When should rabbits stop eating alfalfa?

If you are feeding alfalfa it's a good idea to feed it mixed with grass hay. This stops your rabbits getting so hooked on alfalfa that it's difficult to make the transition to grass hay when they reach adulthood. You should phase out alfalfa at around four to five months old.

Is alfalfa hay good for older rabbits?

We recommend that their diet consists of at least 80% grass hay. Alfalfa Hay is not a grass hay and while it's high in fiber, it is also high in fat and proteins making it great for baby rabbits under 7 months but not so great for adult rabbits as a mainstay.

What happens if a rabbit eats too much alfalfa?

The higher calcium levels in alfalfa hay, though, can actually be dangerous for an adult bun if they're fed too much. Bunnies metabolize calcium and get rid of the excess in their urine, but this can cause urinary stones if they're getting more than they need.

Are rabbits supposed to eat alfalfa?

Alfalfa is known as a great hay for baby rabbits, as it contains higher calcium and protein levels to help support healthy growth and development.

At what age should bunnies stop eating pellets?

NOT alfalfa hay. For young growing rabbits, pellets can be given free choice until 6 to 8 months of age, then decrease to the maintenance amount as above. Store pellets in a closed container in a cool, dry place. Only buy enough for three months at a time.

ALL ABOUT HAY FOR RABBITS ?

What hay should a 1 year old rabbit eat?

Young rabbits should have access to alfalfa hay and pellets. They should also be introduced to leafy greens and have a small amount on a daily basis.

At what age do bunnies eat adult pellets?

Transitioning to an Adult Diet

At four months you should begin reducing pellets, and if you are feeding a higher protein pellets changing over to adult pellets. If you've fed alfalfa, it's also time to start decreasing this in favour of grass hay. Your rabbit should be on an adult ration by 6-7 months old.

Should rabbits have timothy hay or alfalfa?

How Much Hay Do I Give My Rabbit? You can give rabbits an unlimited supply of hay. Timothy Hay or Oat Hay are good sources of fibre. The only hay that should be limited or even completely eliminated from the diet of an adult rabbit is alfalfa hay.

Can I feed my rabbit alfalfa pellets?

Pellets should make up less of a rabbit's diet as he or she grows older, and hay should be available 24 hours a day. Alfalfa pellets are fine for younger rabbits but timothy pellets are preferred for older rabbits.

Does alfalfa make rabbits gain weight?

Care fresh Alfalfa Hay Food: Excellent for dental health, has a high protein content, it is pure alfalfa and can help your rabbit gain weight.

What is the healthiest rabbit food?

Hay is the most important part of a rabbit's daily intake. Unlimited, high-quality grass hay, such as Timothy, orchard or brome, should make up the bulk of a rabbit's diet. Grass hay is high in fiber, which is critical to maintaining a rabbit's healthy digestive tract.

How much hay should a rabbit eat per day?

A healthy rabbit's diet should consist of unlimited amounts timothy and other grass hays, 1-3 cups of fresh leafy greens daily, and only about 1/8-1/4 cup of quality timothy pellets for rabbits up to 5 lbs and up to 3/4 cup for rabbits up to 10 lbs. Fruits and sugary vegetables (i.e. carrots) should only be offered as ...

Can I give my adult rabbit alfalfa hay?

We prefer the long, loose strands of hay as opposed to the pressed cubes or chopped hay. Alfalfa hay is fine for young bunnies but is not the correct choice for adult rabbits, especially if it is being used along with pellets (which are already high in alfalfa hay).

Can rabbits live on alfalfa hay?

Alfalfa is known as a great hay for baby rabbits, as it contains higher calcium and protein levels to help support healthy growth and development.

What kind of hay do older rabbits like?

Timothy hay is the best choice for an adult rabbit, while alfalfa hay is ideal for bunnies once they are weaned and up to six months old. At that point, transition your rabbit from the alfalfa because it is too rich at this point.

Is alfalfa good for baby rabbits?

Alfalfa hay is ideal for baby rabbits. For the first months of their life, a rabbit will enjoy the protein in this hay. As pellets also contain alfalfa, your baby bunny will be in good health. Even though alfalfa hay is good for baby rabbits, it shouldn't be all they have.

At what age can rabbits eat Timothy hay?

Once rabbits reach seven months of age, gradually switch them over to timothy, orchard grass, and/or oat hay.

Can you overfeed a pet rabbit?

Rabbits have sensitive digestive systems. Overeating can cause obesity and digestive problems which could lead to death. A rabbit's diet should consist of 85% grass hay, such as meadow, timothy, or orchard hay. The rest of the diet should be fresh vegetables, fruit, and pellets.

What cut of hay is best for rabbits?

Premium 2nd cut Timothy hay is preferred by most grass eating small animals (Bunnies, Rabbits, Chinchillas, Gerbils, Hamsters, Mice, Rats, and Tortoises). 2nd cutting is called “second” because it is the hay that is harvested after the 1st cutting.

What age do bunnies switch to adult food?

Most babies are ready to transition from baby food to table food by the time they are eight or nine months old.

How do you transition from alfalfa hay to timothy hay?

Making The Switch

Rabbits will naturally prefer to eat Alfalfa Hay over Timothy Hay at first so a good way to switch over to Timothy Hay is to mix the two types of hay together as your rabbit learns to adjust to the change. As time continues you should begin to mix less Alfalfa in and introduce more Timothy Hay.

How long should baby bunnies eat alfalfa hay?

You should phase out alfalfa at around four to five months old. Around six months, slowly start swapping out alfalfa in favor of grass hays and ease up on the pellets. Adult rabbits should eat around 1/4 cup of pellets per day for every five pounds of weight they have, according to Helmer.

Should rabbits have unlimited hay?

Rabbits are natural grazers and they need to eat continually. They do not rely on substantial meals at set times like we do and instead feed gradually like cattle. Having permanent access to hay, therefore, fits with their natural feeding instincts.