Daily Feeding Guide: How Much Hay & Food for Rabbits

Optimal Feeding Quantities for Rabbits

Rabbits have varying nutritional requirements depending on their age and purpose. Here's a breakdown of the appropriate feeding guidelines for different stages of a rabbit's life:

1. Neonatal Rabbits: At around 18 to 20 days old, kits begin to consume solid food. Their diet should consist of highly digestible, easily absorbable, and nutrientrich feed, supplemented with a moderate amount of highquality hay and specialized supplements for kits. The initial feeding should start with fine, shortgrain pellets at a quantity of 4 to 5 grams, gradually increasing to 10 to 20 grams. This supplementary feeding should continue until the rabbits are between 35 to 45 days old. From weaning to 10 weeks of age, the quality and quantity of food for young rabbits remain relatively consistent, typically around 80% of the freechoice feeding amount. It's crucial to provide a nutritionally complete diet to support the rapid growth and weight gain of young rabbits, allowing them to eat as much as they need.

2. Breeding Does: During the breeding preparation phase, does should be maintained at a moderate level of body condition, around 70 to 80% of their maximum weight. It's important that they are neither too fat nor too thin. Therefore, the nutritional level during this phase should be balanced, avoiding extremes. For does in good condition and at a standard weight, additional concentrated feed is not necessary.

3. Breeding Bucks: On average, breeding bucks should be fed 140 grams of pellets per day.

4. Lactating Does: To ensure ample milk production, lactating does should be allowed to freechoice feed pellets. The typical daily feeding amount for each doe is between 150 to 200 grams.

The above information provides an overview of the daily feeding requirements for rabbits at different life stages and purposes, as outlined by Oxygen Pet Doctor. However, it's essential to adjust these guidelines based on the individual health and condition of the rabbits. For instance, if a rabbit is underweight, it may be appropriate to increase the feeding amount, ensuring that the rabbit does not overeat or become undernourished.