How much do i feed a 5 pound bunny?

Question
we recently just found a little cute black bunny in our back yard he is very tame and friendly so we believe he was probably just a pet that got out but anyway we have been feeding him lots of lettuce, non-sprayed dandelions, carrot/ including the tops, tons of parsley and some grapes as a treat he also gets a handful of timothy hay before she goes to sleep, he has gained almost half a pound and we are scared we are over feeding him, are we? what would be a healthier diet? please reply

~*~Missy

Answer
Missy,

Some of the things you mentioned can be dangerous to rabbits. I would also be worried about him eating grass and wild plants as some can be poisonous to domestic rabbits.

Rabbits should be fed a high quality pellet. Without it, they will not receive all of the necessary nutrients. In addition, rabbits do need to be fed unlimited amounts of timothy hay and have access to unlimited water.

If he truly is a domestic animal and not wild, he belongs in a home, not outdoors. Domestic animals are not equipped to survive in the wild. Leaving a pet rabbit outdoors would be similar to leaving a dumped dog or cat outdoors, only worse as rabbits are prey animals. I feel there is an obligation to find him a home or at least give him to a shelter.

If you do not want him as your personal pet, there are shelters and rescues. Shelters and rescues are not innately bad places. They will work to find a permanent home for this animal. You could also try placing an ad in the newspaper to give him away to a good home (assuming you can catch him). If you do plan on keeping him, plan on getting him checked by a veterinarian as soon as possible.

Good luck!