Coastal Nutriton Talk with Nutrena: Rabbits
Q: Do all types of rabbits require the same kind of food?
All rabbits require a vegetarian diet, but depending on what the rabbit is being raised for can influence what you feed them. For example, meat rabbits should feed that helps them grow faster.
Q: Can food mitigate common rabbit diseases?
For something like enteritis, or inflammation of the small intestines, which can hit younger rabbits from seven to 14 weeks of age, food can play a huge role. If the gut bugs are not developing correctly, then feeding your rabbits some of their own feces can help. Nutrena experts say this is normal and natural.
Q: How long does it take to change a rabbits food?
You should change a rabbit’s food slowly over a seven to 10 day period. Their system is very fragile and new foods can cause diarrhea. In addition, when changing food, make sure they have plenty of water.
Q: Can rabbits really get heart attacks when scared?
The Nutrena experts explained that rabbits have a good flight instinct, but when they are in a cage they cannot run, which can cause a lot of stress. To reduce stress when weening young rabbits, remove the mom from the cage instead. The young rabbits will do better in an environment they’ve always known.
Q: Is it necessary to provide salt for rabbits?
Rabbits are good at self-regulating and they know what they need in their diet. But, adding a salt wheel or block to their environment can be a good idea. However, if they get bored they might start to chew on the blocks of salt. If that is the case, remove the salt for a few days at a time.
