Hello New Bunny

[cynthia]

Hi guys

I got a new little dude hes sooooo cute!!! He is 2 Months old according to the peeps that gave him to me. He is a dutch rabbit.

I read old threads here about diet and neutering info, but I still have questions and was wondering if you guys can help me out. 

So he eats unlimited pellets is this OK?

If not how much should I feed him?

I would like to switch him to eat Oxbow pellets of some sort, but I am not sure if they make some pellets for such a small little dude any ideas or suggestions?

He has unlimited Timothy hay and many previous posts said to offer him alfalfa hay too. Is this correct? How much should I offer him? What kind of alfalfa hay should I give him? and when should I stop giving him alfalfa hay?

He was originally drinking from a bottle, but I have switched him to drink from a bowl.I hope this is OK.

As for neutering I read that it can be anywhere from 3.5 months to 6 months; I don’t want nothing bad to happen to him and I trust my doctor; she is a very good bunny rabbit vet, but isn’t 3 months too young? Have you guys tried it? Hes such a small fat little thing. I am just worried, but yes I want to neuter him asap so he can roam the house once he is litter box trained.

 

Thanks guys anything else that you think I should know I appreciate all of your support.

I had older rabbits before all adults so having such a small fry is all new to me.

Thanks guys

Cynthia

[LBJ10]

Yes, unlimited pellets is fine for a growing bun. You will transition him to a rationed diet when he is older and how much he gets will depend on weight and other factors like how many veggies he’s getting, etc.

Oxbow makes a young bunny formula. It’s alfalfa-based. If you can only find the adult formula, then that’s okay. You will want to supplement with alfalfa hay if he isn’t getting an alfalfa pellet.

Timothy is fine if he’s getting an alfalfa-based pellet. You don’t necessarily have to give alfalfa hay if that’s the case. If he’s getting a timothy-based pellet, then alfalfa hay can be used to supplement. Hay should be unlimited in general, but you can simply throw in a handful or two of alfalfa hay with the Timothy and that should do it. Alfalfa (pellets and/or hay) should be phased out when he is done growing, which is usually around 6-9 months of age for a smaller bun (later for larger buns).

Bowls are fine. It’s really just a matter of preference.

For boys, neutering can take place any time after the family jewels make their appearance. So yes, a boy can be neutered at 3 months if he’s “ready”.

[Azerane]

LBJ10 has pretty much covered anything, I just wanted to add in regards to unlimited pellets, if he is hogging his pellets and not eating much, if any hay, I would look at limiting how many pellets he gets in a day just so that at some point he runs out and eats a bit of hay in addition. Some rabbits ration their pellet intake well, others do not and just want to stuff their faces

[LBJ10]

That’s true Azerane. Unlimited should not be taken literally if bunny keeps eating and eating until they pop. Most do fine, but there is always the rare exception.

[cynthia]

Thank you everyone for your input I greatly appreciate it.

He is a great hay eater. Always nibbling here and there. Good little chunky tanky guy.

Hes doing well very energetic and loves his new toys (long and big cardboard box; a long with gift wrapping cardboard rolls lol) and home.

I don’t know if its possible to potty train him so early, but I am starting to. I have many litter boxes around with his poop and pee in it. Looks like his on a good way to being trained.

Ok then I plant to neuter him asap as I hear that they “spray” ewww.

Thanks again for the info

[Author]

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