Summer time

Question
Hi, my name is Martha and i live in Canada. I asked someone else, i think, a few questions the other day and now i have one more. I've had my little Gilda for about two weeks now (previously loved), she's about three months old. my question is: it's started to get really hot and humid here, and i read on a website that you can freeze pumpkin mix in ice cube trays for rabbits to lick to keep themselves cool, and I've given her two a couple of days apart and Gilda seems to love them as a cool treat. but i was wondering if, as long as she doesn't get them all the time, if it's ok for her to have them in moderation as a treat and too cool off. if you could get back to me that would be great. thanks.

Answer
Hi Martha

I have researched every web site I can find and looked through every book I have and nowhere do I find anything about pumpkins being safe for rabbits.  I don't have anything that says they aren't safe either.  I really think they fall under the starchy sweet category like sweet potatoes would and they really shouldn't be given to her.  It does say that the pumpkin leaves are good for them.

I would think about making up a nice desert out of some other safe fruits as a treat.  Since fruits should really be limited you won't want to give them to her more than once or twice a week.  The rest of the time you will want to use just plain ice.  Rabbits love pineapple and it is really good for their digestive systems.  See if you can try blending up some pineapple and mixing that in with the ice cubes.  I feed my rabbits a small piece of dried pineapple almost every other day.  Just remember moderation is the key so that she doesn't become overweight.

Buy a blender and be creative.  Remember to remove the seeds as most of them are toxic.

For a site on safe fruits and veggies check out this site.. If you scroll to the bottom you will find a list of some of the safe foods.  I am sure there are more but its a good start

http://www.mybunny.org/info/rabbit_nutrition.htm#veg_fruit

You can also freeze water bottles for Gilda so that she can lay against them on hot days.  Always have one in the freezer so that if she starts to get hot you can put it next to her.  I also give my rabbits a good misting with a cold water bottle a few times a day when it is really hot.  It is also important to make sure that whatever room she is living in that the air is constantly circulating.

Good luck with Gilda, she is very lucky to have such a loving parent.

Sincerely,

Pam