RabbitsUpdated 14 days ago
My rabbit is older. Do I need to do anything special?
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What hay should I feed my new baby bunny?
Your new bun should get plenty of alfalfa for at least their first six or seven months of life. During this time, it isn’t necessary to add in other types of hay, as little ones need the extra protein and nutrients that alfalfa provides.
Between seven months and a year, you can start mixing in orchard, timothy, and oat hays while gradually decreasing alfalfa. This helps with the transition to a predominantly 2nd cut Timothy diet, or whatever hay works best for you and your bun.
As far as pellets are concerned, young rabbits do need alfalfa-based pellets. Once they reach about seven months, they can transition to adult pellets that are timothy-based.
At about 12 weeks of age, you can slowly begin introducing vegetables into your bun’s diet, one at a time, to make sure everything agrees with them.
Should rabbits eat alfalfa?
Pets over a year of age should only be fed alfalfa as an occasional treat, as it’s very nutrient-rich. Some buns may have a harder time transitioning away from alfalfa since it tends to be very appealing.
You can try mixing alfalfa with 2nd cut Timothy hay and gradually reduce the alfalfa over time. If your rabbit needs something softer, 3rd cut Timothy can be a helpful option. We also recommend a timothy hay-based pellet for adult rabbits.
When in doubt, your exotic veterinarian is always the best resource since they know your pet’s specific needs.
Where can I enter my rabbit’s birthday in my account?
We aren’t able to store pet birthdays in customer accounts at this time, though we hope to add this feature in the future. Our Birthday cake product page has a spot to add your little one's birth or Gotcha date.
What should I do if my rabbit is showing signs of GI stasis?
GI stasis is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that requires urgent attention.
Signs to watch for include not eating or refusing food, low energy or unusual stillness, and small, misshapen, or no droppings.
If you notice any of these signs, contact an exotic or emergency veterinarian immediately.
A veterinarian can check for blockages, provide fluids and pain relief, and support feeding if needed.
If you’re unable to get to a vet right away, you can take a few supportive steps. Keep your rabbit warm and comfortable, monitor their condition closely, and encourage eating such as leafy greens or pellets if they’re willing.
These measures are only temporary and are not a substitute for veterinary care.
Helpful resources:
https://rabbit.org/health/rabbit-health-emergencies/
https://rabbit.org/care/gi-stasis/
If this concern is related to a delayed or incorrect hay order, please reach out to us and we’ll work quickly to help.