The first essential of a rabbit feeding program is water. Water should be available to the rabbit at all times. It should be changed at least every other day to ensure freshness. The mistake most nonexperienced owners make in feeding their rabbit is using excessive amounts of food. Adult rabbits should not be free-fed pellets. Young rabbits just emerging from nest boxes and nursing does should have feed available at all times. After weaning age (6 to 8 weeks of age), the rabbit should gradually have its quantity of feed available cut back until between 3 and 4 months of age it is eating only a couple of ounces more than the recommended feeding levels for adult rabbits. By 6 months of age, all rabbits should be on an adult rabbit feeding schedule.

The worst disservice you can do for your rabbit is to let it get too fat. An overly fat rabbit will not be as active a companion as most people desire, nor will the rabbit live as long as a properly fed and conditioned animal. Your rabbit should be firm in flesh, bright of eye, slick of coat, move actively and, after a short adjustment period, meet you at the cage door at feeding time.

Feeding time is also a great time to strengthen your bond with your rabbit. Pet and talk to your rabbit when you approach its cage to feed. The animal will soon learn to look forward to your visits.

Many owners like to give their rabbits little extra snacks during this handling process. While no supplement of the pellet diet is required, many rabbits find household foods appealing. Rabbits are amazing in their individual interests in household foods. Each rabbit's tastes are different, and many owners delight in finding strange items their rabbits enjoy. Most foods will not hurt the animal, although the owner must be watchful when feeding these treats to make sure the animal doesn't develop diarrhea. If this happens, immediately discontinue feeding of any treat-type supplements until the rabbit gets itself back on feed. The treats that cause the most problems are usually high water content leafy vegetables. Avoid items like lettuce and cabbage.

If you want to feed your pet treats, explore what interests the rabbit, but feed the treats in moderation and watch closely for any adverse reactions. You do not want the diet to become unbalanced by too many treats. Remember, the rabbit needs the balanced nutrition of the pelleted ration. Anytime your pet doesn't clean up its feed within the first couple of hours after feeding, it is receiving too many side treats. With proper feeding and care, your rabbit will give you years of joy and pleasure as a friend and companion.

Author(s): Tex Thomas, 1996 Rabbits

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