feeding schedules.

katlyn-n-thumper · Jul 16, 2011

hey guys, i have a few questions about feeding thumper.

1. do i make food availible at pretty much all times or a certain amount daily?

2. do i makehay availible at pretty much all times or a certain amount daily?

3. any suggestions on food/hay brands?

4. how many vegtables daily compared to their regular food is okay?

thanks for all the help

Korr_and_Sophie · Jul 16, 2011

I give pellets twice a day, in the morning when I get up and in the evening when I go to bed. All my rabbits are adults, so don't need to have pellets all the time. All of mine have measured amounts depending on age, breed, size etc.
For hay, I give it as needed. It is usually once or twice a day, but some do eat more than others and need it more.
I use Oxbow for 2 of mine and a feed store brand (Masterfeeds) for the others. Since there are some different needs, I feed according to that. I use hay from a local farmer. I can't really afford store bought hay with 5 rabbits. Look for hay that is nice and green (but not artificial green). It should smell good and not be dusty. Some rabbits like different types of hay, so try some different types and brands to see what works for you.
Veggies depend a lot on the rabbit. Some can handle more than others and some can't handle much. If you introduce slowly and then increase the amounts slowly, you can find what you rabbit can eat in a reasonable time and handle easily. I usually do about 2-3 romaine leaves, 1/4 bunch of parsley, 1/4 bunch of cilantro and some bok choy. This is more based on large bunches, so you may need more of a small bunch. It usually amounts to a plate full.

Nancy McClelland · Jul 16, 2011

:yeahthat: Love it when someone else does all the work.

plasticbunny · Jul 16, 2011

How old is Thumper? A baby/teen (up to 6 months) should be free fed pellets and alfalfa hay (switching to timothy at 6 months), and veggies should be introducd slowly and one at a time, no sooner than 4 months.

If he's older than six months, a good rule is 1/2 cup pellets per five pounds rabbit, and a minimum of 2 cups fresh veggies per 5 pounds rabbit (but if he's not used to veggies, introduce them slowly and one at a time). And of course, unlimited timothy hay.

Gus (3 lbs, 5 months old) eats 1/2 cups pellets, about 2 cups veggies, and all the hay he can eat each day.

Molly (13 lbs, 8 months old), eats 1 cup pellets, about5 cups veggies, and all the hay she can eat each day.

I feed pellets in the morning, and veggies in the evening. Sometimes they get a few extra veggies in the morning as well. Some people feed pellet-free diets to their buns and supplement with more veggies, but you need to be sure they're getting enough to maintain their weight if you choose to do this.

hillrise · Jul 16, 2011

I prefer to give my rabbits pellets in the evening so they have them available when they're most active. A lot of rabbits will dig their pellets out when fed in the morning. Of course, this isn't an issue if your rabbit's feeder isn't over a wire floor.