How to get them to eat new hay

[LassieBunBun]

I got new hay for Blossom and Thumper and they're barely touching it. I tried putting some foraging mix on it but they only ate the mix so what else can I do to get them to eat it?

 

[dogwoodblossoms]

What kind of hay did you switch them too? What kind were they originally on? You may need to mix the types to get them to eat it. Bunnies are picky

 

[LassieBunBun]

What kind of hay did you switch them too? What kind were they originally on? You may need to mix the types to get them to eat it. Bunnies are picky

Bermuda grass hay and we had Oxbow timothy hay but we can't afford Oxbow right now

 

[dogwoodblossoms]

Understandable, my fellow New Yorker. You can't really do much except keep offering them the hay. Sometimes they will just give up on their boycott and eat it. I'm not sure if this helps, but I get Standlee timothy hay from Tractor Supply (50 lbs. for $25), so after you run out of the Bermunda hay that might be an option.

 

[Blue eyes]

Is the hay fresh and green? Bermuda is rarely rejected by buns since it is so tender. Usually it's the transition off of alfalfa (which is not a grass hay) that can be difficult. The various grass hays are generally interchangeable. That's why I wondered if something is off with the Bermuda you have? Some rabbits tend to be more choosey, though.

If it's just that they want timothy, the brand is irrelevant. Maybe try local feed stores.

 

[LassieBunBun]

Is the hay fresh and green? Bermuda is rarely rejected by buns since it is so tender. Usually it's the transition off of alfalfa (which is not a grass hay) that can be difficult. The various grass hays are generally interchangeable. That's why I wondered if something is off with the Bermuda you have? Some rabbits tend to be more choosey, though.

If it's just that they want timothy, the brand is irrelevant. Maybe try local feed stores.

It looks fresh, it's green and soft and smells good to me. I got it off of Chewy.com so it should be good. Next time I'll try Tractor Supply

 

[Blue eyes]

If they continue to refuse to eat it, you'll need to get some other hay. You don't want them going a full day without hay. Tractor Supply may have timothy.

 

[skipidragon]

You can try dumping some of their pellets in it.

 

[LassieBunBun]

You can try dumping some of their pellets in it.

Ok, I'll try that right now

 

[overhear]

My bunny was reluctant to eat hay at all when we got her so I mixed in a few fresh greens at first and slowly reduced them. Worked very well.

 

[LassieBunBun]

You can try dumping some of their pellets in it.

I did it and Blossom ate hers! Thumper just pushed hay aside to eat the pellets

 

[Selena RD]

My bunny doesn't eat hay at all just pellets and vegetables no matter what hay I have but my vet says it's because she has megacolon I also knew a friend that the bunny went to 4 vets and nothing was wrong with that bunny just ate pellets but some of my bunnies that were picky I put alfalfa on top and they started eating more of it

 

[Popsicles]

I think mixing your old hay and new hay and gradually transitioning is the best option. If you don’t have any old hay left possibly try getting another brand of Timothy hay if that seems to be their preferred type. I would also cut down on pellets temporarily so they don’t opt to gorge on them and feel hungrier to eat the hay.
Anyone saying their rabbit does fine without hay is an exception, not the rule, and they are very lucky not to have any issues yet.

 

[LassieBunBun]

I thought I'd give an update, Blossom and Thumper are now eating their hay but not as much as I'd like but they're doing good so I'll take it. Thanks for the help everyone!

 

[Smudgebunny]

I got new hay for Blossom and Thumper and they're barely touching it. I tried putting some foraging mix on it but they only ate the mix so what else can I do to get them to eat it?

I'd be interested in the same advice. Our rabbit is super picky & even refuses hay from the same brand when it differs in quality. I'm in Australia and at the moment it is not easy sourcing the brand he likes.

 

[CrazyChickenGirl]

I'd be interested in the same advice. Our rabbit is super picky & even refuses hay from the same brand when it differs in quality. I'm in Australia and at the moment it is not easy sourcing the brand he likes.

I’d recommend starting your own thread. You’ll probably get more help.

 

[LassieBunBun]

Update again, they're eating their hay pretty decently now, I have to give them hay once a day instead of twice (well...sometimes I have to give Thumper a refill twice a day). Thanks again for your guys' help!