Feeding baby buns...They seem to be losing weight...advice?

[marleyNfriends]

I havent had a baby bun for over 3 years, when I had Skye, the consensus was unlimited pellets, although I would just feed enough so that there was a few left at the end of the day, then top up the following day.

...Now I believe its very much the same as adult buns? Bilbo and Isla are having 1/4 of a cup of Excel Junior & Dwarf each, unlimited hay, and I wouldnt normally feed any greens until 12-16 weeks, however they were already eating them when I saw them. I have cut out all veggies, apart from a few apple leaves/hawthorne, a small amount of parsley and yesterday i introduced them to a small amount of mint.

I have been weighing them weekly. Last week, Bilbo had gained weight and Isla had lost. I wasnt too worried as I appreciate that it may not be 100% accurate as their first weight was recorded from the vets scales. This week, both buns seem to have lost. Bilbo has lost 6g and Isla has lost 20g, despite having good appetites. I know this isnt a huge amount, but when they are barely 11 weeks old and weigh 875g and 736g, they cant really afford to be losing anything!

We're back at the vets on Tuesday, but I just wondered if Im feeding them enough, or if I can add in other things etc. Can they have things like excel dried herbs sprinkled in their hay now? I dont want to over feed other things, as I want to set them up as good hay eaters too. Im also going to get some junior ss to add in, as I will eventually be weaning them on to the adult version.

Any thoughts?

[FluffSlave]

I'm sorry - I can't really offer any ideas as I'd be doing exactly the same thing as you. I would say maybe increase the pellets, but then you run the risk of sticky bottoms...

Hope someone can be of more use than me, and Bilbo and Isla start to gain some weight soon

[c.bolduan]

No experience here either. Hope some of the hoppers with knowledge will pick up on this. Sending weight gain vibes to the buns.

[jolovesbunnies]

None here either love, I hope someone is able to help you. Love to you and the buns.

Hugs
JO xx

[BugsBunny]

When dougal was a baby he was on unlimited pellets, the excel junior ones and unlimited hay, but he has always been on timothy hay not alfalfa and alfalfa. He ate a lot of pellets and hay and I did not feed any teats or greens until 6 or 7 months old and he has always been a perfect steady weight, the vets are always pleased and impressed with his weight and condition of his fur and skin and teeth etc. I believe every rabbit is slightly different but this worked well with Dougal. I know Alfalfa hay can help gain weight but we never bothered with it, but may be good for your babies. I do not know what else to suggest as I know people have different views on it.

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