mini rex rabbit

Question
I have a year old mini rex that is getting heafty and I need to scale her back, but I don't know how much.  
she 1/8 th cup of pellets am, mountain grass all day and a plate of mixed spring greens, 2-3 tops of brocoli, 8-10 blackberries/rasberries,fresh mint or parsley and maybe some shredded cabbage.  I think the evening meal might be a little heavey.  I need some specific guidelines.  She weighs about 3-4lbs. now. When she sits, I don't realy see her hine legs.  Help.
Sandy Buton  

Answer
Dear Sandy,

Unfortunately, Rex rabbits tend to be prone to the pudgies.  It's possibly because they don't spend as much energy as other rabbits making those protein-expensive guard hairs.  But whatever the cause, it's a breed characteristic.

The first thing to cut back would be her pellets.  She's already not getting much, but even less will help, since those are the most high-calorie items in her diet.  She really can have pretty much unlimited dark, leafy greens and *should* have unlimited timothy hay available at all times.  This will keep her filled up and less likely to want snacks.

The 8-10 berries are a little too much, too.  Cut those in half, and then further, if necessary.

But the most important aspect of any weight-loss program for any mammal--human or rabbit--is exercise.  If you can provide her with a safe, fenced area where she can run in a yard with grass and dig in real dirt, she'll burn a lot of calories while you watch and supervise.  Indoors, you can provide her with clean cardboard boxes (glued into shape so there's no tape or staples) with doors cut in.  She'll spend hours re-doing the architecture and having fun.  Toys that you change around will help, too.  A bit of creativity, and you'll have a bunny gym!  :)

(Note also that unspayed, unbred female rabbits have a very high risk of uterine cancer, so be sure she's spayed for her health!)

Hope that helps!

Dana