Best greens to give bunny?

[Donna Standar]

I've never heard that bananas can cause gas. Never seen it happen. They are high in sugar though and so only a small amount should be given. Any sudden large amounts of sugar - from any source - can cause a tummy upset.

I'm assuming they do like brussel sprouts and other gassy veggies...they do with people, so I'm assuming it could happen with rabbits. I just don't take the chance, I do know they give my one bun soft stools if he gets too much...

 

[Blue eyes]

I'm assuming they do like brussel sprouts and other gassy veggies...they do with people, so I'm assuming it could happen with rabbits. I just don't take the chance, I do know they give my one bun soft stools if he gets too much...

Bananas are recommended to help relieve gastric pain and strengthen the digestive system -- in humans. It also can help relieve constipation.

I have just discovered, while it's less common than lactose intolerance, some people experience gas and bloating from fruit because their GI system doesn't break down all the sugars in fruit (fructose and sorbitol) properly. This is new news to me, though it makes sense then that perhaps some rabbits may have the same problems?

In rabbits, sugar overload can cause poos to get soft. And any individual rabbit may not tolerate a particular green or fruit that most other rabbits have no problem with. It could be that your rabbit that gets soft stool from banana, just happens to not tolerate banana well. (It's either that or the sugar overload?)

Regardless, I consider fruits (any fruits) to be treats only and limit them anyway.

 

[Donna Standar]

Bananas are recommended to help relieve gastric pain and strengthen the digestive system -- in humans. It also can help relieve constipation.

I have just discovered, while it's less common than lactose intolerance, some people experience gas and bloating from fruit because their GI system doesn't break down all the sugars in fruit (fructose and sorbitol) properly. This is new news to me, though it makes sense then that perhaps some rabbits may have the same problems?

In rabbits, sugar overload can cause poos to get soft. And any individual rabbit may not tolerate a particular green or fruit that most other rabbits have no problem with. It could be that your rabbit that gets soft stool from banana, just happens to not tolerate banana well. (It's either that or the sugar overload?)

Regardless, I consider fruits (any fruits) to be treats only and limit them anyway.

Yes I agree, I limit treats as well. All bunnies are unique and have different reactions.
When ever I eat a whole banana I get gas pains in my chest, so I was just being cautious.

 

[Gelly]

Currently in my fridge:
- cilantro (a favorite)
- dill
- romaine (not hearts though since most of the darker green leaves are missing and they’re more expensive)
- basil (from a planter on my counter)

Other greens I feed:
- carrot tops- many of the groceries will give them to me for free after cutting them off their carrots
- arugula
- dandelion
- red leaf lettuce
- kale (never had gas issues from kale)

 

[Sunshine's Fine]

Currently in my fridge:
- cilantro (a favorite)
- dill
- romaine (not hearts though since most of the darker green leaves are missing and they’re more expensive)
- basil (from a planter on my counter)

Other greens I feed:
- carrot tops- many of the groceries will give them to me for free after cutting them off their carrots
- arugula
- dandelion
- red leaf lettuce
- kale (never had gas issues from kale)

I have a question for everyone commenting on this post. How much do you feed your buns for greens? I recently took my 2 off everything but hay for several weeks. One of them would get a "poopy bum" quite often, so I gave them a rest and everything cleared up. I've been gradually adding greens and tiny amounts of pellets for the past week or so. I have read lots of info about what type of greens they can have, but it doesn't ever seem to give an amount. I'm wondering if I was feeding them too many greens. I usually try to have 2 to 3 different veggies for them, and feed them in the morning at again at 5 pm. They mostly eat whatever amount they're given. If they don't eat it all in one sitting, they will go back later and finish them up. I'm thinking I should either weigh the veg or measure it by volume. Does anyone have any thoughts on this? Just curious. I had rabbits while growing up, then got back into them again 8 years ago. I'm always happy to learn anything new.

