how many greens can my baby rabbits eat a day?

[clarelouise]

what amount of greens like dandelion leaves and grass can my baby rabbits eat each day and also carrots. I am worried as I had rabbits years ago and I gave my rabbit some lettuce and it gave her diahorrea and she died. But I know for a fact now that lettuce should be given in limited amounts as it is too rich for their digestive systems. I know they should have a main diet of greens and hay and pellets but when they are babies what is their maximum amount that they can have reagarding dandelion leaves and grass and carrots and apples etc. I really do appreciate any advice as I do not want to have the sam thing happen to me all over again with my rabbits getting diahorrea. Thank you so much. clarelouise.

[Cetti]

Hi clarelouise - Baby rabbits are very susceptible to tummy upsets, for a number of reasons. Their gut bacteria is not fully established after weaning; diet is likely to be changed and there is the stress of leaving mum and going to a new home. Bunnies in pet shops have an additional change of environment to cope with which increases the risk of gastro problems.

In the light of your past problem I feel that professional advice regarding your precious babes will put your mind at rest, so it might be an idea to give your vet a ring. I do remember we were advised against feeding lettuce to our rabbit - and only the very best quality hay.

The BBC Nature Forum has a brilliant area called Passionate About Pets. Lovely people, and always willing to give good advice. Good Luck!

[Cetti]

Here's the link for the BBC site

http://www.bbc.co.uk/cgi-perl/h2/h2.cgi?state=thre
ads&board=nature.pets&

[clarelouise]

Thank you cetti for your information it is most kind of you. I appreciate your advice. I got our 2 bunnies from our neighbour for our little boy and my neighbour fed them on greens and carrots and rabbit food. The babies are 7 weeks old today and we have had them since friday last week and I haven't gone over the top with the greens even thought the neighbour says they were fine having quite a few greens. I just don't think my neighbour realises that their digestive systems get upset quickly and they could easily start with diahorrea. I would rather just check and find out the exact amount that they are recommended to eat. I will check that site out as well that you said about. Thank you very much. clarelouise.

[Cetti]

I found this website a few minutes ago, and I hope it may be useful as it gives the dietary 'to dos and the must nots' for baby buns - pleased to have helped :-)

http://www.ukcompanion.rabbits.org.uk/care.html

[clarelouise]

Hi cetti, I have signed up with the site you recommended to me. It is a great site and I am really glad you told me about it. I put a message up on the message board and I got a reply and it has been most useful. You have been a great help. clarelouise.

[Cetti]

Being nosey, I've just had a look claire - what good advice, so you can relax now and enjoy your new family. Great news!

[clarelouise]

Hi cetti, Just want to say once again thank you for your help. It is nice how you have shown an interest. Thank you. clarelouise.

[marianne joy]

Lettuce contains Laudunum it used to be used in times gone by for painkilling and sedation in humans. thats why you don't give it to rabbits, and why lettuce is used as a herbal sleep remedy