care of my bunny

Question
Is there a difference in the hay I buy for my rabbit.  Do rabbits purr

Answer
Hi Paula,

good questions.

Hay: yes there is.  There are different kinds of hay.  For domestic rabbits that are over 1 year old, Timothy Hay is what is required.  Another great hay you can give them along with Timothy hay is Orchard grass (another greass hay).  You can sparingly/occasionally give other kinds of hay (along with Timothy/Orchard grass), like oat or broan hay, but I'd only do it if they actually like the hay.  

If your rabbit is under 1 year old you can also give a little Alfalfa hay, but stop after the 1 year mark.  It is high in calcium and rabbits get bladder stones/kidney stones.

There may also be a taste difference in that your rabbit may like hay from a particular brand/supplier more than others.  You may have to try a few different ones.  Our guys just happen to like Oxbow brand hays the best.

Also the condition of the hay can affect how well the bunny likes it.  If it is too dry and dusty it may not smell as fresh and not be eaten as much.  If there is a lot of brown hay in it, they may skip over that, they don't seem to like it as much.  And generally if it is softer (less hard, prickly) they like it - this is also tied into dryness but also when it's harvested.

About purring: yes, rabbits do sound like they are purring.  They are actually lightly grinding their teeth very fast, and that is what it sounds like.  I happen to call it 'turbo grinding'.  They do this when they are very happy and content.  Often they will do it while enjoying a pet, but they can also do it without you touching them, perhaps after a good treat or meal, or just relxing and enjoying your voice or company.

Lee