windryder201
Active Member
Due to allergy problems in my household that are not being controlled by usual allergy medications, I'm going to be transitioning my rabbits off of loose hay. I did consider wetting the hay so it doesn't float everywhere, but the bunnies won't eat it. I'd like some thoughts on my plan to do this (below) while maintaining enough chewing and fiber in their diet.
My plan is to feed primarily Oxbow Adult rabbit pellets with a few Oxbow hay cakes each day. To supplement this, I'm going to increase the amount of leafy greens (I feed primarily parsley, due to cost and availability) from 2-3 times a week to every day. I am also going to keep a small amount of hay in their cage for them, but it won't be on a free-feed basis. I'm thinking probably the Oxbow Botanical because they do love it and it seems to stick to itself the best out of the hays that they like.
I'm hoping this will maintain enough fiber in their diet for their GI and teeth, without having all the hay particles floating around.
I'm probably going have to fiddle with this depending on their response to the new diet, but I'd appreciate other ideas and input from the community as they pertain to accomplishing this goal.
Note: I realize that free-fed loose hay is optimal for bunny health. I am fully aware. When you comment, please take into consideration that I am a final year veterinary student with full knowledge of my rabbits' needs and I have weighed them with the health of myself and my roommates. In my individual situation, I have decided that switching to a less environmentally allergenic feed situation is the most balanced option. Please respect this and give me advice that actually helps me and doesn't disregard my decision entirely. Thank you.