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Rabbits...naturally
Welcome.
Rabbits are natural grazers that feed primarily on leafy greens and weeds.
Being herbivores, they should be fed a natural diet of high fibre, low fat, low carbohydrates and low protein. A must-have is timothy grass/meadow grass/hay in unlimited supplies to assist with digestion and help to prevent hairballs.
I am a firm believer in natural products and all domestic rabbits need outside access for at least 4-5 hours a day where they not only get their necessary exercise but also enjoy the natural grazing around them. They generally choose to graze at least 6-7 varieties of greens rather than sticking to one single plant.
I also feel that it is important (and cheaper) to grow your own rabbit's food yourself from seed as this way you can be sure there has been no chemicals used or other animal foul and most greens can be grown indoors to make winter feeding a little easier.
There is a lot of conflicting advise about food and i have seen many so-called "safe to feed" lists that have raised my eyebrows and caused me some concern which is why i have added a true safe edible list here
After many years of plant research, i have decided that i will not deliberately feed eg, campion as this contains glycoside saponin which is toxic or comfrey which contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids that are dangerous and could potentially damage the liver. Just 2 examples of what i have seen. The best policy on feeding is if in doubt, don't.
A little thought..... would a rabbit naturally exploring and grazing a hillside within it's natural habitat come across a tin of dog food, a yoghurt or a bowl of colourful flakes? No. So why delibarately feed them? Because they are convenient. They are also too high in protein, fat and other artificial ingredients that are harmful to your rabbit.
There are so many edible weeds, wildflowers and grasses out there in abundance that are free.
I am thinking of adding a forum here simply for plant identification.
With a life expectancy of approx 12 years or longer, i personally feel that a healthy diet has a major impact on the health of your rabbit and you will no doubt be rewarded by keeping it healthy and happy.
I have studied horticulture/gardening, i have a passion for wildflowers and weeds and of course i have a huge love of rabbits therefore i have decided to combine my 3 biggest hobbies to create this website. I hope it's found to be interesting and informative.
  
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New Live shop
click here for ebay shop
and here for live shop
plug plants available
herbs, perennials and annuals
most seeds only 99p and all are rabbit edible
musk mallow 500 seeds
grazing seed mix of 16 varieties of grass 50gms
timothy grass seeds 50gms
hoary plantain 4000 seeds
dandelion clovers
 
more news »
i have put together a high quality rabbit edible grass seed mix and a wildflower seed mix to bring you low cost organic grazing for your rabbit.
Click on the ebay link above
contact..
rabbitnutrition@hotmail.co.uk
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