes the fiber thick, dense and soft.

BENEFITS – They are packed with nutrients, amino acids and calories, making them a great supplement for almost any rabbit to some extent. They also help with shiny fur. The side effect is the voluntary sunflowers that sprout. I grew some this summer (will be growing a plot in 2013) and saved the seed heads, then grew the plant and gave the rabbits a green treat in the cages. Not only did they eat the leaves, they also gnawed at the stems until it was all gone!

CONS – Not too much, but potentially too much protein and calories which can cause heat issues in the summer months. Overfeeding too often can lead to weight gain and shedding problems. I believe that the positive aspects of BOSS outweigh the negative ones. Be sure to feed them clams, as they add the necessary fiber and are easy for rabbits to chew through. Black oil sunflower seeds often encourage your rabbit to gain weight due to their high fat content. This extra body weight helps rabbits maintain their body temperature through the winter, fall, and spring months. Your rabbit may not need to maintain as much body heat during the summer months. Therefore, consider reducing the amount of black oil sunflower seeds your rabbit eats during these months.

I hope this answers any questions you may have about feeding BOSS to your rabbits. If anyone has other ideas or questions, please post in the comments section. Will be working on a rabbit conditioning mix post and BOSS is involved with this mix. Also, if there are any requests for new posts and ideas, email me and let me know! JOIN THE RABBIT REVOLUTION! Like us on Facebook and subscribe to receive updates as they are released.

Some people are looking for eco-friendly litter box solutions. One solution is non-absorbent litter in a litter box with a drain. The Smart Cat Box caught my attention while researching; It is filled with whole safflower seeds. Assuming I agree with what the manufacturer says and the system works well, what are the pros and cons should I consider using a safflower seed litter box with a pet rabbit?

My main concern is that safflower seeds are a feed product for rabbits. According to Feedipedia, processed seeds have been used in the production of rabbit feed with good results. According to Wikipedia, the whole seed is a good bird seed because squirrels don’t like it. The whole seed is an ingredient in at least one pet rabbit food, but it is not an ingredient (processed or whole) in either of my two favorite quality pet rabbit foods 1 2.

Could presenting a litter box full of safflower seeds be like presenting your child with a bathtub full of sugared cereal, or could they ignore it completely, or should I expect something in between?

In particular, I’m looking for answers from experience with rabbits eating whole safflower seeds (the kind used by the litter box) and/or research on long-term (8 – 12 years) digestion of large amounts of whole safflower seeds by rabbits (alternatively demonstrate that a rabbit cannot digest a whole seed).

April 24, 2017 – Author:

introduction

Rabbits are monogastric (they have a single stomach) and herbivorous (they eat plants). They must receive nutrients in specific amounts in order to grow and perform at their best. Some examples of important nutrients that you should provide your rabbit with are protein, carbohydrates, lipids (or fats), minerals and vitamins. In the wild, rabbits eat a variety of grains, vegetables, roots, and fiber to get the nutrients they need. Most pet rabbits are fed a pelleted diet that provides important nutrients. Rabbit pellets consist mainly of plant-based ingredients, mainly alfalfa meal and wheat flour. Pelleted rabbit food is easy to feed and store, and is available from many companies and most local pet food stores. Food is an important aspect of raising rabbits as it accounts for about 75 percent of your production costs.

Some rabbit breeders prefer to formulate or blend their own rabbit ration at the local grain elevator. The following feeds are commonly used in rabbit rations:

Green forages – growing plants such as grasses, weeds and leafy greens

Root crops – sweet potatoes, turnips and turnips

Grains – oats, wheat, barley, sorghum, corn and rye

Ground feed – bran, feed and legumes

Hays – Alfalfa, Lespedeza and Timothy

Protein Supplements – Soybean meal, peanut meal and dried products

Salt – When formulating a rabbit diet, make sure it provides rabbits with adequate amounts of the nutrients they need.

Rations for dry females, herd bucks, and growing young should include:

12 to 15 percent crude protein.

2 to 3.5 percent fat.

20 to 27 percent fiber.

43 to 47 percent nitrogen-free extract (carbohydrate).

4 to 6.5 percent ash or mineral.

Rations for pregnant and lactating bitches should contain:

16 to 20 percent crude protein.

3 to 5.5 percent fat.

15 to 20 percent fiber.

44 to 50 percent nitrogen-free extract.

4.5 to 6.5 percent ash or mineral.

Although protein is an expensive component of the ration, rabbits can be fed higher levels of protein than required for the rabbit species or stage if the ration contains other nutrients. Therefore, it may be easier to use a single ration for all stages of rabbit production.

When putting together a ration or diet for your rabbits, you need to know their nutritional needs. In addition, if you want an economical rabbit ration, you need to know the composition, cost and availability of feed.

feeding systems

Two types of feeding methods are typically used in feeding rabbits, restricted feeding and free-choice feeding. Limited feeding means that the rabbits are given a measured amount of food (slightly less than the animals would normally eat) in a bowl or pot each day. Due to the freely selectable feeding, the animals have unlimited feed available at all times. Pots or feeders can be used for free-choice feeding, but can result in a significant amount of wasted or contaminated feed. Using a hopper or self-feeder will reduce the amount of food wasted when free-choice feeding.

Store rabbit food in a dry place. Do not store feed for a long period of time. Over time, the nutrient quality degrades and will be less beneficial for your rabbits. Keep the feed free from contamination of any kind, especially rodents. Always store feed ingredients and open bags of pellets in sealed containers.

The amount of food a rabbit needs depends on many factors. Please note:

The composition of the ration.

The temperature of the environment

The breed of rabbits.

The size and age of the rabbit.

The stage of the rabbit life cycle.

Rabbits usually eat more at night than during the day. Meat-type weaned rabbits eat about 4 to 6 ounces of food per day, depending on their size. Typically, a New Zealand hind and her litter will eat about 100 pounds of feed from breeding to weaning. Commercial weaned, meat-type rabbits eating a well-balanced ration should achieve a feed conversion ratio of about 3:1 (3 pounds of feed to produce 1 pound of weight gain). An unbalanced ration or too much wasted feed can harm this important part of rabbit production.

Fresh water

Water is the most important nutrient for rabbits. Make sure you provide your rabbits with clean, fresh water at all times. A rabbit’s water requirements depend on the food intake, the composition of the food and the ambient temperature. When it’s hot outside, rabbits drink large amounts of water quickly. For example, a medium-sized hind and her 8-week-old litter can drink a gallon of water per day. If the temperature is below freezing, you will need to check your rabbits’ water two or three times a day to ensure they have access to unfrozen water at all times.

coprophagia

Rabbits are unique in that they produce two types of feces: a hard, dry fecal pellet and a soft or “night” feces known as cecotrope. The soft feces are produced in the cecum (a sac between the small and large intestine) and are ingested by the rabbit directly from its anus when it is defecated. This practice is called coprophagy (ka-prof-a-gee) or cecotrophy and usually takes place when the animal is alone. Some feces contain a layer of mucus and are passed in a cluster rather than as individual pellets. This is the type called hard poop. Coprophagy is a natural process that provides the rabbit with B vitamins and protein, both of which are excreted in soft feces. Night or soft feces contain much more protein and water and less fiber than hard feces. By ingesting this mixture, the animal recirculates the components and they remain in the body.