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General Rabbit Question

22 11:11:05

Question
I have a rabbit that is fairly small.  I got her exactly three weeks ago and when i bought her she had jsut come into the store two days before.  The pet shop where i bought here really didnt know what type she was or how old she was.. they had no info for me at all.  
I have been reading many books and sites and have found alot of good info but there is still alot i am wondering.  
I asked another pet store about her and they seemed to have categorized her to be a lop bunny that is probably about two months old.  They told me this jsut based on my description of her.. they did not see her.

any way, i wanted to know if i am destroying her digestive system by feeding her greens so early?  She eats parsley, collards, and cilantro.  She gets carrot shavings as a treat and she has pelets in her bowl.  I keep pelets in her bowl all the time and place the greens on  top of the pelets periodically throughout the day.  She also eats fruit.  she gets apples, peaches, and plumbs every once in a while.  and she always has ample hay and water.  

Is this ok for a baby bunny to eat? also, how can i liter train her .. i am trying but it seems to not be working? and also, her skin seems dry and she scratches.. what can i use on her skin so she is not so dry?

thanks!!!!  

Answer
Dear Katie,

A baby rabbit can be introduced to greens gradually, and she's old enough for that, if she's about two months old.  Rabbits can be introduced to greens as early as two weeks, when they just start to eat solid food.  For info on correct diet, please read:

www.bio.miami.edu/hare/diet.html

Litter training will take time, and will be better once she's grown and spayed, but this will help a bit for now:

www.bio.miami.edu/hare/training.html

Dry, flaky skin is probably due to fur mites, which are very common.  Fortunately they are easy to treat with Revolution (selamectin) from your vet:

www.rabbit.org/vets

DO NOT use Frontline, which can be deadly to rabbits!  Complete information on fur and skin problems can be found here:

www.bio.miami.edu/hare/furloss.html

Hope that helps!

Dana