7 week old babies and grass

[Hayley411]

We just finished an outdoor pen for the rabbits today and I was wondering if I would be able to take the babies out there.

They are only 7 weeks old should they eat grass?

I am looking to you experienced breeers for an answer, but I have a feeling that it might not be goodfor their digestive systems. (like veggies)

~Hayley

 

[bunnybunbunb]

I personally find veggies at an early age is easier for the rabbits to get use to new foods later in life but every person has their own opinion. I currently have 3 week old babies and they just started getting veggies with their moms. As for grass I don't normally put young babies in the grass but I have done it before and never had a problem. Maybe try for about 5 minutes the first day and then 10 the next and then they will probably get diarrhea but if it isn't bad then don't worry really. If you want to keep the chance of diarrheato very slim to none give them old fashion rolled oats starting the day before and on till they have been eating the grass for about a week. I had a doe that had cronic diarrhea and she had to have oats everyday or it got horrible. It works great if you decided to start a rabbit on a new treat or they get sick or something. I find babies sometimes just get it for really now reason(as if you give them something new or anything) and it oats work great.

 

[Hayley411]

Yeah, I wish I could give veggies but my doe is super super sensitive and can't really have veggies aseven a little makes her get baddiarrhea. But thanks for the advise about the babies I think Iwill start introducing them to the grasstomarrow.

~Hayley

 

[BlueGiants]

Just my opinion, but I do not put my babies out in the grass until they are at least 12 weeks old. Besides diarrhea, I worry about parasites.

If I'm going to introduce greens, I'd rather start with parsley or carrot tops in very small amounts, before I let them free feed on grass.

 

[BlueCamasRabbitry]

sorry for that!! didnt mean to post lol

 

[pamnock]

Lush spring grass can be especially dangerous, and is likely to cause digestive problems if the dam and litter haven't been on a diet including grass. They can only be put out for very short times to acclimate their systems to the diet change.

As already mentioned, parasites are also a concern. A regular worming program may be necessary for rabbits that are put out in the yard.

Pam

 

[Hayley411]

I didn't end up even trying as my mother went into the hospital, maybe that was a good thing I don't want to cause any harm to them. Thank you all for the advise I deffinatly will not be letting them outside.

~Hayley

 

[Flashy]

I hope your mum is ok.

I'm sure the rabbit's will get loads of benefit from your run in the future

Last year I put my 5 week olds on pavement with a tiny bit of grass growing through and one ended up with diarrhoea, but not too bad. I wouldn't risk it again though because of their sensitive tummies and all the possible complications.