Is your bunny a picky eater when it comes to hay? Do they turn up their twitchy little nose at their hay rack, leaving you worried about their health? Getting your rabbit to eat a proper hay-based diet is crucial for their wellbeing. When fluffy won’t eat their hay, it’s time to break out the big guns and get creative. In this article, we reveal 10 secret tricks that rabbit owners swear by to entice even the fussiest fuzzbutt to chow down on hay. You’ll discover simple steps to convert your hay hater into a hay hoover. Say goodbye to hay headaches and watch your bunny happily munch away. Get ready to win the hay war!
What is a healthy diet for rabbits?
A healthy diet for rabbits consists mainly of unlimited access to fresh hay. Hay should make up 80-90% of a rabbit's diet. The fiber in hay is essential for good dental health and digestive function. Rabbits are hindgut fermenters, meaning their digestive system requires a high fiber diet to stay healthy.
In addition to unlimited hay, rabbits should be fed a measured amount of fresh greens every day. Leafy greens like romaine lettuce, kale, parsley, cilantro, etc provide important vitamins and minerals. Greens should be introduced slowly and make up about 10-15% of the diet.
A small portion of pellets can also be fed daily. High quality pellets provide balanced nutrition when paired with hay and greens. Limit pellets to no more than 1/4 cup per 5 lbs body weight.
Some bunnies, especially older rabbits with dental issues, benefit from grass hay cubes or chopped forage as part of their hay ration. Avoid alfalfa, seed mixes, fruits, nuts, grains and other treats. Focus the diet on hay, greens and pellets.
Why is hay so important?
Hay is the most important part of a rabbit's diet for several reasons:
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It provides roughage which is essential for dental health. The abrasive nature of hay helps wear down teeth and prevent overgrowth and malocclusion. Rabbits' teeth grow continuously throughout their life.
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Hay moves food through the digestive tract and provides fiber that promotes gut motility. This fiber helps prevent GI stasis.
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Hay supports healthy populations of beneficial cecotropes and bacteria in the hindgut that allow rabbits to digest nutrients from their food.
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Chewing hay satisfies natural grazing behavior and provides enrichment. Rabbits want to nibble frequently throughout the day.
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Hay delivers a small amount of calories along with vitamins and minerals. It provides nutrition from nibbling.
Providing unlimited fresh hay ensures rabbits get these important benefits from foraging and chewing hay all day long. Hay should never be rationed or limited.
Health concerns for picky eater rabbits
Some rabbits can be quite picky about eating certain types and brands of hay. While this may seem like just a nuisance, it can lead to serious health problems over time.
Rabbits who do not consume enough hay are at risk for:
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Dental disease such as malocclusion, points, and tooth roots overgrowing into jaws. Hay helps wear down teeth.
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Gastrointestinal slowdown, stasis or blockages due to lack of fiber. Hay keeps things moving.
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Obesity since hay provides a low calorie filler. Rabbits need hay for calories.
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Boredom and behavior issues from not being able to satisfy natural grazing behaviors.
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Urine scald from sitting in wet litter box. Hay encourages use of the box.
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Nutritional deficiency since hay provides vitamins and minerals.
If your rabbit is refusing hay or only eating a minimal amount, it's very important to get them eating more hay. Use any tricks you can to increase their hay intake back up to a healthy level. Doing so will prevent many common health problems.
10 Ways to get your rabbit to eat their hay
If your bunny has suddenly stopped eating hay, seems bored with their usual hay, or has always been picky about hay, try these tips to encourage them to eat more:
1. Mix in different types of hay
Buy several types of grass hay like oat hay, timothy hay, orchard grass, brome, etc. Fill the hay rack with a mix of varieties for novelty. Rotate different mixtures to keep it interesting.
2. Mix daily pellets or greens in the hay
Toss a few pellets or small pieces of greens into the hay. This will encourage rabbits to rummage through it. Be sure they still finish their regular portions too.
3. Use different types of hay racks
Try both a wall-mounted hay feeder and a floor pile of hay. Or hang hay in cardboard toilet paper rolls or stuff it in cardboard boxes. Change up the location and method of hay presentation.
4. Look for fresher hay
Hay that is overly dried out or has sat around for too long will be less palatable. Shop at stores with quick hay turnover or order fresh bales online. Properly store hay to retain nutrients.
5. Periodically rearrange the hay
Dump everything out and put it back in sections, alternating the types. This resets it as "new" stimulation.
6. Replace with fresh hay every day
Some rabbits want only the freshest, most irresistible new hay. Toss any uneaten hay and put out a new batch in the morning.
7. Avoid overfeeding on other foods
Cut back on greens or pellets for a few days if those are displacing hay. Increase hunger for hay by temporarily decreasing other foods.
8. Place the hay next to the litter box
The box is a place they frequent. Putting hay right next to it makes it easy to grab a mouthful when hopping in and out.
9. Use hay in fun toys
Hide hay inside cardboard tubes, boxes or balls. Make the rabbit work to get it out. Increase motivation and play.
10. Give hay cubes as treats
Some rabbits love the concentrated flavor of cubes. Use them instead of other sugary treats to reward good litter habits.
With perseverance, normally you can find at least one or two methods that will entice your rabbit to eat hay again. It may take trying many different techniques. Be patient and get creative!
What if your rabbit refuses to eat pellets?
Some tips to convince your rabbit to eat their pellets:
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Slowly mix in new pellets over 2-3 weeks, increasing the ratio gradually
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Crush up pellets and mix with a little water into a mush
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Hand feed pellets as treats to build positive association
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Sprinkle a few pellets on top of the greens
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Offer pellets at scheduled mealtimes only when hungry
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Try different pellet shapes, sizes, textures and brands
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Add dried fruit or herbs to temporarily increase palatability
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Check pellets for freshness and store in air-tight container
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Ensure proper dental health to ease chewing difficulty
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If refusing due to advanced age, consult a vet about softening
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Reduce portion if obesity is concern; don't force-feed overweight rabbits
If rabbit is determined to refuse pellets long-term, consult a vet about switching to alternative feeds like hay cubes. Do not attempt to meet all nutritional needs with only greens. Make sure hay intake is maximized.
What if your rabbit refuses to eat greens?
Tips for getting a rabbit to eat more greens:
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Introduce new greens one at a time in small amounts to allow adjustment
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Mix in a few preferred greens like cilantro or parsley
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Hand feed small pieces as treats to build positive association
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Lightly mist or soak greens with water to increase palatability
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Chop greens into smaller pieces to seem less intimidating
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Offer a salad bar of diverse greens to provide more choices
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Try growing greens fresh at home for maximum appeal
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If greens are very wet, pat dry thoroughly before serving
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Shred greens and mix together with hay for diluted flavors
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Save the best greens for last if they eat certain parts first
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Provide greens on a schedule when hungry rather than free-feed
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Ensure proper dental health for chewing ability
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If refusing due to age, try chopping greens finely
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Don't give up! It may take time and patience.
Consult your vet if your rabbit absolutely refuses greens long term. They may recommend alternative vitamin sources. Always provide unlimited hay as the staple diet.