Jersey Wooly Rabbit Further information on Feeding

Jersey Wooly Rabbit Further information on Feeding

The digestive system of most rabbits is a lesson in delicacy, but with a few considerations, you can hedge your bets against common, and often dangerous, digestive disorders. 

Rabbits rely on good bacteria in their stomachs to aid in the digestion of their food.  Frequently changing their diet, or adding new foods too fast, can upset this delicate balance and cause serious problems.  Add new foods over the course of a week or more.  If you want or need to change your brand of chow, combine the new with the old in increasing proportions over the same period of time.  

As a dwarf breed, mature Woolies need only about 1-ounce of chow for every 1-pound of weight, daily.  If you have a pregnant or nursing doe, however, or a baby less than four months in age, allow them as much as they’ll eat.  This will provide the additional calories and nutrients they need.

Pet rabbits do very well on chow that is 16 - 18% protein, at least 16% fiber, and 2 - 3% fat.  Take time to check labels and find a suitable brand, and only buy what will be consumed in four to five weeks.  The high moisture content in rabbit chow means it can mold and spoil, which will make your bunny sick.

 

In addition to a quality chow, your bunny’s main diet will consist of a constant supply of fresh water, which rabbits cannot absorb from their food, and a constant supply of timothy hay.  Woolies are more prone to a life threatening condition known as wool block; a clog of hair in the digestive tract.  The constant supply of fresh hay helps reduce this possibility and allows for all day nibbling.

Special treats can be used to reinforce cooperative training, supplement a daily diet, or just say, “I love you.”  Kitchen scraps work great here, but foods close to spoiling are better for the compost pile than your bunny’s belly.  Be sure to remove any pits or seeds.

Don’t feed your bunny lettuce.  Lettuce contains lactucarium, which can cause dangerously severe diarrhea.  Diarrhea can kill a rabbit.  You should also avoid cabbage, rutabaga, parsnips, potato tops and tomato leaves.

For additional information, follow these quick links:

Building a better bunny house: www.therabbithouse.com
How to handle your bunny: www.3bunnies.org/handling.html
Basic bunny care: www.raising-rabbits.com/rabbit-care.html
Out/Indoor hazards to companion rabbits: www.rabbit.org/faq/sections/hazards.html
The National Jersey Wooly Rabbit Club: www.njwrc.net
The American Rabbit Breeder’s Association: www.arba.net