Determining Feeding Amounts for Otters: A Guide
Section 1: Criteria for Determining Rabbit Feeding Quantities
1. Body Size of the Rabbit. Generally, larger rabbits require a greater amount of feed. Young rabbits should be fed less than adult rabbits, and the feed for kits should be even more sparing. Unweaned kits should primarily be fed on their mother's milk, with feeding sessions of 2 to 3 times a day, ensuring they are only fed to about 70% to 80% of their capacity. It's typically not until the kits are around 18 days old that they need to be introduced to a small amount of solid food.
2. Condition of the Rabbit. If a rabbit is overweight, it's advisable to reduce the amount of concentrated feed and focus on green and roughagebased diets, while still monitoring the total intake. Conversely, a thin rabbit may benefit from a higher proportion of concentrated feed, along with the addition of cooked soybeans. Balance is key to maintaining a healthy weight.
3. Consistency of the Rabbit's Faeces. When feeding your rabbit, observe the consistency of its droppings daily. Adjust the amount of water provided based on whether the droppings are dry and hard (indicating dehydration) or loose and runny (suggesting overhydration). For dry droppings, increase water intake, and for runny droppings, consider adding more dry feed and reducing green feed and water.
4. Satiety Levels of the Rabbit. The rabbit's belly size can be a good indicator of its hunger levels. A sunken belly suggests hunger, and you should increase the feeding amount accordingly. A bloated belly indicates fullness, so it's best to reduce the feed. Aim for an 80% fullness level to prevent overeating and potential digestive issues like diarrhea. However, it's also important not to starve the rabbit to ensure proper growth and health.
5. Weather Conditions. In hot weather above 30°C, feeding should be done during cooler morning and evening hours, and include some cool fruits and green vegetables. In colder winter months, it's best to mix concentrated feed with hot water, forming it into a balllike consistency before feeding.
The above are some examples provided by Oxygen Pet Doctor on how to determine rabbit feeding quantities. Under normal circumstances, owners can adjust the feeding amounts based on these factors. If you have any further questions, feel free to leave a comment below!