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Forum DIET & CARE 4/5 month Old Netherland Dwarf Rabbit refuses pellets??

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    • Dany
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        Hello! I was given a Netherland dwarf baby bunny (around the age of 4/5ish months) and he refuses to eat his pellets. I feed him endless amounts of timothy hay and he eats it all up no problem but he wont touch his pellets. I’m not sure what the brand is due to my mother just buying a bag at the pet store but his droppings are all very normal but he is a little lightweight but is completely energetic and loves to eat veggies and hay. Are there any ways to get him to eat his pellets or any recommended brand? I would appreciate the help.


      • Dany
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          ** on another note sometimes he doesnt eat or drink at night while in his cage (he uses a pen in the daytime) so im worried if thats a behavioral probpem or he eats so much at daytime he doesnt need it


        • Mikey
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            Sounds like the cage stresses him out. Rabbits need to eat atleast every 8 hours; if they do not, they can get stasis which needs immediate vet care. If he eats in the pen but not the cage, keep him in the pen.


          • Wick & Fable
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              How often do you give him veggies and what veggies?

              The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.


            • Dany
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                i give him about 3-4 full handfuls of shredded carrots a day throughout the day and sometimes i bring cilantro for him or small fruit like strawberries/sliced apples once or twice a week. the carrots are consistent though and he does eat that and his hay no problem.


              • Dany
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                  Yes I think you are correct, He did eat and drink water in his cage last night and his droppings were as good as normal can be so I think he is getting used to it but I might end up keeping him in his pen overnight now. Thank you!


                • Dany
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                    Posted By Wick on 1/02/2018 4:52 PM
                    How often do you give him veggies and what veggies?

                    i give him about 3-4 full handfuls of shredded carrots a day throughout the day and sometimes i bring cilantro for him or small fruit like strawberries/sliced apples once or twice a week. the carrots are consistent though and he does eat that and his hay no problem.


                  • BenjiTheBunny
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                      I would not worry to much about your rabbit not eating pellets. I don’t feed my rabbit pellets any more because I found it just put excess weight on him. And in my eyes pellets are not necessary. But if you are looking for a good brand, I suggest Oxbow Essentials young rabbit food if he or she is 6 months or younger, and the adult rabbit food if he or she is over 6 months. Hope this helped!   


                    • Wick & Fable
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                        So unfortunately media and shows depict rabbit diets very incorrectly. You should not be giving your rabbit handfuls of shredded carrots every day. Carrots are equivalent to treats. They are high in sugar, and your rabbit is probably not eating pellets because it’s waiting for and eating the equivalent of candy for a child.

                        Replace the carrots with a leafy green, like romaine lettuce. Carrots are (Edit: left out on original post) NOT considered a part of fresh veggies in a rabbit’s diet. They are a part of the treat category. Take a look at the proper diet info in the bunny info section of this website.

                        The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.


                      • Mikey
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                          Carrots can cause a lot of health issues in rabbit. They are not healthy and many dont even use them in treats. Theyre very fatty and can cause stomach problems later in life. I really suggest you cut the carrots completely. Rabbits should be eating green veggies, and not something fatty, sugary, or starchy. Some safe greens are cilantro, lettuce (not iceberg), spinach, carrot tops, etc. You also should not be feeding him fruits more than once or twice a month.


                        • LittlePuffyTail
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                            I disagree Mikey. While fruit and treats should be restricted, I give my buns fruit every day and Bindi is almost 11. I give tiny amounts. Like the size of my pinky nail but they get several pieces a day, including the occasional piece of carrot. Small amounts of fruit should not bother a healthy rabbit. But just like veggies, only introduce one type at a time. I did have a bunny get bad gas after watermelon but my current 2 boys love it and it never bothers them.

                            Here is some info from House Rabbit Society on Pellet-Free Diet:

                            http://rabbit.org/pellet-free-diet/

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                        Forum DIET & CARE 4/5 month Old Netherland Dwarf Rabbit refuses pellets??