Rearing Rabbits: How to Feed Rabbits

Do you want to start rearing rabbits? Or, do you have and don’t know how to feed rabbits? This is the guide for you:

Routine Feeding Practices for Rabbits.

For a rabbit to show its genetic potential, proper feeding practices must be acquired and followed. Feeds of high quality must be given at all times and fresh, clean drinking water availed at all times.

The keeper should always have in mind, what’s the purpose the rabbit is kept for to meet the dietary requirement of the rabbits. Despite one having the right investment in structures and proper breeds, the poor nutrient will lead to the failure of the project.

Below we take a look at the classifications of rabbits according to their dietary requirements as agricultural practice and how to feed them for optimum growth.

Resting Rabbits

Non-lactating, non-pregnant does and bucks fall under this category. As the name suggests they are animals at rest, which means their nutritional requirement is low as compared to the rest.

Feeds given to these rabbits are for maintains or growth. In general, 120g.of.concentrate/day should be fed or 90g.of.conc for 2.3kg rabbits, 150g.of.conc for 4.5kgs & 200g.of.con for 6.7kgs.

Growing and Fattening Rabbits

Mainly kept for meat and fur, which in return generates money to support the project, in terms of buying feeds and paying labor. Poor nutrition leads to slow growth poor conversion of feeds to meat and even delayed maturity.

After weaning to slaughter they should be fed accordingly to ensure they do not retard in growth. For example, feed about 115g.of.conc for 1.8kg rabbits, 135g.of.conc for 2.3 kg, 155g.of.conc for 2.7kgs, and 170g.of.conc for 3.2kgs per day.

Pregnant Does

They determine the next generation and therefore, observe crucial feed. Cases of rabbits eating their young ones is something common and may result from poor nutrition with the feeds.

Note that 240g.of.conc/day should be fed to the doe, or 114g.of.con for 2.3kg does, 186g.of.con for 4.5kgs, 255g.of.con for 6.7kgs. Also ensure you feed them with dry feeds like hay so as not to upset their GIT.

Lactating Doe with Litters

Protein-rich milk is essential for the litter to feed on. This ensures you have a healthy stock for production going forward. Rich nutritious feeds should be fed to the doe to facilitate good mothering ability. 480g.of.con should be feed.

Note that: concentrates fed should have at least a crude protein of 16%. Grass and leguminous forage should be fed as much as the rabbit wants per day as long as there is no wastage. Ensure the forage is free from contaminants and wilted to prevent digestion-related problems. Common salt should be provided at a rate of 0.5% once’s a week.

Make sure to provide clean water at all times to the rabbits.