Australian Pellet Brands

[Valisa]

 Fellow Australians, I was just wondering what is the best brand of pellets?

[bunnygirl]

Welcome fellow Australian! Myself, Roberta, Floppybuns, Jerseygirl and a few others are Aus members also! Being a bun owner and spoiling your bun ain’t that easy here – we have nothing! -.- Roberta and I both use Peters Pellets, bought from Coles. Make sure it’s the pellet though, and although they’re Lucerne, Apollo does just fine on a quarter cup. The vet says he’s very healthy!

Also, may I recommend Sunrise Imports if you’re after grids for a bun condo – we’ve all had struggles finding them. Not sure what your cage plan is, but that’s just a helpful site!

[Valisa]

What do you mean by they’re Lucerne?

I’d love to build a bunny condo out of grids, but they’re just too expensive… I’m still searching for other options. What wire would be safe? I know that chicken wire is a no, but what features should I look for in the wire I buy? Galvanized, powder coated etc?

[Valisa]

http://www.whiteswires.com.au/Products/WhitesWirescatalogue/tabid/123/ProdID/334/categoryId/13/Cage-Mesh.aspx?sid=[PARENTID] Is this ok?

[bunnygirl]

There is Lucerne and Timothy pellets. Oxbow do both, Lucerne has a higher sugar/ fatty content, specially for baby bunnies. Timothy is supposed to be for adults! However, it is incredibly difficult to get Timothy pellets here in Aus. Which is why myself and Roberta use Peters Pellets, despite them being Lucerne. Our buns thrive on them.

Chicken wire is a no no. Perhaps look into the plain, thick wire. It’s like tiny rectangles. I’m not really sure, I haven’t really looked into it. However, other Aus members will hopefully take a look and will be able to help. I’ll go and do some quick research just now and check out that link!

[bunnygirl]

Look for a wire that isn’t covered in paint that will flake or pick off. Otherwise it will be most certainly chewed and will be harmful!

[bunnygirl]

I see nothing wrong with your link at all, it looks like a good wire! Good luck ~ <3

[Beka27]

Guys, this thread is about pellets. Valisa already has a thread started about housing options in the Habitat section here: https://binkybunny.com/FORUM/tabid/54/aff/4/Default.aspx

Let’s keep the diet post to diet info :o)

[Valisa]

Sorry I’ve been all over the place with my posts! :/

[Beka27]

You’re fine. Just a friendly reminder! I want your threads to be helpful!

I can’t help much on the Australian pellets, but some of our members can!

[Valisa]

 How much do Peter’s Pellets cost?

[Roberta]

Hi Valisa,
They are in the Coles Pet Food aisle near the bird seed in a big red box. (I think Woollies might carry them to) There are usually about $4.95 for a large box. One of those is sufficient for my 7 buns for a week. It would probably last a single bun several weeks.
They are lucerne flavoured and contain less than 5% actual lucern but they have a good blend and aren’t to high in fats etc. Most of the other pellets available especially the generic unlabelled are meant for lab and farm animals and are completely unsuitable for domestic buns.
http://peterspureanimalfoods.com/products/rabbit/food/lucerne-pellets.php

[Valisa]

Ok, so it looks like there’re one of the betters choice. Are these pellets suitable for both young and adult rabbits?

[Roberta]

Mine have never had anything else. I got them as rescues only a few weeks old and they have had Peters pellets, unlimited hay and fresh vegetables ever since. Most of mine are long haired or long haired X so the blend suits them very nicely. They need that whisker of extra protein. I think you might be able to buy the Oxbow pellets for babies on line through http://www.mypetwarehouse.com.au, they delivery country wide and have warehouses in each the state.

[Valisa]

The Oxbow Pellets are definitely more expensive

[jerseygirl]

We unfortunately don’t have any grass based rabbit pellets made here. The Lucerne ones are the most common. They’re fine for young rabbits and ok for adults but you do have to ration the amount for adults. Mine get 1-2 tablespoons a day.

I give Barastoc Rabbit Pellets which is the one I found that had reasonable fibre and lower protein.
It’s min 21% fibre, min 16% protein and under 3% fat. I get it at the fodder store. some petshops sell it rebagged in smaller quantities. I’m not a fan of any pellets to be honest but I do still give them
1) because im too soft.
2) it covers a lot of their nutritional needs
3) the buns go crazy for them . It’s a good indicator for me if they ever snub them. That tells me they’re not feeling well.

Since Oxbow has come on the market here it has been promoted as “the best” in many online communities (Aus) but I don’t really see it as a superior feed. It has same minerals, vitamins and binders as many other feeds. Oxbow does have a high fibre content but the hay meal is very fine. I sort of wonder if its useful fibre then…
I think part of the appeal is it was formulated especially for the pet rabbit. Most other bulk feeds here are often “grower pellets” which can be off putting but some labels do state “also suitable for pets”. For pets, it’s best to limit the amount given.
Anyway… I’m rambling!

[Valisa]

Where about are Barastoc Rabbit Pellets sold? And how much do they cost?

[jerseygirl]

Oops, I edited my post adding that info. I hadn’t seen your question.

Mostly in fodder stores. If you see unmarked bags in pet shops ask what it is. Often the use bulk bags of barastoc or jack rabbit pellet brand around here and sell them in smaller portions.
I get the bulk bag 20kg for about $21-23. My fodder store does 5kg bags for under $10.
It really varies store to store.

[Valisa]

Ahh ok, thank you the information!

[Valisa]

http://www.petstock.com.au/Barastoc-Rabbit-and-Guinea-Pig-Pellets—2kg/p/9310394013113

[jerseygirl]

If you’re planning to buy barastoc, look for just Rabbit Pellets (white rabbits on the bag).
The Rabbit & Guinea Pig formula is not ideal for rabbits.

If you haven’t gotten your rabbit(s) yet, try get some of the feed that it is currently eating. Then you can slowly switch it over to the brand you want to get for the long term.

[Valisa]

I’m having trouble trying to find pellets. I looked at both Cole’s and Safeway, but both only stocked the Peter’s seed mixture. I have found a place that stocks Oxbow’s Pellets, they are just a lot dearer.

[Roberta]

I am pretty sure BigW also stock Peters.
What state are you in Valisa ?

[Roberta]

http://www.vetnpetdirect.com.au/vetafarm_rabbit_food?gclid=CKGA_f_VirgCFUZfpQodeHwAMg&gdftrk=gdfV25674_a_7c2113_a_7c7895_a_7c6742
Here’s another source online but delivery can get a bit pricey. I have bought stuff here before.

[Valisa]

I live in Victoria

[Roberta]

OK… My Pet Warehouse is based there and you can buy direct from the store or they do free metropolitan delivery.. They stock the Vetafarm and some other brands, I think they have a lot of the Peters range too. http://www.mypetwarehouse.com.au/Store-Locations

[Valisa]

Alright thanks for that!

[Valisa]

Do the Peter’s Pellets only come in a mixture designed for both rabbits and guinea pigs?

[Roberta]

Yes… They are the only plain pellets I have seen from them. When I started using them the only alternative was a type meant for lab animals and it was entirely unsuitable. Mine have a diet that consists mainly of fresh foods and hay. The pellets are always the last thing they look for.
If I am late with the hay or the salad all hell breaks loose.

[Valisa]

Ah ok, but what I meant to try and say is that the pellets are formulated for both Guinea Pigs and rabbits, not just rabbits alone. Does it make a big differenence if the pellets are for both pigs and rabbits? Or should I try find one specifically for rabbits?

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