Getting a bunny

[Stina]

I don't trust a darn thing Purina makes food wise.... I researched the nutritional needs of rabbits before I chose what to feed mine, and Oxbow makes great foods. Kaytee I still question somewhat...but their new formulas are much improved over their old ones.

I don't recall the HRS recommending against pellets......really the only info I got off the HRS website was safe and unsafe veggies and fruits. I try to feed my animals as naturally as possible...and veggies are natural for rabbits to eat (if they are the right veggies). I think the problems people have with veggies is feeding things like lots of lettuce. Maybe I need to go back and look at the website again....

My rabbits get hay, pellets, and veggies and I have had no problems as of yet....they are healthy, happy, and active.

 

[chinbunny1]

The problems they have is with the diet in general. You don't have to feed lettuce, but feed what they recommend, and chances are it will still give the rabbit dental disease, or GI stasis. Purina rabbit chow isn't my preference either. But it does happen to be one of the top feeds in the US that is used by breeders, and pet owners that don't follow the HRS. if you read through the HRS site it says that pellets formulated to fatten rabbits up for fast growth to be slaughtered. So a veggie based diet would be best to feed them, which is untrue. It also says to feed the rabbit lots of veggies and hay, and less then half the amount of pellets that it should be getting. Which, again, is not nutritionally complete, and you will not have a healthy rabbit from it.

Sorry, but I disagree. Oxbow ddoes not make a good food. And anything kaytee is not good either.

 

[chinbunny1]

Everything you need to know about rabbits is right here.

http://www.arba.net/faq.htm

Its also the best source of information you will find on the net. I also highly recommend getting ahold of some their books (published research) and reading them too.

 

[FrizzleFreak]

Just a quick thing-The ARBA has been around a lot longer than 8 years! I forgot how long, but you might know?
Pellets are very very important. Veggies not so much. Hay, every week or so, sometimes more. JMHO. My bun isn't dead, and neither are any of my friends that raise buns. Who use the same system as me.

 

[chinbunny1]

did I say eight? Oops. meant 80. lol

 

[andbab]

Thanks for the link chinbunny. I had went on the house bunny page and found alot of what they said didn't make much sense. The bunnies are about 5wks now or so not sure so we will probably get them in a week or so. The mom had another litter since ours were born so not sure how that works out. kinda a mix up. any how thanks for the info

 

[chinbunny1]

They need to get those two separated in their own cages. Because the doe can have a litter every thirty days. She can get pregnent right after she gives birth.

Yeah, don't follow the HRS stuff. Join the ARBA or purchase some of their books. That would be your best source for rabbit information. The guidebook to raising better rabbits and cavies is excellent for both pet owners, and breeders. If you do get it, read it like its your bible. There is a lot of good information on there from breeding, to pet ownership, to daignosing and treating illnesses.

 

[jambunny]

Definantly use ARBA for advice. They have not steered me wrong yet. No matter which feed you decide to use, make sure you don't over feed or you will get over fat rabbits. I have some who are great and would never over eat and those who will eat anything you put in front of them and get thrown off of the show table. That also affects health and breeding.

 

[Rex Mom]

Here in lies the problem... HRS would like to promote rabbit adoption of every freakin rabbit in the world that ever exists and tries to have people believe that a rabbit is like a cat or a dog. It is not... not in the least. A rabbit is a rabbit... not a cat or a dog.. while it grooms it self like a cat it is far from a cat. A cat is a predator and rabbit is prey. Yes you can put one of those stupid harnesses on a rabbit and try and walk it around your yard but it is not a dog. A dog is a predator... a rabbit is still a rabbit. Ok... sorry off the soap box... LOL... The easiest thing to do is join ARBA and they will send you a book for the membership fee that has a ton of useful information. It's their official guide to raising better rabbits and cavys. You may decide in the future to have your kids do a 4H project with rabbits or FFA. In any case yes, rabbits like it cool and can't take the heat. Anything over 80 degrees can render a buck sterile so it's serious business. The whole commune thing is nice but they should be kept separate unless you want more rabbits or a fight. Unless you want to put in the money to get them neutered or spayed, keep them in their own cage. It is healthier to have them on heavy gauge wire than on total solid surface. Would you want to walk around in your own urine and feces? Don't think so and neither does a rabbit. They are very clean animals. They need ventilation... air movement... shelter from the sun and the wind/rain. Good feed is important... if you are worried about the rabbit getting fat don't go over 16% protien. This is where they get the bulk of their nutrition. Most rabbits don't over feed... so I wouldn't worry about that... if you aren't showing them it's not an issue. Hay is good for added fiber and boredom... nothing wrong with that. I give mine a handful every other day. I feed oat hay... grass hay is good too. Alfalfa is considered too hot (high protien) for them. Unless it's a pregnant doe. Fresh veggies are good in moderation.. small amounts. They have the most delicate digestion next to a horse. So give them too much fruit or veggies and there will be problems. The runs is a bad thing for a rabbit... hard to turn around. See if you can find a local show on the ARBA website... they have a page for that. This way you will have access to local breeders and their support. They would be able to sex your rabbits right quick. Rabbit people are the best.. . down to earth and very personable. Best of luck to you!!!!

 

[andbab]

The male and female got separated as soon as the first litter was found but that was after the babies were bouncing around unfortunately. I didn't realize rabbits were so territorial thought they were kinda clan animals so will be separating the bunnies because the last thing I want is more bunnies or dead bunnies.