rabbit does not eat hay

Question
2.5 months ago adopted 2 rabbits from humane society, both neutered (females). 1 is supposed to be about a year old and the other not known. Suspect 1 year old probably right age, the other probably younger because she has gotten a lot bigger. My question is the older one does not eat hay, any type. She eats bunny basic T, about 1/4 cup (weighs about 4 lbs), am, and eats at least 2 cups of veggies, (broccoli, bok choy, parsley, basil, celery, kale, etc) pm. She doesn't seem to have any problems pooping but the quantity is at least 1/2 of what the younger one produces. they are about the same size and eat exactly the same amount of both pellets and veggies. It is getting a little costly with all the veggies and I would prefer to cut down on some of the veggies but am afraid that the older one won't survive on just 1/4 cup of pellets and would have problems pooping, because she doesn't eat hay, (my husband says they are spoiled and that I don't need to give so much veggies). Thus my question is how do I get it to eat hay.
Mahalo!

Answer
Hi,

you are giving her to much veggies.  She should be having 1/2 cup of veggies per day, per her body weight.  That's why she's ignoring the hay.

Food pellets are okay at 1/4 cup per day for her size.

She will begin to eat hay when she becomes hungry.  You have to let her learn this.  She has trained YOU to give her the foods SHE wants to eat and you have agreed with her not to make her eat hay.

Hay is extremely vital to rabbits' health.  She has to develop an appetite for it.  So do not give in to her if she appears hungry and not wanting to eat hay.  She will wait for you to give her something better.  It is a battle of wills.  She is a little kid wanting dessert but doesn't want to eat dinner.  More so it is a struggle for who is really in control of the situation, her or you.

It is proven, because it works.  You cut down the greens to proper levels (1/2 cup, do not cheat and cram more in).  Your pellet amounts are okay, do NOT increase them.  Make sure the hay is fresh and smells good, and she will become hungry enough that she will start eating hay.  Praise her when she does this verbally - never reward hay eating with a treat.  Hay eating is a learned behavior anyway.  It will rub off on her from your other rabbit.

You have to be unwavering here.  It is not punishment.  It is not causing her pain.  She has to learn how to eat hay.  You can't short-circuit the learning process by giving in and proving to her she can wait you out and you'll eventually give her something better.

Lee