Barley Fodder & Black Oil Sunflower Seeds?

[Bunbun500]

Are these things I could feed my bunnies? Does anyone feed their bunnies this?\ I like to grow my own kale/parsley/cilantro etc. in the summer, but in the winter months when I can’t grow, it becomes expensive to buy fresh veggies for my 4 bunnies. I am thinking of starting a barley fodder system because I have read a lot about it on farming websites/blogs, but am wondering if it is a good replacement for the fresh veggies? I am also wondering if it is safe to feed my bunnies black oil sunflower seeds instead of pellets? I have read that they offer a lot of protein, etc. but I have a hard time understanding how these would be ok to give my buns. I would offer this in addition to free feeding hay, as always. I appreciate any advice, thx! 

[Azerane]

Barley and wheat fodder are considered good, I had a go at growing wheat grass for my bunnies but have had mould issues. The grass should be cut away from the seed before feeding as seeds can be fattening (not so much after sprouting but still best to avoid).

Regarding the sunflower seeds, black oil sunflower seeds should never be fed, seeds aren’t recommended as part of a rabbit’s diet because they are fattening, especially black oil sunflower. Do not replace pellets with seeds, rabbits don’t need a huge amount of protein, more fibre, which the pellets have but the seeds don’t. Having said that, I have known people to give 2-5 grey stripe sunflower seeds per day when a bunny is shedding to help speed up the shed, whether it works or not is all speculation if you ask me though.

[jerseygirl]

Ive only really heard of the black oil sunflower seeds for wool breed rabbits as they use more protein to produce the wool.
Some diet recommendations you’ll read are to achieve different results. ie. For meat production or if people are regularly harvesting wool.

[Author]

Messages