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RABBIT FEED
*Update (7/1/22): With rising feed costs, and our commitment to raise non-GMO meat rabbits, we continue to experiment with feed options. We have yet to try something we truly do not like, it's just a matter of finding the best feed program for the lowest cost without compromising. Right now, we are feeding a mixture of non-gmo rolled oats and organic, non-gmo barley. We supplement that with 1-2Tbsp Renew Gold a day for each rabbit. Our feeding program continues to be forage-based so we feed lots of Chaffhaye and Brome grass hay as well. We continue to see healthy litters with good growth rates on this feed program as compared to what we have done previously.
We feed our does and grow-out rabbits an organic, non-gmo feed. While this is a more expensive option, we like knowing the rabbits that end up on our table ate the best and most chemical-free food available. We have trialed quite a number of options and continue to try to source the best, cleanest ingredients for the best prices.
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To save on costs, we do feed our bucks and show rabbits MFA 16% Rabbit Feed. It is a high quality rabbit feed that our rabbits also love, but at a more affordable price than what we feed our does and growouts. This is also a great option for does and babies if you don't need an organic option, and there is a 18% protein feed as well, depending on your protein needs.
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Our feeding program relies on many whole foods as a dependable source of nutrients. We are currently feeding a mix of rolled oats and barley, along with 1-2 Tbsp of Renew Gold to provide additional fats and minerals. We often add in some fresh or dried herbs, sticks, and leaves to their diet for additional variety and to allow them to do a little big of foraging for themselves. Make sure that any foraged items are rabbit-safe and have been positively identified as a safe species of plant.
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For hay, we feed Chaffhaye and local horse quality bales of brome hay that have not been sprayed with chemicals.
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FEEDING PROGRAM & SCHEDULE
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You can feed your rabbits once daily, but we choose to feed twice daily so we can keep a close eye on our rabbits and babies in the nest boxes.
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Nursing Does and Babies:
AM only - Renew Gold (2 Tbsp for mom, 0.5 - 1 Tbsp per kit)
AM/PM - free-fed Chaffhaye and Grass Hay
PM - Grain Mix (unlimited grains)
Junior Rabbits:
AM - Renew Gold (1 Tbsp per rabbitt)
AM/PM - free-fed Chaffhaye and Grass Hay
PM - Grain Mix (3/4 cup per rabbit)
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Senior Rabbits:
AM - 1 Tbsp Renew Gold one day per week
AM/PM - Top off hay
PM - 1 cup Powell's
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Some people feed just pellets and hay, others feed just a grain mix and hay. I have found my rabbits do well with grains, pellets, Chaffhaye and grass hay).
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We also add 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar per gallon of water to give them a probiotic boost.
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Other good rabbit pelleted feed options that are available in pet stores or online are:
Modesto Milling (from Chewy.com or Azure Standard)
Pen Pals
​Oxbow
Sherwood Pet
Regardless of what pellets you feed, all rabbits need constant access to hay. For pet rabbits, we recommend feeding according to the package recommendations. Our bucks and non-breeding rabbits usually get no more than one cup of pellets (or grains) a day.
Previous Feeding Updates/Notes:
*Update (12/30/21): We liked the Powell's but continued to look into non-gmo options for the does and kits, and the Powell's required quite a drive to pick up. We are now trialing a non-gmo mixture of Sweet Country Feeds All Stock14%, cracked oats, and Renew Gold (as a non-gmo alternative to black oil sunflower seeds). We are continuing to feed Brome hay, but have also added 1 cup of Chaffhaye to each rabbit's daily ration as well. Once we have a better idea of how the rabbits are doing on this, we will update once again. The bucks are eating an MFA 17% rabbit pellet that we can pick up at our local feed store and that seems to be doing just as well for them as the Powell's did.
*Update (12/1/21): We are currently feeding Powell's pellets to all of our rabbits. We invested quite a bit this past year in better equipment while expanding our herd and breeding setup, as well as better butchering, packaging, and tanning supplies so we are going to reduce costs for now. We have also reduced our reliance on pellets, and are feeding more forage alongside a smaller portion of pellets. This also changes the amount of "external input" we need to bring in to feed our rabbits. Over the next year, we hope to continue converting our rabbits slowly and selecting our breeding herd based on their ability to thrive on a more natural diet. It does mean our kits will take longer to reach a proper butchering weight (5 pounds), but we also benefit from waiting until 14-16 weeks to butcher to maximize pelt quality.