Bunny that won't eat hay

[Annette4]

Teddy bunny is keen on his food and has regular check ups (teeth have always been fine). I suspect, because of where he came from he never really got hay, as he certainly just isn't interested in it. I've tried all sorts of different ways to offer it to him (in his bowl, in a rack, in a tube etc) but he has a little nibble but mostly he just ignored or wees on it. He gets lots of fresh greens (mix of dandilion leafs, other leafs and grass as well as occasional veg) along with a mix. The vet is happy enough with his condition but I worry he isn't getting enough fibre. Is there anything else I can offer him for extra fibre?

 

[Imogen Rose]

There are loads of different types of hay, timothy, medow alfalfa etc.. that you could try? maybe he just dosent like one particular variety?
Have you tries the food cubes that excel now do? They are like big blocks of cammomile and flowery alfalfa type hay.
And there are the natures menu herb and flower selection packets? they have dries grasses, flowers and herbs with little twigs. All my bunnies have gone mad for this.
I think a rabbits diet should ideally be 80% fibre, but as he is still eating his food I wouldnt be too worried.
Is he fed pellets or a museli?

 

[catxx]

I'd not bother with those excel food cubes, they're dusty and rubbish!

Also, the only three hays that are safe to free feed are Timothy, Meadow and Orchard Grass. Alfafa is high in calcium so no good for adult rabbits. Oat hay should also be considered a treat hay.

There are plenty of different grows of those three though. Do keep trying and don't offer him a heap of alternative stuff. They're like naughty children like that!

Order this hay selection taster pack from Hay Experts:
http://www.thehayexperts.co.uk/taster-selection-sample-pack.html

Take away all his other food for half the day, just water remaining, and heap up a few different types of hay for him.

Another trick is getting him neutered, if he's not already, and bonding with a spayed female rescue rabbit. If he watches another rabbit chowing down on a pile of hay he'll soon get the idea!

 

[dawn m]

mine love readigrass.

 

[catxx]

Readigrass is nice stuff but should only be considered a treat. It's quite rich and can cause gut upset in more sensitive rabbits.