Rabbits are grazers, whether domestic or wild rabbits, they spend a lot of their time eating. Rabbits need a balanced diet and understanding how often rabbits eat and what constitutes a healthy diet is crucial for their well-being. From alfalfa hay to fresh vegetables, let’s explore the dietary needs of adult rabbits and how to ensure they stay happy and healthy.
Understanding the Basics
Rabbits are herbivores, meaning their diet consists of plant-based foods. High-quality grass hay should make up the bulk of a rabbit’s diet. It should be available at all times alongside water. Rabbits have a unique digestive system that requires a constant influx of fiber to maintain proper function.
Understanding Hay
Adult rabbits will happily munch on hay all through the day. We leave a hay net filled with a bundle of hay available for our colony at all times. However not all hay is the same, there are numerous types of hay available.
1. Timothy Hay
This hay is high in fibre but has lower levels of protein and calcium than other hays available. It is the number one choice for feeding small animals. It grows widely in Europe and North America. It is sometimes called timothy grass, meadow cat’s-tail or common cat’s-tail
2. Oat Hay
Like timothy hay, oat hay is high in fibre, but unlike timothy tay it is also high in protein. It’s best given as a mix with timothy because of the higher levels of protein. small animals eating only oat hay could start to gain too much weight.
3. Alfalfa Hay
Like oat and timothy, alfafa hay is also high in fibre, but the difference comes with the levels of energy, protein and calcium, these are all higher in alfalfa hay. This is why alfalfa is typically reserved for young bunnies and pregnant or nursing mothers.
As with all things in the life of bunnies, keeping things interesting and shaking things up is important. We like to vary the food that we give them. This way there are new smells and new textures for them to experience. We apply this to hay too, we supplement our base timothy hay with a bit of oat hay occasionally.
And when our mums are pregnant and when we have baby rabbits around then we add in a bit of alfalfa to the mix too. We also keep alfalfa hay in our grow out cage where we house the young rabbits.
Frequency of Feeding
Adult rabbits should have access to fresh hay and water at all times. In addition to hay, rabbits should also be offered safe fresh leafy greens and vegetables daily. There are so many leafy greens you can include such as dandelion greens, romaine lettuce, bok choy, and carrot tops. Fresh vegetables provide essential nutrients and help keep rabbits hydrated.
A good choice for our rabbits is fresh greens from the garden, it’s cheap and easy. We don’t eat our radish tops, but our bunnies love them. We also have a willow tree close to the colony and it’s so easy to cut a branch with young leaves and let the bunnies chew on the leaves and woody stem. We recently tried them on nettles as we have an abundance growing near the colony, sadly they were not very keen on young nettle tops!
We like to bring the rabbits a big handful of fresh greens every morning.
Don’t forget the golden rule with rabbits when introducing new food, you have to get them used to the new food slowly. Introduce a small amount to their diet. And slowly increase the quantities.
Small Quantities of Pellets
Commercial rabbit pellets can be fed in limited quantities to supplement a rabbit’s diet. Look for high-quality pellets with minimal additives and avoid muesli-style foods, which can lead to selective feeding and nutritional imbalances. Pellets should make up only a small portion of the rabbit’s daily intake and should be fed according to the manufacturer’s recommendations based on the rabbit’s size and weight.
As we are running a rabbit colony we have an automatic feeder set up for the rabbits to have access to pellets. Because there is hay available and they have fresh greens they don’t eat loads. It just saves us the hassle of having to go and feed them twice a day. The bunnies know what is good to eat, and the pellets come last over fresh greens and hay.
Fresh Foods and Treats
The only other foods that we feed our rabbits are small amounts of fresh fruit and other vegetables as a treat. Fruits should be given sparingly due to their high sugar content. A small slice of apple or a few berries can be offered as an occasional treat. Our rabbits get a bit of carrot and the odd bit of banana occasionally – but they don’t really like it nearly as much as the fresh greens.
Rabbits should never be fed human treats or foods high in sugar, as these can lead to digestive issues and dental problems. Domestic rabbits cannot just munch on the foods that their wild counterparts can, but that doesn’t mean that we should give our pet rabbits human food.
Hydration is Key
Providing fresh water is essential for maintaining a rabbit’s health. Water should be offered in a water bottle or bowl and changed daily to ensure cleanliness. Rabbits rely on water to aid in digestion and regulate body temperature, so it’s important to monitor their water intake, especially during hot weather.
Health Considerations
A balanced diet is crucial for preventing health problems in rabbits. Overfeeding pellets or offering too many sugary treats can lead to obesity and dental disease. Similarly, a diet lacking in fiber can result in digestive issues such as gastrointestinal stasis. Monitoring your rabbit’s body weight and fecal pellets can help gauge their overall health and adjust their diet accordingly.
I check that their poo is normal daily when I go in to feed and monitor them. We do weekly health checks to look at their eyes, ears, mouth, feet and skin to look for infection or disease. I also like to look at and feel their body shape each week to assess their health. I am looking for rounded hip bones and a flat rump making sure that there is no abdominal bulge. Anything different to this means they are either under or overweight.
FAQ
How many times should a rabbit eat a day?
Rabbits eat hay all the time. People often wonder how often to feed their bunnies, and that is a matter of preference. Many people feed their rabbits twice a day. It’s not necessary to have this schedule, they can be fed once per day or have an automatic feeding solution as long as you are feeding them the right amount of food.
Do rabbits need to eat continuously?
Yes rabbits need to have access to hay to munch on, as their digestive systems need a constant supply of fibre to keep everything working.
How long can rabbits go without food?
Rabbits should never be left without access to hay and water.
Can rabbits survive on just hay?
Technically hay provides the nutrition that rabbits need to live. However as responsible animal keepers we know that variety, especially with leafy greens brings so much joy to our bunnies so we always feed them leafy greens so that they can do more than survive, so that they can thrive.
Conclusion
Ensuring your adult rabbit receives a balanced diet is essential for their overall health and well-being. By providing access to high-quality hay, fresh vegetables and leafy greens, and limited quantities of pellets, you can help support their nutritional needs. Remember to offer fresh water daily and monitor their health closely for any signs of dietary issues. With proper care and attention to their diet, your rabbit can live a long and healthy life.
In summary, adult rabbits should have unlimited access to good quality hay, supplemented with fresh vegetables and small quantities of pellets. Treat foods should be offered sparingly, and it’s essential to provide clean water at all times. By following these guidelines, you can ensure your rabbit maintains good health and vitality throughout their life.