For rabbits, romaine lettuce is generally better and safer for daily feeding due to its high nutrients and fiber, while cabbage should only be given as a small, occasional treat because its sulfur compounds can cause gas and bloating. Always avoid iceberg lettuce (no nutrients, high water), and rotate dark leafy greens like romaine with herbs for a balanced diet.
Reputable sources have suggested vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, cabbage, brussel sprouts, bell peppers and zucchini are good to feed out either in rotation or in small amounts.
Broccoli, spring greens and parsley are as tasty to a rabbit as dandelions from the garden. If you have an apple or hazel tree they'll love the leaves and the same goes for a raspberry bush. Aim to vary what you give them, and keep to small portions of any one plant.
The 3-3-3 rule for rabbits (and other pets) is a guideline for adjusting to a new home: 3 Days for the rabbit to feel overwhelmed and hide, 3 Weeks to start settling in and showing personality, and 3 Months to feel truly at home and build a strong bond. It helps adopters manage expectations, understand that fear and skittishness are normal, and encourages patience as the bunny decompresses in its new environment, emphasizing providing a safe space and routine.
Particularly good vegetables include the dark leafy greens like romaine lettuce, bok choy, mustard greens, carrot tops, cilantro, watercress, basil, kohlrabi, beet greens, broccoli greens, and cilantro.
Most of their diet should be fresh hay and grass, with some leafy greens and a few pellets. They should only be given fruit and root vegetables, like carrots, as an occasional treat and shouldn't eat muesli at all. Make sure they have water available to drink at all times.
Plants rabbits tend to avoid include: Vegetables: asparagus, leeks, onions, potatoes, rhubarb, squash, tomatoes.
In answer to the question what animal eats rabbits, the most common that springs to mind is the fox. But there are numerous others including pet dogs and cats, birds of prey, stoats, weasels, ferrets, badgers and snakes.
Rabbits need unlimited access to grass and hay, so they shouldn't ever be left without food. However, if it's an emergency and there's no other choice, then they can go up to 12 hours without eating.
Rabbits are sociable creatures that can form deep bonds with their human companions.
In order for your rabbit to live a happy and healthy life, their diet needs to consist of more than just two vegetables. While these veggies are definitely full of great nutrients and vitamins that are important to your rabbit's health, they just aren't enough.
Most greens found in a supermarket are safe for rabbits, with a few limitations and exceptions. (See the list of foods to avoid below.) No more than 2 cups daily of fresh vegetables should be given to adult rabbits. Dwarf breeds and rabbits under 5 pounds should get just 1 cup of fresh veggies per day.
The best diet for your bunnies is one that's as close to a wild rabbit's diet as possible. Our vets recommend the following: Hay & grass – ideally an unlimited amount, but at least a bundle that's as big as them each day. Fresh food – an adult-sized handful of leafy greens, vegetables and herbs twice daily.
Rabbit and guinea pigs: Feed small amounts occasionally (1-2 leaves per week). Cabbage contains sulfur compounds and can cause gas or bloating if fed too often. Introduce slowly and monitor for signs of digestive upset. If gas pains appear, discontinue feeding.
Grapes Rabbits have a sweet tooth, so grapes are great as a treat. As with all treats, it's best to portion these out otherwise your rabbit may overindulge and feel unwell. Iceberg lettuce Rabbits can't eat a lot of iceberg lettuce as it contains lactucarium which can be harmful if eaten in large quantities.
Too much cabbage can result in an upset stomach in rabbits. Gas, bloating, and diarrhea are common symptoms of overconsumption. The high fiber content in cabbage is what causes upset to their sensitive digestive systems.
The 3-3-3 rule for rabbits (and other pets) is a guideline for adjusting to a new home: 3 Days for the rabbit to feel overwhelmed and hide, 3 Weeks to start settling in and showing personality, and 3 Months to feel truly at home and build a strong bond. It helps adopters manage expectations, understand that fear and skittishness are normal, and encourages patience as the bunny decompresses in its new environment, emphasizing providing a safe space and routine.
A previous study based on primary veterinary care showed that the most common causes of death in pet rabbits were myiasis, myxomatosis, and bite injuries, which could be prevented by improved housing and suitable care [5].
You will need to ration the pellets for most adult bunnies. If you don't, they tend to overeat and get fat, and when they are full from pellets, they don't eat enough hay! A common portion is ¼ to ½ cup daily for a 5 to 7 pound adult rabbit.
A friendly lick is another way your rabbit shows affection. 'It's that grooming instinct again, and the way rabbits relax and socialise with other rabbits they have bonded to,' says Rosie. 'They will do this if feeling relaxed, secure and content when sitting on your lap.
Do rabbits really like carrots? Yes, they do! But carrots are more like a sugary treat for a rabbit (so are fruits), so they should be given in small quantities. They can upset a rabbit's digestive system if given too much.
It's easy to take care of them, but you should keep in mind the things these little guys do NOT like the most.
Poisonous to Rabbits
Some of the best leafy greens and vegetables for rabbits include lettuce, spinach, kale, bell peppers, and squash. While many greens and vegetables are rabbit-safe, rabbits should not eat iceberg lettuce, rhubarb, and raw onions, leeks, or garlic.
Vantassel recommends using a chicken wire fence around gardens with the bottom buried about four inches or flared outward and securely fastened to the ground to protect against digging. The fence needs to be two feet high to protect against cottontail rabbits and three feet high to protect against jackrabbits.