Rabbit
Haven
Gig Harbor, WA
A shelter and sanctuary for unwanted and mistreated rabbits … until they all have homes.
FOOD/DIET
PELLETS:
Rabbits should NOT be fed primarily on commercially produced pellets. Commercial breeders who are raising rabbits for the table do pellet feeding. Rabbit’s digestive systems evolved to allow them to survive on a marginal diet; alfalfa pellets are far too rich and refined to provide a balanced diet.
HAY
:The primary staple of your rabbit’s diet should be Timothy Hay and some good local hay.
WATER
:Fresh water should be provided daily. Dump out water that is left in bottles or bowls and refill daily. Rabbits use more water from bowls than bottles because it is easier to drink. Use a heavy ceramic dish that can not be easily overturned. You may want to use a bottle as a backup, in case the bowl does get overturned.
Water containers should be washed thoroughly with soap and water every couple of days, or run through the dishwasher. Scum build up in the bowl is not good for your rabbit. If you wouldn’t drink out of it, neither should your rabbit.
HAY AND VEGETABLE DIET
:***Feed a minimum of 1 cup of
vegetables for each 4 pounds of weight***
***Timothy Hay or good grass hay must be available 24 hours a day***
Select a minimum of three types of vegetables daily. A variety is necessary to provide adequate nutrients. Choose one that contains Vitamin A, indicated by an *. For more detailed nutritional information please visit the USDA web site and search their data base located here: http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/foodcomp/search/index.html
Add one new vegetable at a time. If soft stool or diarrhea occurs, eliminate that vegetable from the diet.
NEVER USE VEGETABLES SPRAYED WITH PESTICIDES!
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SALAD MIX VEGETABLES |
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Alfalfa/Radish/Clover Sprouts |
Escarole |
Spinachb * |
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Basil |
Kale b * |
Watercress |
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Beet Greens (tops) * |
Mint |
Wheat Grass |
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Bok Choy |
Mustard Greens * |
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Cilantro |
Parsley * |
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Collard Greens * |
Clover |
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Dandelion (flowers & stems) |
Raspberry Leaves |
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Endive * |
Romaine/Red/Green Leaf Lettuce |
(NO Iceberg) |
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HARD VEGETABLES |
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Broccoli (leaves & stems) |
Cauliflower |
Radishes & Tops |
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Brussels Sprouts |
Celery |
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Carrots & Tops * |
Green/Red/Yellow Peppers |
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b
Use sparingly, high in oxalates or toxic in large quantities.* High in Vitamin A
FRUITS
:1 to 2 per day. Small amounts totaling 1 – 2 tablespoons per 5 pounds of body weight (none if dieting).
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FRUITS |
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Apple (cored & seeded) |
Mango (pitted) |
Prunes |
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Bananas ( ½" slices) |
Melons |
Raisins |
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Blackberries |
Papaya |
Raspberries |
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Blueberries |
Peaches |
Strawberries |
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Grapes |
Pears |
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Kiwi |
Pineapple (fresh only) |
Avoid plums & cherries Poisonous! |
Rabbits need roughage to keep their digestive systems working properly. Good sources of roughage are Timothy hay, Apple tree branches, Willow tree branches, Blackberry vines (thorns and all), Raspberry leaves and Alder tree branches. Do NOT use Cherry or Plum branches, as they are poisonous.
DO NOT USE IF TREES OR VINES HAVE BEEN SPRAYED WITH CHEMICALS!
AVOID SUGAR Rabbits will overindulge and beg for it. It increases the bad bacteria in their digestive systems and can cause intestinal trouble resulting in diarrhea and/or not eating. Too many sweets can cause obesity. Never feed your rabbit chocolateb!
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