Thai Topiary - A herd of topiary rabbits on the lawn at the king's summer palace in Thailand

To Oat or Not to Oat?

Rabbits can eat oats and other grains when fed as a part of a balanced diet. However, don't feed them too much because it can cause digestive troubles that lead to diarrhea and bloating. Generally rabbits should not be fed a diet that has a starch content higher than 11% to 14%. The starch content of every grain is different and varies between 57% (oats) to over 70% (corn). This means that if you feed your rabbit oats or other grains that it should only be a very small part of their total diet. 
 Diarrhea and bloating occurs when too much undigested starch passes into the caecum which is then quickly fermented by bacteria. While a small amount of starch can help to speed the fermentation (digestion) of fiber, too much starch can actually cause a change in pH which results in a change of bacterial populations. These "bad" bacteria thrive on the easily fermented starch and cause digestive troubles.
 For additional information about rabbit diets go here. 


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7147191

Lionhead Rabbits

Lionhead rabbits are recent arrivals that came from another wool breed. They require less grooming to maintain because they have less fur than true wool breeds and make great companions. Lionhead rabbits make great pets and get use to human contact when handled properly. However, caring for them can be a little more difficult than other pet rabbits because they require regular grooming. If you don't groom your rabbit regularly then two things can happen. First, if it has fur around its vent area then poop can cake up on it and create a mess. Second, without regularly removing excess hair by combing your rabbit then your rabbit might consume too much fur while it grooms itself. This leads to a condition called wool block (digestive system blockage) and can be fatal. A high fiber diet for your rabbit helps prevent wool block by quickly moving food (and hair) through the digestive system. However, not all high fiber rabbit food is the same. Before feeding it to your rabbit break apart the pellets to see if they contain large fibrous particles. If it is made solely of finely ground particles then it will likely contribute to wool block. You can also supplement their diet with grass hay (like timothy hay).
To learn more about Lionhead rabbits or other breeds of rabbits that make good pets..go Here.


 Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5533631

More Good Reading

We hear 'tail' that there's a great new book out about the favorite housepet..rabbits!!
We hear its a must read whether you're considering adopting bunnies or if you have already adopted or even if you have had a bunny as an companion for years.

The author, Stephen Flores,  is a volunteer and educator for the San Diego House Rabbit Society and has been a bunny parent for many years. It's an easy-to-read book loaded with valuable information and tips covering a broad range of topics including diet, housing options, bunny proofing, behavior, communication, medical issues and much, much more. At the end of each chapter there is a handy summary of key points which makes it helpful for future reference.

You can obtain a copy of your own at Amazon or at The Bunny Guy.

Calcium in rabbit food and Timothy Hay

Did you know that rabbits passively absorb calcium from their diet? This is different from most other animals that actively absorb it by using calcium pumps (proteins) embedded in the intestinal cells. However adding synthetic vitamin D3 (the active form) to rabbit food will cause rabbits to make these calcium pumps and actively uptake MORE calcium from their food (rather than passively absorbing it) AND it causes the kidneys to retain the calcium in the body rather than simply expel it. Avoid rabbit food that adds synthetic vitamin D3! - David

https://www.naturalrabbitfood.com/timothy-hay-for-rabbits/

Pet Rabbit Food

The nutritional needs of rabbits change as they grow up and so should their pet rabbit food. Baby pet rabbits require a diet that is low in starch, sugar, carbohydrates, and protein supplements because they can't digest it. If your rabbit has diarrhea then you are probably feeding a food that is too high in these things which include grains, wheat middlings, grain by-products and soybean meal. Check the feed label before buying your pet rabbit food.
 As a result many people suggest feeding baby rabbits timothy hay to prevent diarrhea. However, they do not realize that this grass hay lacks the vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that baby bunnies need for healthy growth. Feeding it will prevent your baby rabbit from getting the nutrients found in a balanced pelleted diet.
 The solution is to feed your baby pet rabbit a balanced diet that is high in fat and fiber instead of starch. This type of diet mimics "mamma's milk" that is high in fat but low in sugar. Take care to make sure that the fat comes from whole oil seeds that are high in vitamin E instead of refined vegetable oil or animal fat. Baby rabbits should continue to eat this style of food until they are "teenagers" or somewhere between 10 to 12 weeks of age. Then you should gradually switch to feeding them a low energy rabbit food that is high in fiber (containing timothy hay) that is designed to meet the nutritional needs of adult pet rabbits.
 It is important to continue feeding an adult pet rabbit food that is balanced and designed to provide the minerals and vitamins they need to maintain a healthy immune system, bone health, and an active lifestyle. If you skimp and just feed grass and vegetables they may develop mineral and vitamin deficiencies that lead to muscular dystrophy (meaning they will become partially paralyzed) or other nutritional diseases. Feeding treats is OK as long as they are not high in calories and they are only fed in small quantities.
 It's really that simple! Feeding the right type of pet rabbit food will ensure that your pet rabbit grows and lives an active, healthy and long life. You will avoid nutritional deficiencies and prevent costly vet bills. Furthermore, appropriately feeding these two styles of a balanced pet rabbit food will significantly reduce odor and messes as well as promote a healthy and shiny fur coat.
 Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6195039
Or go HERE for more information on our Food

Hares at Play

The birds are gone to bed, the cows are still, 

And sheep lie panting on each old mole-hill; 

And underneath the willow's gray-green bough, 

Like toil a-resting, lies the fallow plough. 

The timid hares throw daylight fears away 

On the lane's road to dust and dance and play, 

Then dabble in the grain by naught deterred 

To lick the dew-fall from the barley's beard; 

Then out they sturt again and round the hill 

Like happy thoughts dance, squat, and loiter still, 

Till milking maidens in the early morn 

Jingle their yokes and sturt them in the corn; 

Through well-known beaten paths each nimbling hare 

Sturts quick as fear, and seeks its hidden lair. 

  

John Clare (1793-1864)

by Jerzy Grzesiak