New baby bunny

Question
Hi Pam,
I am getting a Holland lop June the and am very excited he will be 8 weeks old when i get him. I already started buying stuff for him and the petstore and a bunch of people keep all telling me different things
So far I have bought Alfalfa hay and aspen shavings pets unlimited and global pet stores told me both of this things were the best for my baby bunny. What pellets should i get for my baby bunny if you could tell me any tips that would be great its my first time having a bunny and i am trying to get the best for him.
Thank -you very much Lauren

Answer
Hi Lauren

Congratulations on your new pet.  I can tell you are very excited.  First I want to thank you for asking how to care for your new rabbit.  Pet stores are not the best people to ask.  They only care about profits.

Aspen shavings are very safe and the perfect choice for bedding.  Alfalfa is good until the baby is about 6 months old and then you need to switch to timothy hay and start introducing vegetables.  Don't give the baby any vegetables or treat food until it is at least 6 months old.  You are also going to want to get a litter box.  I will give you a few web-sites that you can read through to help you.

Any pellets that have 15-16% crude protein and don't have any colors, seeds or nuts in them.  Generally the kind you buy from actual feed stores or even at walmart are safe.  Whatever you do don't buy any food that has additives such as dried carrots, seeds, nuts, peas, corn etc.  The only other occasional feed you can give the baby is old fashioned rolled oats.  Not the instant or quick oats but the really old fashioned ones.  If you have a wal-mart in your area you can buy them there also.

When you pick up the baby make sure the breeder gives you some of their food.  You will want to mix in your feed with theirs and slowly reduce theirs and increase yours each day until the baby is completely on your feed.  A dramatic and quick change in diet can cause diarrhea and very severe stomach problems in itty bitty rabbits.

Here are some sites you can read through.  Let me know if you need anything else or have any questions once the babies arrive.

Good luck to you

Pam

http://www.rabbit.org/care/new-bunny-index.html

http://mysite.verizon.net/vze27h5b/id25.html

http://www.ddfl.org/behavior/rabbit_behav.pdf

http://www.geocities.com/jdcrabbitry/safefood  (not until 6 months old)

http://www.freewebs.com/hgrabbitry/littertraining.htm