why won't my rabbits eat their food?

Question

my rabbits stopped eating their pellets but will still eat vegetables. won't eat that much hay too. what should I do?

I know it's not good to give rabbits too much veggies but they won't eat their pellets and I'm afraid it might affect their stomach or something.

Answer 1

I have a few rabbits myself and this has happened too. Start out but cutting up those veggies and putting them in with their food. once you see that the veggies are gone don't give them anymore until they have eaten some of their regular food. if this doesn't work i give my bunnies the bunny food that has extra stuff.... not just the pellets. Try not to give them to many veggies it really isn't as good for them if they get them all of the time.

Answer 2

As long as it stays healthy just give it alot of veggies but if you want it to eat something else if you have a backyard lay it gently and surround it so it won't go then it will start pulling grass and eating(but don't put it outside if it's raining or if the grass is wet or bad weather).

Answer 3

According to http://www.rabbithaven.org

Rabbits should NOT be fed primarily on commercially produced pellets. Rabbit’s digestive systems evolved to allow them to survive on a marginal diet; alfalfa pellets are far too rich and refined to provide a balanced diet.

HAY:

The primary staple of your rabbit’s diet should be Timothy Hay and some good local hay.

WATER:

Fresh water should be provided daily. Dump out water that is left in bottles or bowls and refill daily. Rabbits use more water from bowls than bottles because it is easier to drink. Use a heavy ceramic dish that can not be easily overturned. You may want to use a bottle as a backup, in case the bowl does get overturned.

Water containers should be washed thoroughly with soap and water every couple of days, or run through the dishwasher. Scum build up in the bowl is not good for your rabbit. If you wouldn’t drink out of it, neither should your rabbit.

HAY AND VEGETABLE DIET:

***Feed a minimum of 1 cup of vegetables for each 4 pounds of weight***
***Timothy Hay or good grass hay must be available 24 hours a day***

Select a minimum of three types of vegetables daily. A variety is necessary to provide adequate nutrients. Choose one that contains Vitamin A, indicated by an *. For more detailed nutritional information please visit the USDA web site and search their data base located here: http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/foodcomp/search/index.html

Add one new vegetable at a time. If soft stool or diarrhea occurs, eliminate that vegetable from the diet.

NEVER USE VEGETABLES SPRAYED WITH PESTICIDES!

SALAD MIX VEGETABLES

Alfalfa/Radish/Clover Sprouts
Escarole
Spinachb *

Basil
Kale b *
Watercress

Beet Greens (tops)*
Mint
Wheat Grass

Bok Choy
Mustard Greens*

Cilantro
Parsley*

Collard Greens*
Clover

Dandelion (flowers & stems)
Raspberry Leaves

Endive*
Romaine/Red/Green Leaf Lettuce
(NO Iceberg)


HARD VEGETABLES

Broccoli (leaves & stems)
Cauliflower
Radishes & Tops

Brussels Sprouts
Celery

Carrots & Tops*
Green/Red/Yellow Peppers


b Use sparingly, high in oxalates or toxic in large quantities.
* High in Vitamin A

FRUITS:

1 to 2 per day. Small amounts totaling 1 – 2 tablespoons per 5 pounds of body weight (none if dieting).

FRUITS

Apple (cored & seeded)
Mango (pitted)
Prunes

Bananas (½" slices)
Melons
Raisins

Blackberries
Papaya
Raspberries

Blueberries
Peaches
Strawberries

Grapes
Pears

Kiwi
Pineapple (fresh only)
Avoid plums & cherries Poisonous!


Rabbits need roughage to keep their digestive systems working properly. Good sources of roughage are Timothy hay, Apple tree branches, Willow tree branches, Blackberry vines (thorns and all), Raspberry leaves and Alder tree branches. Do NOT use Cherry or Plum branches, as they are poisonous.

DO NOT USE IF TREES OR VINES HAVE BEEN SPRAYED WITH CHEMICALS!

Answer 4

ok I have had rabbits since I was 9 and still do and Im 13 1/2 Im also in 4-h toget your rabbits to eat more you can give them grape leaves perferably 1 large or whatever it helps make them hungeryer well it helped mine good luck. anymore questions you can email me

Answer 5

cut up the veggies and putting them in with their food. once you see that the veggies are gone don't give them anymore until they have eaten some of their regular food.

Answer 6

as long as you give them veggies they will always eat that first....give them only so much and they will eat other things when they get hungry enough

Answer 7

Anytime a rabbit doesn't eat its time to take them to the vet asap. http://www.rabbit.org

Answer 8

maybe they dont like them, you need to give them all the vittimins they need.