Kale Diet – Its all my new bun will eat

[Rodstewartfoxybrown]

Hi 

Our new rescue a mini lop mix we have found will only eat hay, kale, carrots and water. Doesn’t like any lettuce much at all, no herbs either, I’ve tried rubbing a little banana on it because she loves those still doesn’t take to it. Put a little Kale down and she all over it and sniffing for more once its done.  

I had a bun I adopted at 6 years old and within the year he had an enlarged Kidney and passes away the Vet said it was probably due to a Kale and carrot diet from previous owner. 

This concerns me and while I know Buns can survive on good hay and water, my motherly heart feels like I’m starving her. Since I’m so used to my other 3 babies eating a daily salad. 

Any advise? Any experience with this? 

Thanks so much Bun Lovers! 

[sarahthegemini]

Tbh I would just keep trying different things. I wouldn’t be comfortable if my bunnies were only eating one type of veggie, regardless of what veggie it was. Have you tried things like spring greens, pak choi etc?

[pinknfwuffy]

Sorry to hear you’re having trouble. They can be picky! Yes, kale can cause problems over time if it is the only green being consumed. As you mentioned already kidney issues are possible and I have a rabbit who had some gas trouble with kale. If she doesn’t like lettuce, have you tried any other leafy greens? Sometimes it is worth buying one of those salad green mixes because you’ll get a lot of options in one purchase to try out. I would suggest mixing some other greens in with the kale as a salad to see if she’ll go for it that way.

The hay is the most important part of their diet so I’m glad she seems to enjoy eating that. As long as she is consuming lots of hay then it shouldn’t be too harmful to reduce her kale consumption temporarily while you try other greens out. I usually get a spring mix that includes red leaf lettuce, baby romaine, baby kale, and baby spinach. If she doesn’t go for a full mix of greens maybe try a salad of kale and a few leaves of something else. Each day, add a little more of the alternative green and a little less of the kale until it’s a better balance.

Good luck!

[Bam]

I too would keep trying other vegs. Bunnies are often very reluctant to try new food. You as a rule have to present new vegs several times before they decide to have a nibble. Kale is high in calcium. Some, but not all buns, get gas from kale and other cabbage-plants.

Hay is still the most important food for a bunny.

[Azerane]

I agree that kale is a risk to feed every day, especially as the only green. Not only gas issues, but also potential bladder sludge issues. If she’s eating hay well, that is the most important part. How much carrot are you feeding, it should be considered a treat food as it is very high in sugar and a 1-2cm slice should be all a bun gets in a day.

As mentioned, just keep offering new greens, eventually she’ll try them.

[Q8bunny]

One thing that might help is to try a variety of leafy greens together – buns are social and curious animals. Sometimes all it takes is for a hooman to get down on the floor (on your stomach) with a plate of wet salad and start nibbling on the leaves for the bun to come over and investigate and perhaps steal a sprig or two Try again and again and again. It really might work.

[Author]

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