Hay feeder

[Lucy]

I have a hay feeder for my little bunny which sits above her litter tray, and she very much enjoys pulling all of the hay out and even when I put it back in she doesn’t seem too interested unless it’s completely new hay. Also a lot of the time the hay is wet because she’s peed on it, so I have to throw it out and it just seems like a bit of a waste! Does anyone have any other suggestions for storing hay in a way where she can’t pull as much out?

[OnyxMoon]

Hey there! 

Typically, its hard to avoid this. It’s just one of those things that happens. What kind of hay feeder does she have? I found one that goes on the outside of the cage works best for me. I tried using one that goes on the inside of the cage but it created more of a mess and wasn’t worth it. So i gave it to a friend, who uses it to sift her Alfalfa hay. Most bunnies won’t eat soiled or old hay, which is probably due to the taste and texture being different. It’s frustrating but it is what it is. 

[sarahthegemini]

Unfortunately I think this is a problem we all have and I’m not really sure of a solution! I don’t bother with hay racks so like you, I do have to throw a bit away because it gets peed on.

I’m wondering tho, when you put the hay back in after she has pulled it out…I assume it’s non-soiled hay? If so, it could be a case of her having trained you! Perhaps she loses interest in the ‘old’ hay because she knows you’ll give her fresh hay often? You could either try just giving small amounts but topping up more or put a decent size pile down and leave it be and see if she gives in and eats the old stuff? Obviously don’t wait too long but it might push her to realise, ‘hey I’ve gotta eat this!’ You could also take out the non soiled hay, mix it in with the new hay and put it down again so you’re not throwing away as much.

[Wick & Fable]

I hang out with Wick a lot when he’s eating his hay, so I usually pull out the hay from under him and mix it back into the main pile, haha.

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.

[Lucy]

I have this kind of hay feeder;

https://www.petbarn.com.au/ware-hay-and-pellet-combo-feeder-1-pack

The woman I got her from said that she uses a wire cooling rack and puts it in the litter box so that the wee etc goes through and the hay still sits on top, i’m thinking maybe I should give that a go instead.

Thanks!

[Lucy]

Yep it’s non soiled hay! yes, part of me thinks she’s just taking advantage of the fact that I’ll fill up her hay rack again with nice fresh hay! haha

I’ll definitely try some of your suggestions, thanks!

[sarahthegemini]

You could try the wire rack, it might be a little hard on her feet though. Wick uses plastic knitting mesh as a grate and it works wonders (it’s not something I could use because my boy bun likes to eat thin plastic lol) so that might be an option to explore.

Buns do like to take advantage of their human sometimes lol, so I’m sure part of it is she knows you’re going to keep giving lovely fresh hay

[Bunny House]

I use this, it is more on the expensive side but it saves so much hassle https://www.etsy.com/transaction/1351831534

[Author]

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