Foods/eating

Question
Hello Mr. Meyer,

My name is Michelle.  I actually bought 6 weeks old dutch rabbit from a pet shop two weeks ago.  He is not two months old.  I used to feed him alfalfa hay that I bought in the pet shop but one of my friends told me that alfalfa hay is considred two high in calcium and protein for continued use.  So, I purchased Timothy hay yesterday and started feeding it to him, but he's not eating at all until today.  What should I do?

Answer
Hi Michelle,

your friend is partly wrong and partly right.

Growing rabbits, under 1 year old, can have alfalfa hay without worrying about the higher calcium content, because their growing bones can absorb it.  After they have stopped growing, around 1 year of age, they shouldn't have it anymore because it can lead to bladder sludge and kidney stones.

However, it is in your best interest to give him Timothy Hay now as well, in order for him to develop a taste (an appreciation, if you will) for Timothy hay, because one day that is all he will be getting.  I would go half and half right now, and not refill the alfalfa until he's made decent progress on the timothy hay.  I wouldn't give him any treats (if you aren't giving any right now that is even better!) until he gets a good way through the timothy hay, otherwise he will learn he can just wait long enough and he will get something he likes to eat better.  

You'll have to take this approach because most rabbits prefer alfalfa hay over timothy hay, if given a choice.  Be strong, he will start to eat the timothy hay.  Hunger is a good teaching tool and they will start liking it.

You can also check the House Rabbit Society web site (www.rabbit.org) for extensive articles on rabbit nutrition (and growing issues, etc).

Write back anytime.  Lee