New Bun Not Eating Pellets at All

[HigginsMom]

Hi, I am new tothe forum and did a search for this topic but didn't find the same question so here it is.

I got aFlemish Giant bunny almost a week ago. He is about 8 weeks old now. He eats plenty of timothy and alfalfa hay but won't touch his pellets. Iordered a bag ofOxbow Bunny growth formula pellets but in the meantime he has Nutriphase pellets. Is it OK if he is not eating pellets at all?? He does eat lots of hay, drinks plenty of water and is pooping and peeing regularly and the poop looks good. I have over 15 years of experience with dogs and cats, doing rescue etc.. but this is my first bunny so I want to make sure he is getting all the proper nutrition to become a big healthy boy.

Thank you in advance for your words of wisdom.

 

[Pipp]

What was he eating before you got him? He may just not like the brand. Rabbits only often eat what they're used to in the nest.

You don't want to make any sudden changes, gradual introductions of anything new is best.

Is he an indoor or outdoor rabbit?

Can you supplement the hay with a little alfalfa? Pulled (not mowed) grass would be good, too, I think it should have a little more protein.

Does he act interested in vegetables? Dandelions? Anything else?

Variety is best, hay is great, but some pellets will provide nutrients and protein.


sas :?

 

[mewlingcricket]

I have found that sometimes it takes a week or so before my buns start to eat the pellets. When I can i try to get the breeder I'm buying from to give/sell me a small amount of their feed so I can mix the two and convert them to mine gradually, and i always send pellets with bunnies I sell. In the meantime, if the bun is eating hay and drinking i would keep trying the pellets and maybe add in some veggies and oats (which I understand may calm them especially in times of new ownership where they have new sights and sounds to get used to). Good luck with your new boy!

 

[HigginsMom]

Thanks for your quick reply.

Higgins is a house bunny. I'm going to contact his breeder tomorrow to find out what kind of pellets he was on there.

Regarding fresh grasses, alfalfa and veggies, what I have read and what the breeder said was not to introduce those foods until he was at least 12 weeks old. Have you found that it is OK to do so before 12 weeks? He is 8 weeks old now.

Thanks again for your help.

Skye