How soon can I give my bunny vegtables? and how much should I

[AliceH]

Hi all! My bunny is 10 weeks old and I gave him a small amount of green leaf lettuce today, his first introduction to vegetables. I am going to keep an eye on his litter box to make sure it does not upset his stomach. Am I introducing him to vegetables too soon?

Up until now he has had unlimited pellets, timothy hay, and alfalfa hay. If he is not too young I want to incorporate fresh veggies in as soon as possible, he really seemed to love the lettuce. How much should I give him per day? What veggies do you suggest?

 

[John Wick]

It's a good question, and it's great that you're keeping an eye on his litter box for upset-stomach signs.

10 weeks is really young to consider introducing vegetables. The point of waiting is to allow your rabbit's stomach to grow and develop a "gut environment" where it can break down vegetables. Gas and discomfort comes from a stomach not having the tools to break down the piece of food.

Rabbits will generally love all food that peaks their interest, regardless of knowing if it's good for them or not, so even if your rabbit loves it, it's best to wait until at least 4 months. The usual recommendation is 6 months, but I've heard of people doing it a bit sooner.

That being said, my rabbit started getting about half a leaf of romaine every day since 12wo because he took medication with it, and he was fine; however, he didn't start getting full-blown veggie variety until later. So at the minimum, it's always good to start with a lettuce and go from there when you do decide to introduce veggies.

 

[Blue eyes]

I agree that 10 weeks is a bit young. Don't want to risk tummy upset, as that can lead to GI stasis.

I've seen various recommendations for age to introduce greens- from 12 weeks to 6 months. This is because some rabbits can be more sensitive than others. The House Rabbit Society suggests 12 weeks.

I'd suggest waiting a couple weeks then introducing slowly and only one type at a time. Read the following for what types and how much:
Http://rabbitsindoors.weebly.com/greens--veggies.html

 

[AliceH]

I tried replying on mobile and it got really confusing so I am fixing my posts now lol

 

[AliceH]

It's a good question, and it's great that you're keeping an eye on his litter box for upset-stomach signs.

10 weeks is really young to consider introducing vegetables. The point of waiting is to allow your rabbit's stomach to grow and develop a "gut environment" where it can break down vegetables. Gas and discomfort comes from a stomach not having the tools to break down the piece of food.

Rabbits will generally love all food that peaks their interest, regardless of knowing if it's good for them or not, so even if your rabbit loves it, it's best to wait until at least 4 months. The usual recommendation is 6 months, but I've heard of people doing it a bit sooner.

That being said, my rabbit started getting about half a leaf of romaine every day since 12wo because he took medication with it, and he was fine; however, he didn't start getting full-blown veggie variety until later. So at the minimum, it's always good to start with a lettuce and go from there when you do decide to introduce veggies.

Thank you for all of that information! I will defiantly hold off on giving him any more lettuce until he is at least 4 months. I also agree that he doesn't understand what is healthy food, if he had his choice he would eat all the paint off of my walls LOL

 

[AliceH]

I agree that 10 weeks is a bit young. Don't want to risk tummy upset, as that can lead to GI stasis.

I've seen various recommendations for age to introduce greens- from 12 weeks to 6 months. This is because some rabbits can be more sensitive than others. The House Rabbit Society suggests 12 weeks.

I'd suggest waiting a couple weeks then introducing slowly and only one type at a time. Read the following for what types and how much:
Http://rabbitsindoors.weebly.com/greens--veggies.html

Thanks for that resource, so many places have different guidelines so I am glad to have a recommendation

 

[Blue eyes]

Thanks for that resource, so many places have different guidelines so I am glad to have a recommendation

Sure. It's one of those gray areas. For the most part, rabbits can begin at 12 weeks. BUT, if a 12 wk old rabbit has a change in poos after being offered a bit of greens, then one can hold off a couple weeks and try again. If one waits a little too long, there is also the possibility that a picky rabbit will be resistant and refuse to try any greens. It's a matter of finding that balance.

The fact that you've already offered him a bit and didn't see a reaction would make me think that he'll probably be fine at 12 weeks.

[And just for future readers of this thread, rabbits can begin much earlier on greens IF their momma had been fed greens throughout her gestation and during nursing. Then the babies will have the needed enzymes to handle them. But unless one know for certain that this was the case, it is best to err on the side of caution and wait for the tummy to mature.]