Feeders

Question
I have recently gotten a rabbit (an albino). I have her in a large plastic cage for rabbit (32"X32") that came with a feeder of the kind you put food in and it just keeps falling and a water bottle. However, she doesn't seem to "know" how to use those and I have to keep putting food on bowls and she just takes a little and I have to squish the water in her mouth two times a day (she's always thirsty). I can keep doing this I guess but I'm wondering how to "train" or make her understand how to get the food (or worst, water!), or if there is other feeders or bottles you could recommend. She is eating hay so she's not starving, but the vet keeps telling me I have to get her to eat the formula since it has more nutrients and she is not really gaining weight. The vet only gave me other formulas to try, but that is not really working.
Thank you for any help you can provide.

Answer
Hi,

best thing to do is feed her using heavy crocks (food and water bowls).  It is more natural for them to eat and drink from these, and more comfortable, and rabbits will eat and drink more in these positions than from hanging food and water devices.  Some don't mind, but some do.  In those cases you need to feed them in the position that works best for them.  Get large heavy crocks for water and replace with fresh water in the morning and evening.  Get a smaller crock for food pellets.  Get several of each so you can rotate out every day and wash.