Rabbit nutrition and husbandry

• Rabbits survive very well eating grass and hay alone. However, in order to do this, they must have free access to forage (grass and hay) 24 hours per day. Rabbits prefer fresh grass and soft hay. Do not feed your rabbit grass cuttings from a lawnmower as this will contain mould from grass left in the mower.
• Rabbits’ teeth grow continuously through life, at the rate of approximately 2mm per week.  If they do not continuously eat rough foods (grass and hay) to wear down the teeth, then they will overgrow leading to dental problems.
• Muesli type food is inappropriate for rabbits because they will select the high fat and sugar parts of the food, leading to obesity and ill health.  These foods require less chewing so will also allow the teeth to overgrow, leading to dental problems. They can be fed a small amount of pelleted food.
• Rabbits normally eat their own droppings (poo).  They pass a dropping called a ‘caecotroph’ which is large and soft, and usually eaten straight from the rabbits bottom early in the morning. This contains partly digested fibre and food.  When it is eaten for a second time more nutrition is released.  If rabbits cannot eat their own caecotrophs (droppings) for any reason they will fall ill.
• Carrots and apples are high in sugar and should be given only as special treats.  They can be offered because rabbits like them, but only offer them a small cube 3-4 times per week or you will encourage a ‘sweet tooth’ and perhaps obesity. Honey Sticks and sweet treats from pet-shops are inappropriate for rabbits.

What to feed your bunny

• Fresh grass or hay available at all times. They should be able to get through an amount roughly equivalent to their body size each day. Hay or grass should make up around 80% of their diet
• Fresh green vegetables or herbs. Veg that bunnies like include broccoli, fresh greens, kale, dandelions, spinach.
• Pelleted food such as suparabbit excel. This should be given sparingly- only 1-2 tablespoons per day.

• Rabbits are very active and require much more space than people think. House rabbits should have some exercise daily and outdoor rabbits should have a run which allows them to run around. Rabbits are inquisitive and should be given toys and things to keep them occupied.
• Rabbits are social and need to be kept with another bunny. The best combination is a neutered male and female. Rabbit bonding is not always easy and you should seek expert advice before introducing rabbits to each other.