Thank you everyone! At what age can rabbits eat daily greens? Does grass and weeds ( non fertilized ) count as part of their greens? Is there any harm giving tree leaves? I know ( Blue eyes) you said that with less pellets you can do 2-4 cups of greens, but would it health wise be ok to do 1/2-1 cup per feeding (twice a day)?
I read that young rabbits should be fed alfalfa and alfalfa pellets is this true?
Grass and weeds count as greens. Leaves from certain types of trees are safe. Others are poisonous.
Once a rabbit is slowly introduced to a variety of greens (one type at a time), he can work up to eating 2-4 cups per day. That amount can be fed all at once or it can be divided into a couple feedings (or even used as training 'treats').
As to
when to start offering greens, that depends. With young rabbits, the suggestion is to slowly begin introducing greens at 12 weeks of age (please read
here for HOW to introduce greens. doing it wrong can cause severe tummy issues) . Some rabbits need a bit more time. If greens cause a reaction (mushy poo) in a 12 week old rabbit and that happens with a couple different greens, then it would be a good idea to hold off a few more weeks and try again. If a rabbit was already being fed greens as a kit with a nursing momma that was also being fed greens, then -- in that case -- baby's tummy has the gut flora needed to digest greens and can be fed greens. Unless one knows this for absolute certainty, caution is advised -- wait until at least 12 weeks of age.
I would, though, again strongly advise getting an already bonded (and already fixed) pair -- most especially if you are planning on housing outdoors. Outdoor rabbits are not monitored as closely and babies that get along can suddenly turn on each other with the onset of hormones. If you don't happen to be out there with them when this occurs, the results could be disastrous. I'd like to offer
another section to read before you decide whether to get young rabbits. It will help you to make a decision fully informed.