2006-12-23 00:59:42 · 20 answers · asked by percy 1 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
Over feeding is the number one cause of over weight bunnies.
Depending on what type of breed you have will depend on how much this bunny should be consuming in a feeding.
The average rule of thumb is one ounce of pellets per one pound of bunny.
Smaller breeds that normally weigh under 6 pounds, should only be fed about a half-cup of pellets. Larger breeds don't usually have a maximum weight and are generally free fed.
(breed weights based on the purebred breed standard requirements for that breed)
Hay is a very important part of a rabbit's diet. Not only for aid in digestion, but it is always a great way to control weight gain! Hay fed daily will give bunny a "full feeling", thus he won't eat as much pellets but still acquires the nutrition for his daily diet.
Keep the "extras" out of the diet or fed in moderation. The commercial pellet brands such as Purina, Nutrena, Pen Pals, etc have just straight pellets made from an alfalfa or grass hay based ingredient are all that the rabbit needs to utilize his pellet ration. The brands that offer the "cute and fun little colored extras" are not needed in the rabbits diet and this can affect the rabbit's weight gain for the worse.
First off, determine what breed your rabbit is/resembles, and what his average normal weight should be. Then weigh bunny and if he is not in that bracket for his breed, put him on a diet.
Offer grass hay daily or a couple times a week. Limit the amount of pellets fed per day. Decrease the extra treats: limit fruits and vegetables, etc. And when all else fails, give bunny more exercise time in the play pen!
Even though there are some sites/organizations that suggest feeding fruits/vegetables as part of the main diet, this is not always healthy for the domesticated rabbit. In the wild yes, this is can be the rabbits diet to survive. But once domesticated and raised up on a commerical pelleted diet, which contains all that is needed for the daily diet, that is all the rabbit needs to maintain a happy healthy life (and keep their digestive system on track!)
2006-12-23 03:15:37 · answer #1 · answered by Lotsa Lops 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depends on what you feed it.
Pellets & hay is normal food for rabbits. Carrots contains sugar, if you rabbit is not freely allowed to roam around and this is another reason it will accumulate fat.
Another reason could be you give too much food. Try to feed twice a day and ensure that the bowl is near empty for the next round.
Age factor - rabbits could be lazy after it reach a certain age and refuse to excercise. Keep moving him around during walks.
2006-12-23 01:10:12 · answer #2 · answered by Phillip 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First ask yourself this question: How much do you feed your rabbit per day? If the answer is a lot, try and limit the amount of food you give him (or her??). Also, if you have another rabbit check to see if the rabbit is not in the other rabbit's stomach! (Just kidding!)
2006-12-23 01:02:31 · answer #3 · answered by book_worm308 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Too much food and not enough exercise. Cut back on the pellets, stop any treats, increase hay and run time.
It's not good for a rabbit to be obese for a number of reason. They can't get to the cecal pellets, which they need for proper gut health and they can't clean themselves properly, which lead to a whole host of other problems.
Have a look at this article for some information on the lead on problems and ways to help him.
http://www.rabbitsinthehouse.org/newsletter/obesity.pdf
2006-12-24 01:00:38 · answer #4 · answered by mbunnyau 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
rabbits like to eat, rabbits get fat
2006-12-25 03:18:20 · answer #5 · answered by M T 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
probably because you dont know how to feed them properly..
prolly because the pet stores know nothing about feeding rabbits or any pets a healthy diet.. Check out this website for detailed information on how to have a happy healthy Rabbit. http://rabbit.org/faq/sections/diet.html
2006-12-23 04:12:32 · answer #6 · answered by Angel 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
he eats to much. look at the ingrediants on the food you buy for your rabbit. alot of pellets (especially cheaper brands) use fillers which is basically carbs talk to someone at the pet store for advise on a better brand and maybe offer more natural foods and less pellets.
2006-12-23 01:02:43 · answer #7 · answered by benny619 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Too many pellets in and not enough out. OR...has she been hanging out with a male rabbit?
2006-12-23 01:02:55 · answer #8 · answered by Holly R 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
stay away from alfalfa hay- too much fat, only give your bunny timothy hay, also give lots of carrots and fresh spinich. i feed my bunny pellets with dried fruits and nuts, that made my bunny gain weight, be careful not to give these treats too much this can also cause soft stools and a big mess!
2006-12-23 04:29:05 · answer #9 · answered by ? 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
lol!!! Yeah I know my dog was sooo fat too. And my cat? She weighed over 25 pounds!!! haha
2006-12-23 01:01:11 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