When should rabbits stop eating alfalfa hay?

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.

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.

Should rabbits have alfalfa hay?

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.

When should I change my rabbits hay?

Hay bedding in a rabbit's living space should be changed once a week if the rabbit uses a litter box. If a rabbit doesn't use a little box, this hay will need to be changed once every 2-3 days. Additional hay should be added at least once daily as rabbits will likely consume this hay for food.

ALL ABOUT HAY FOR RABBITS ?

Is timothy hay or alfalfa better for rabbits?

When looking at which type of hay to feed a rabbit or guinea pig, Timothy hay and Meadow hay are often considered the better and healthier options. 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.

How much alfalfa hay should I feed my rabbit?

While young, growing rabbits can eat any type of grass hay, alfalfa hay is not recommended for adult rabbits, as it is too rich in protein and too high in calcium. Timothy pellets can be offered at approximately 1/8-1/4 cup per 5 lbs (2.25 kg) of bodyweight.

Can rabbits eat 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.

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.

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.

Why can't rabbits eat alfalfa?

Alfalfa is higher in calcium and extra carbohydrates than other hays, and its use in adults is more likely to cause health problems and digestive upsets. Check with your local pet store for timothy hay or other types of grass hay. Oxbow is one good brand.

Can a rabbit eat too much hay?

There's no such thing as a rabbit eating too much hay. Rabbits' teeth grow constantly. Grazing on hay helps to keep their teeth short. If your rabbit isn't eating enough hay, it'll have to have its teeth filed down by a veterinarian.

Can you overfeed a rabbit?

Overeating can quickly lead to obesity in rabbits, which is a very dangerous condition. Since rabbits have such a sensitive digestive system, they run the risk of developing complications in their gut that will require medical intervention.

What is the difference between timothy hay and alfalfa?

Alfalfa hay is higher in protein and calories, but timothy hay has more fiber and better calcium to phosphorus ratio. If you feed your horse a mixture of these two types of hay, it will get the best combinations possible for optimum nutrition.

How much hay should a bunny have a 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 ...

Do rabbits need 24 7?

Hay: Rabbits should have fresh hay available 24 hours a day. Rabbits less than 7 months old may have alfalfa hay, but older rabbits should have grass hays, such as timothy or oat hay. Hay is essential to a rabbit's good health, providing the roughage that helps to reduce the danger of hairballs and other blockages.

Can rabbits live on hay only?

Rabbits should be fed in a way that is as close as possible to their natural diet: mostly grass or hay. In fact, rabbits could live on hay and water alone, but we recommend providing some fresh leafy vegetables and a small amount of commercial feed.

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.

Do bunnies eat hay all day?

Hay keeps the gut moving

Hay is made up of long fibres that help the muscles of the bunny's gut stay strong. A rabbit's complex digestive system means they need to constantly snack on hay throughout the day to keep things moving inside, and help prevent blockages (eg.

How many times a day should I feed my rabbit pellets?

Don't overfeed pellets – one eighth of a cup for a small rabbit per day is more than adequate OR you could choose to not feed pellets at all! There are no pellets out there in the wild and rabbits do very well without them! Don't skimp on the hay – a ball about the same size as your bunny per day is a great guide.

Should I give my rabbit unlimited pellets?

Many experienced rabbit veterinarians are now recommending no more than 1/8 cup of quality pellets per 5 lbs. of rabbit per day, and some even consider commercial pellets a "treat food" that can promote obesity in spayed/neutered adult rabbits.

Why is my bunny getting so skinny?

The most common reason for weight loss is decreased appetite and, thus, a reduced intake of calories. This is generally due to disease, including dental, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, musculoskeletal (arthritis of joints or the spine), metabolic (liver, pancreas, or kidney), and cancer.

Why can I feel my bunnies spine?

If you feel the back bone too easily and it is sharp to the touch, your rabbit may be too thin. You should be able to feel a softly rounded spine. If you do not feel it, your rabbit may be overweight.

How do I know if my rabbit is eating enough?