Keeping Healthy Rabbits Doesn't Need to Be Expensive

Feeding rabbits is not as simple as many people think and yet it shouldn't be an expensive exercise either. In this article I offer some tips that will give you information that will not only save you money but will ensure that your pet will live a long and healthy life.


I has to research the feed we were using and selling in my pet store after a rabbit breeder lost over 50 animals from poisoning. She was feeding her rabbits a horse grain which was considerably cheaper than any commercial rabbit feed on the market. We were using the same brand of feed and selling it to our customers. When I heard this news, I took it out of the shop immediately.

The manufacturers added a type of grain to the feed. This made no difference to the horses but it caused brain damage and eventual death to rabbits. They also added a disclaimer to the packaging that said the product wasn't to be used to feed any other type of animal and that they would not be held responsible if it harmed another animal.

As well, some rabbit products have molasses which can be harmful as rabbits can't digest sugars. This can cause them to die if put under anesthetic. I only mention these two instances to highlight the need for good quality feed. The product I changed to had Lucerne in it which is a type of green hay. It is full of vitamin C. To always ensure that they have access to it, I use Lucerne hay as bedding for my rabbits.

Oats, bran and wheat are also valuable components of rabbit feed. And guess what - it's not expensive. Don't waste your money with feeds that contain dried fruits or fancy packaging. Most of these things are gimmicks. I used to breed a lot of rabbits and guinea pigs and I can't afford any food wastage. Shop around and find a feed that is inexpensive and highly nutritious.

Rabbits thrive on fresh vegetables and fruits. Too much, however, can give the diarrhea and can weaken their immune system. Don't think that you are saving money by getting scraps from your local green grocer particularly if the vegetables and fruits are decaying. It can end up costing you more in vet bills or heart ache when your animal becomes ill and eventually dies.

Give them moderate amounts of vegetables and fruits. Do not include lettuce or cabbage as they are too high in water and severe cause diarrhea and cabbage has toxins in it that will eventually poison your rabbit.

Rabbits have front teeth that are continual growing. Every plant that is green contains silicon which is a natural agent for wearing down the teeth and keeping them nice and sharp. I pick milk thistles for my pets because they add special nutrients to their diet and they grow freely just about every where.

Green grass therefore is a cheap and inexpensive thing to add to your pet's diet that is beneficial for its health. Before you pick grass, however, make sure that it hasn't been sprayed with insecticide. Make note that rabbits cannot live on grass alone as there are not enough nutrients. They simply can't eat enough to keep them alive and they will starve to death.

Rabbits also love to gnaw on wood. There are prepared treats you can buy from your local pet store for a few dollars. However, if you have access to fruit trees these can be just as good. The wood of the tree will contain the taste of the fruit: apple tree branches will have an apple taste. Cut some off and give them to your rabbits to gnaw on. This will give provide them with valuable stimulation and also relive the need to chew on their cage!

Salt licks are an important source of essential minerals and nutrients that your rabbit will need in hot weather. They are like a sports drink for your pet, replacing vital minerals when your pet has become dehydrated from over heating. They can be purchased for a few dollars from your local pet shop and are well worth putting in their cage in the long summer months.

Like us, rabbits need a balanced diet. Their food not only gives them nutritious minerals and vitamins but provides both physical and mental stimulation too. Your rabbit will love chasing an apple around its cage or reaching high to get to carrots stuck in the roof of its cage. Use your imagination when putting food in your rabbit's cage and try and make it a little bit difficult for him or her to get to. Not too difficult that it can't eat it, but hard enough to stimulate it and challenge it physically and mentally.

Sue Day has worked in the pet industry for many years. Now a full time dog trainer, Sue has put together a website of over 50 pages to share her knowledge and experiences of pet care.

If you would like more great tips and you would like to save some money on your pet bills for all your pets including dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, guinea pigs, mice or rats, please go to: [http://www.save-money-on-pet-bills.com]