How can I feed a younger rabbit alfalfa pellets and hay with an older companion around?

[equalsign]

I just adopted a new rabbit today. She is approximately 4 months old and was spayed last week. I honestly hadn’t thought about alfalfa products until just now. Luckily she still has some Oxbow alfafa pellets from the foster mom. If I get more alfalfa pellets, is alfalfa hay really necessary?

My other rabbit is around 2 years old. How can I feed her alfalfa products without him getting to them? The two live separately right now, but I don’t anticipate the bonding process taking 3 months. They’re getting along really well. They’re grooming and cuddling on day one, with only minor incidents of humping. I really don’t want to keep them separate that long. My kitchen has been put it disarray to fit them both in there. I want them to be able to play, but I don’t want to lock the new girl out of her pen whenever I let them out.

I couldn’t just lock them up for meal time. He eats really slowly, and usually keeps his pellets around for a few hours before finishing them off. She is supposed to have constant pellet access. I think he likes the taste of her pellets more than his.

Any advice?

[jerseygirl]

Congratulations on the new bunny!

You’re right, alfalfa hay isn’t really necessary. You could actually start transitioning her now onto his pellets. They can have Timothy ones at this age. If he’s not as interested in pellets, you may even be able to free feed so she can access as she needs. It already sounds like he moderates his own intake.

If you still want her to get some alfalfa pellets, you could give her a ration in a treat dispensing ball. That is, if you don’t think your male would be after them too.

Or, if she is quick about eating them, put her in a carrier briefly she can eat them there.

[Sarita]

Totally agree with Jersey.

[equalsign]

I just realized that I never thanked you two for the advice. Thanks! He really does control his intake very well. She actually seems to prefer his pellets. With both bowls there she’ll sniff hers and then turn and eat his. Thankfully, it hasn’t made her sick. That girl eats so much! Seriously. She’s a total poop factory too.

The bonding is basically complete. They’ve been very friendly since day one. He got a little stressed out when she discovered his pen, but he seems to be over it now. They cuddle and groom and hang out all day. So far I’m 2 for 2 with incredibly easy bonds! I still want to give it a little more time before moving them in together, but they’re getting really difficult to separate at night.

[jerseygirl]

So sweet. Its great she’s settled in so well.

Would love to see some pics of the new couple sometime.

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