Let’s talk pellets!
Bunnies under 3 months are given unlimited access to pellets so they can grow. Once a bunny reaches 3 months, it’s a good idea to start cutting back on pellets - to an extent! See what I do at the bottom of this post!
Adult rabbits only need 1/4 - 1/2 cups of pellets per day. It is imperative to feed your bunny quality, hay-based (alfalfa hay/meal for young bunnies or timothy hay/meal for adult bunnies is the #1 ingredient). There are a lot of low-quality rabbit pellets on the market that are actually unhealthy to even feed your bunnies. Also, quality pellets should be green in color, not brown, and smell fresh. Some great quality brands of pellets are Kalmbach, Oxbow, Small Pet Select, and Sherwood.
Do NOT feed your bun fiesta mixes (pellets with colorful bits mixed in) or commercial treats, as they often contain unhealthy ingredients. Bunnies have very sensitive digestive systems (especially when they are younger) so it is essential to transition them to any new foods slowly and carefully to minimize the risk of upsetting their digestive system.
The following is a general guideline for transitioning your bunny to a new kind of pellet:
Week 1- 75% old pellets and 25% new pellets
Week 2- 50% old pellets and 50% new pellets
Week 3- 25% old pellets and 75% new pellets
Week 4+ 100% new pellets
Your bunny might try to pick out the old pellets at first and this is completely normal, just continue mixing them together and they should start to eat the new kind and be fully transitioned by the end of four weeks.
What I use: Kalmbach 16% Rabbit Feed (I order from Chewy) I free feed pellets and have never had a bunny overeat (see disclaimer below). I use a double small pet bowl for pellets and keep both of them full. top them off every morning and night.
*Disclaimer- I have had litters who want to eat and eat and eat - if they are emptying the bowls I don’t feed them more often. I may even cut back to refilling the bowls once a day but a lot of factors play into this!
Pro tip: If you have a silly bun who loves to dump their food (I have a couple!) then hang their feeder so they can’t! 🤪
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