 

[Donna Standar]

I have a question for everyone commenting on this post. How much do you feed your buns for greens? I recently took my 2 off everything but hay for several weeks. One of them would get a "poopy bum" quite often, so I gave them a rest and everything cleared up. I've been gradually adding greens and tiny amounts of pellets for the past week or so. I have read lots of info about what type of greens they can have, but it doesn't ever seem to give an amount. I'm wondering if I was feeding them too many greens. I usually try to have 2 to 3 different veggies for them, and feed them in the morning at again at 5 pm. They mostly eat whatever amount they're given. If they don't eat it all in one sitting, they will go back later and finish them up. I'm thinking I should either weigh the veg or measure it by volume. Does anyone have any thoughts on this? Just curious. I had rabbits while growing up, then got back into them again 8 years ago. I'm always happy to learn anything new.

I was told one cup per day per bunny...thats what I've gone by. ( I mix three different kinds )

 

[Mehidk]

I have a question for everyone commenting on this post. How much do you feed your buns for greens? I recently took my 2 off everything but hay for several weeks. One of them would get a "poopy bum" quite often, so I gave them a rest and everything cleared up. I've been gradually adding greens and tiny amounts of pellets for the past week or so. I have read lots of info about what type of greens they can have, but it doesn't ever seem to give an amount. I'm wondering if I was feeding them too many greens. I usually try to have 2 to 3 different veggies for them, and feed them in the morning at again at 5 pm. They mostly eat whatever amount they're given. If they don't eat it all in one sitting, they will go back later and finish them up. I'm thinking I should either weigh the veg or measure it by volume. Does anyone have any thoughts on this? Just curious. I had rabbits while growing up, then got back into them again 8 years ago. I'm always happy to learn anything new.

It depends on your rabbit’s weight. Smaller rabbits will have a cup or less but my rabbit eats 2 cups per day because she’s bigger. She gets one cup in the morning and then another at night. I mix up her greens every week with 2-3 varieties as well and her poops have been normal. You’re doing the right thing by slowly introducing greens, just continue to give them one at a time so you can see which green is triggering her tummy to have issues.

 

[TreasuredFriend]

Our crew range in size from 3.5 pounds to 9 lbs. Our rescued Flemmie mix may weigh over 9 lb. One romaine leaf in the a.m., with Oxbow Joint Support Tab.

In the evening less than a cup to a cup and a half of mixed greens; primarily romaine, cilantro, small celery slices, thin carrot, sweet pepper slice. They'll receive an Oxbow Cranberry or Carrot & Dill tab as an afternoon snack. Per concerns with bladder sludge and a bladder stone (one spayed girl years ago had surgery to remove her stone), pellets are limited.

 

[Blue eyes]

When one is limiting (or eliminating) pellets, then it's recommended to feed 2-4 cups worth of greens daily. [ @Sunshine's Fine, cups are commonly used to measure greens - to answer your qstn.] Having a variety is also recommended though each new type of green needs to be introduced gradually to check for tolerance.

Some people offer a variety every day, others (like me) will do one type for several days and then switch to another type.

Here's an article from the House Rabbit Society about the benefit/purpose of reducing pellets and increasing greens:
https://rabbit.org/natural-nutrition-part-ii-pellets-and-veggies-2/

 

[toddlayton3]

I have 3 gaint flemish rabbits and they arent gaint. How do i get them gaint?

I feed them oxbow pellets and normall pellets and then some mixed seeds with oats and lots of other goodness. Small portions of all and then after that i give them one full leaf of kale each

 

[Blue eyes]

I have 3 gaint flemish rabbits and they arent gaint. How do i get them gaint?

I feed them oxbow pellets and normall pellets and then some mixed seeds with oats and lots of other goodness. Small portions of all and then after that i give them one full leaf of kale each

I think you are having problems getting a reply because you're tagging your question onto other threads. It is a good idea to begin a brand new thread so people can reply specifically to your question. The "Nutrition and Behavior" forum would be the place to post a new thread for your question.

 

[Binky4eva]

House rabbit Society has some good info on feeding rabbits food too.

 

[Blue eyes]

House rabbit Society has some good info on feeding rabbits food too.

Yes. [The rabbit.org link I posted above is from the House Rabbit Society.]

 

[Binky4eva]

Thanks. I sometimes forget to post links.

Yes. [The rabbit.org link I posted above is from the House Rabbit Society.]