I agree with rabbit mage. Alfalfa hay is just too rich to feed them. they can have it. But not a whole lot of it. Timothy is your next best bet, as it is pretty safe to feed. In fact, timothy is good to feed a rabbit that has enteretic problems. And you can feed it right along with the alfalfa pellets, and it will kindof balance the diet out a bit.
Ive fed alfalfa pellets for years, and have never had a problem with them. No signs of bladder sludge, or any severe GI issues. The inforamtion stating that older rabbits need timothy is not correct. There is no proof, nor valid research done that says that older rabbits will thrive better once switched to timothy. Its something the HRS cooked up, but never fully researched.
The disease information won't be on the ARBA website. Unless you find it under the FAQ section. You'll probably have to join the org, or purchase the book from them. Either way, getting involved with the group in one way or another is well worth the money. They research and publish a lot of stuff that is very helpful to both breeders, and pet owners. My only beef with the group right now is that they refuse to stand up for breders righs against animal activists groups. But other then that, they are awesome. The information they provide is very accurate, up to date, and correct.
Another good book you can purchase at just about any feed store (
TSC tractor supply) is called storeys guidebook to raising rabbits. It was originally called raising rabbits the modern way. It is an excellent book. Another would be rabbit production. I have never read that one myself. But do know of some breeders that swear by it.
Most of your breeding rabbit wesbites will have great rabbit information on them you can use. The house rabbit ones don't. Some of the stuff they have is good for pet owners, but often does more harm to the animal then good.
