Feeding rabbits can be one of the most significant expenses in raising a rabbitry, especially if you’re maintaining a large number of animals for meat production, breeding, or show. While commercial rabbit pellets are a convenient and nutritionally balanced option, the cost can add up quickly. Fortunately, there are ways to supplement or even partially replace commercial feed to help reduce costs without compromising the health of your rabbits.
Understanding Rabbit Nutritional Needs
Before diving into supplementing feed, it’s crucial to understand the basic nutritional requirements of rabbits. Rabbits need a balanced diet that includes:
- Fiber: Essential for healthy digestion. The primary source is hay, such as timothy hay or grass hay.
- Protein: Important for growth, muscle development, and reproduction. Growing rabbits and lactating does need higher protein levels.
- Fats and Carbohydrates: Provide energy but should be given in moderation.
- Vitamins and Minerals: Necessary for overall health, including vitamin A, vitamin D, and calcium.
The ideal diet for most rabbits includes around 70-80% hay, 15-25% commercial pellets, and 5-10% fresh vegetables and other supplements.
Strategies to Supplement Rabbit Feed
Supplementing rabbit feed with affordable and nutritious alternatives can help lower costs. Here are some strategies to consider:
- Forage and Hay
- Hay is a staple for rabbits and should always be available. It provides necessary fiber and helps keep their digestive systems healthy. Timothy hay, grass hay, and meadow hay are all great options.
- Alfalfa hay can be used as well but should be limited to young rabbits, pregnant or nursing does, as it is higher in protein and calcium.
- Foraged greens such as dandelion leaves, plantain, clover, chickweed, and comfrey can be added to their diet. These are often available for free in gardens or fields, but it’s important to ensure they are free of pesticides and herbicides.
- Garden Vegetables and Herbs
- You can grow rabbit-safe vegetables in your garden to supplement their diet. Suitable options include kale, lettuce (dark leafy varieties), radish tops, parsley, basil, and mint. These can be offered fresh as part of a balanced diet.
- Root vegetables like carrots can be given in small quantities as treats, while greens like beet tops or turnip greens offer more nutritional value.
- Grain and Seeds
- While rabbits should not rely heavily on grains, you can add whole oats, barley, or wheat to their diet in small amounts. These grains can provide extra energy, especially for growing kits or breeding stock.
- Black oil sunflower seeds (BOSS) can also be added to improve coat condition, particularly during molting. However, these should be given sparingly due to their high-fat content.
- Fruit Tree Branches and Leaves
- Apple, pear, and willow branches are safe for rabbits to chew on. They help keep their teeth healthy while providing a small amount of nutrition.
- Fresh or dried leaves from raspberry, blackberry, and strawberry plants can also be included as occasional treats.
- Kitchen Scraps
- Certain kitchen scraps can supplement rabbit diets, such as carrot tops, celery leaves, cucumber peels, and herbs like basil or oregano. Avoid giving them onions, garlic, potatoes, or anything toxic.
- Eggshells, finely crushed, can be given to rabbits as a calcium supplement, especially for nursing does.
Reducing Commercial Pellet Dependence
To reduce reliance on commercial pellets, follow these tips:
- Mix Pellets with Supplements: Instead of feeding solely pellets, mix them with forage, grains, and vegetables. This can extend the pellet supply and offer a more varied diet.
- Introduce Supplements Gradually: If switching to a diet with more natural supplements, do it slowly to avoid digestive issues.
- Monitor Weight and Condition: Regularly check your rabbits for signs of malnutrition, such as weight loss, poor coat condition, or lethargy.
Homemade Rabbit Feed Mix Recipe
For those interested in creating their own mix to supplement pellets, here’s a simple recipe:
- 30% Commercial Pelleted Feed
- 20% Whole Oats
- 10% Barley
- 10% Black Oil Sunflower Seeds (BOSS)
- 20% Dried Herbs and Leafy Greens (such as parsley, comfrey, or plantain and Hay)
Mix the ingredients well and offer it in small portions along with fresh hay.
The Benefits of Supplementing Feed
By supplementing your rabbits’ diet with natural alternatives, you can save money on commercial feed, improve their health, and take a more sustainable approach to raising rabbits. Utilizing foraged greens, garden vegetables, grains, and other natural supplements not only reduces costs but also mimics the rabbits’ natural diet, promoting overall well-being.
Conclusion
Managing grain and feed costs for rabbits doesn’t have to be overwhelming or expensive. With a little creativity and knowledge of rabbit-safe foods, you can supplement their diet in ways that are both nutritious and cost-effective. Always make changes gradually and keep a close eye on your rabbits’ health to ensure they are thriving on their new feeding plan.
At Silver Ridge Rabbitry and Farms, we use a combination of high-quality hay, pellets, and natural supplements to keep our rabbits in peak condition, while keeping feed costs manageable. If you have any questions about feeding rabbits or want to learn more about our feeding practices, feel free to reach out!
This blog post provides practical advice while emphasizing the importance of proper nutrition, appealing to both budget-conscious rabbit owners and homesteaders aiming for self-sufficiency. Please bear in mind that these have worked for us, but please try any feed slowly and in moderation