Happy Hollands
Well-Known Member
As many of you know, I mainly focus on raising rare colored Holland lops. However, I also have a Netherland dwarf doe who is near and dear to my heart. She was the first pet rabbit that is mine entirely (not a family pet, as we've had rabbits growing up our whole lives) and she will be 4 years old in May. I've had her since she was 7 weeks old. Her name is Missy. I believe she is 3/4 Netherland dwarf and 1/4 double-maned lionhead! She has the sweetest personality, and I don't think I could live without her! I'll attach a picture so you guys can understand why I'm so in love haha 
Anyways, I've noticed recently that she's been putting on some weight after her health scare last year with GI stasis. Last time she was at the vet, she weighed approx. 5 lb which is a bit on the heavy side for a Netherland dwarf. I feed her a strict diet of 1/4 a cup of pellets per day (well... sometimes a little bit more because she begs at night once her daily amount is gone), obviously unlimited second cut Timothy hay, and I give her 2 papaya tablets everyday because of her being prone to GI stasis as I mentioned earlier. Every other day, her treats are either dandelion greens or a pinch of my homemade blend of oats and BOSS!! I occasionally add a splash of ACV to her water to keep her as healthy as possible. She lives in a 24 ft² cage so she has plenty of room to hop around during the day. Depending on the weather, she either gets to free room in our four-car garage or gets exercise in her outdoor pen in the fresh grass!
Any suggestions of how I should alter her diet? Preferably, if you could attach a full plan including pellet amount, if she should be allowed any treats, and if I should alter her exercise schedule at all. Keep in mind, I'm scared of putting her on a super strict diet and changing too much because I do not need another health care (with all the vets having limited hours)! Thank you all - Missy and I look forward to your suggestions!
Anyways, I've noticed recently that she's been putting on some weight after her health scare last year with GI stasis. Last time she was at the vet, she weighed approx. 5 lb which is a bit on the heavy side for a Netherland dwarf. I feed her a strict diet of 1/4 a cup of pellets per day (well... sometimes a little bit more because she begs at night once her daily amount is gone), obviously unlimited second cut Timothy hay, and I give her 2 papaya tablets everyday because of her being prone to GI stasis as I mentioned earlier. Every other day, her treats are either dandelion greens or a pinch of my homemade blend of oats and BOSS!! I occasionally add a splash of ACV to her water to keep her as healthy as possible. She lives in a 24 ft² cage so she has plenty of room to hop around during the day. Depending on the weather, she either gets to free room in our four-car garage or gets exercise in her outdoor pen in the fresh grass!
Any suggestions of how I should alter her diet? Preferably, if you could attach a full plan including pellet amount, if she should be allowed any treats, and if I should alter her exercise schedule at all. Keep in mind, I'm scared of putting her on a super strict diet and changing too much because I do not need another health care (with all the vets having limited hours)! Thank you all - Missy and I look forward to your suggestions!
Good luck
How long do you think it would take approximately for her to get down to a healthy weight?
