Blog - Bunny Bed and Breakfast

What are the best fresh greens to feed your rabbit?

webmaster@sassable.com — Wed, 08 May 2024 18:43:21 +1000

Feeding your pet rabbit fresh greens is essential for their health and well-being.

When feeding fresh greens to your rabbit, it's crucial to introduce new foods gradually to avoid digestive upset. Start with small amounts and observe how your rabbit reacts. As a general guideline, fresh greens should make up about 10-15% of your rabbit's daily diet, with hay being the primary component (about 70-80%). The remainder can consist of high-quality rabbit pellets.

Always provide clean, washed greens, and remove any uneaten portions to prevent spoilage. Additionally, consult with your veterinarian for specific dietary recommendations tailored to your rabbit's age, health, and nutritional needs.

Here are some popular and nutritious options for supplementing your bunny's hay intake with fresh greens:

1. **Romaine Lettuce**: Romaine lettuce is a favorite among rabbits. It's low in calories and high in fiber, making it a healthy choice for your pet. However, avoid feeding iceberg lettuce, as it has minimal nutritional value and can cause digestive issues.

2. **Leafy Greens**: Various leafy greens such as kale, spinach, arugula, and Swiss chard are nutritious options for rabbits. They are rich in vitamins and minerals, including calcium and vitamin A. Rotate these greens to provide variety in your rabbit's diet. Because rabbits absorb high amounts of calcium, greens that are high in calcium including kale, carrot tops and parsley should not be fed in large quantities or everyday.

3. **Herbs**: Herbs like cilantro, parsley, basil, and dill can be given to rabbits in moderation. They add flavor to their diet and contain beneficial nutrients.

4. **Bok Choy**: Bok choy is a type of Chinese cabbage that rabbits typically enjoy. It's rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as calcium and potassium.

5. **Dandelion Greens**: Dandelion greens are safe for rabbits to eat and provide essential nutrients. Just make sure they are sourced from areas free of pesticides and other chemicals.

6. **Collard Greens**: Collard greens are another excellent option for rabbits. They are packed with vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin K, and calcium.

7. **Limited Amounts of Carrots and Fruits**: While carrots and fruits like apples and strawberries are often associated with rabbits, they should be given in limited amounts due to their sugar content. Treat these as occasional snacks rather than staples of their diet.

When deciding how much fresh greens to feed, its important to remember that your bunny's appetite is not a good indicator of how much non-hay foods to feed. He/she will not be good at self-monitoring and may avoid filling up on sufficient quantities of hay if there is a hint of more tasty foods on offer. Although fresh greens are a high-fibre food for humans, they are not high-fibre when compared to grass and hay, the staple food to adequately maintain your bunny's digestive function.

Because of the potential for digestive sensitivity, its a good idea to include which greens you usually feed in your rabbit's profile page so your rabbit boarding host or pet sitter can make good choices.

Let your host know

Remember why its important not to overfeed on fresh greens or pellets. They have a lower fibre content than hay which needs to be the main part of your healthy rabbit's diet.

Understanding your rabbit

webmaster@sassable.com — Thu, 02 May 2024 18:03:00 +1000

Understanding rabbit behavior and communication is key to building a strong bond with your furry friend. Rabbits have their own unique way of expressing themselves, and learning to interpret their cues can enhance your relationship and ensure their well-being.

Rabbits are highly expressive animals, often using body language to communicate their feelings and intentions. For example, a relaxed rabbit will often lay flat on the ground, ears resting comfortably against their back, indicating contentment and trust. On the other hand, a rabbit standing on its hind legs with ears perked up may be curious or alert, while a rabbit thumping its hind legs could signal fear or agitation.

In addition to body language, rabbits also communicate vocally, though they are generally quieter than other pets. They may softly purr when content, emit low grunts when annoyed, or even let out high-pitched squeaks when excited. Paying attention to these vocalizations can help you better understand your rabbit's mood and needs.

It's also important to recognize the role of grooming in rabbit communication. Rabbits groom each other as a sign of affection and bonding, so if your rabbit grooms you or another pet, it's a positive sign of acceptance and friendship. Similarly, being licked by your rabbit is a sign of trust and affection, as they view you as part of their social group.

By observing and responding to your rabbit's behavior and communication cues, you can strengthen your bond and provide them with the care and attention they need to thrive. Whether it's a gentle nose nudge or a playful binky (a joyful leap in the air), each interaction deepens the connection between you and your beloved pet.

Keeping your bunny healthy

webmaster@sassable.com — Thu, 18 Apr 2024 18:07:55 +1000

Ensuring the health and wellness of your pet rabbit is essential for their happiness and longevity. Just like any other animal companion, rabbits require proper care, attention, and regular veterinary check-ups to thrive. In this section, we'll delve into the fundamentals of rabbit health, from preventing common ailments to maintaining their overall well-being.

First and foremost, a balanced diet is crucial for keeping your rabbit healthy. Rabbits are herbivores with sensitive digestive systems, so their diet should primarily consist of high-quality hay, fresh vegetables, and a small portion of pellets formulated specifically for rabbits. Avoid feeding them foods high in sugar or starch, as these can lead to digestive issues and obesity.

In addition to diet, providing adequate housing and living conditions is essential for your rabbit's health. A spacious, well-ventilated enclosure with plenty of room to hop and stretch is ideal. Make sure to provide a clean, comfortable bedding material, such as hay or paper-based bedding, and regularly clean their living space to prevent the buildup of waste and bacteria.

Regular exercise is also key to keeping your rabbit fit and healthy. Rabbits are natural athletes and require plenty of opportunities to run, jump, and explore. Consider providing a safe, rabbit-proofed space where they can exercise freely, or take them outdoors on a harness and leash under supervision.

Lastly, don't overlook the importance of mental stimulation and socialization for your rabbit's well-being. Interactive toys, tunnels, and puzzle feeders can help keep them mentally engaged and prevent boredom. And because rabbits are social animals, spending quality time interacting with them each day is essential for their happiness and emotional health.

By prioritizing proper nutrition, housing, exercise, and mental stimulation, you can help your pet rabbit lead a healthy, fulfilling life. In the following sections, we'll explore common health issues in rabbits, how to recognize signs of illness, and when to seek veterinary care to ensure your rabbit stays happy and healthy for years to come.

Routine Veterinary Care

Routine Veterinary Care can include checkups, vaccinations and de-sexing.

At a checkup, your vet can check for dental or weight-related issues and can also help with nail clipping if you are not yet familiar with clipping your bunnies toenails.

It is important to have your rabbit vaccinated against Calcivirus every 6-12 months. This is a highly contagious disease that was introduced into Australia to manage the wild rabbit population. If you are located in another part of the world, refer to local information regarding available vaccines. You may also be able to vaccinate against Mixamatosis, a mosquito-borne virus. As this vaccine is not available in Australia, care must be taken to keep your bunny away from mosquitoes.

Pet rabbits should be de-sexed at around 6 months of age. This is important to prevent behavioural issues which can make it difficult to care for your bunny.