Choosing A Feed For Your Rabbit Herd

Feeding a herd of rabbits successfully is almost an art - it can take several years' time for the breeder to settle on his or her chosen rabbit herd feeding regime.  Usually, breeders will try several different feeds and feed combinations before settling on one that works for their situation and herd. 

What works for one breeder doesn't necessarily work for the next. One breeder will swear by 'brand A', claiming excellent show-conditioned rabbits and successful breeders, but another breeder might think 'brand A' is the worst feed they've tried - their rabbits won't eat it, they can't get any litters, and their rabbits won't keep condition on it!  No one can really know what causes these discrepancies among feed comparisons -perhaps differences in rabbit health, rabbitry management practices, feeding practices and more, play into it.

The bottom line for the new breeder is this - you can take all the advice you want from other breeders, but you will eventually learn to adjust your feeding regime so it works the best for your herd and your situation.

A successful feeding program:

• Is affordable for the breeder
• Feedstuff is readily available to the breeder
• Maintains all or most of the herd in consistently good physical condition
• Enhances show rabbit condition
• Maintains nutritional requirements of breeding rabbits and litters

Pellets For Your Rabbit Herd

Rabbit pellets are the staple food in almost all rabbit herds' diets.  Feed companies have researched and formulated pellets to be a complete rabbit feed in which no other feed or supplementation is required to successfully raise rabbits. 

I'm not going to delve into the exact nutritional breakdown of pellets or even the get into the nutritional needs of rabbits - Instead, take the time to read what the experts already wrote; I suggest that every rabbit breeder purchase the book Rabbit Production by NcNitt, Patton, Lukefahr, Cheeke.  This excellent book goes into great detail about rabbit nutrition and requirements and makes for excellent reference when the breeder is trying to improve or trouble shoot their feeding practices!  This book is available through Klubertanz Equipment or I'm sure you can find it using online searches too. 

Pellets are usually formulated using local or regional ingredients so the make up of each brand may not be identical from state-to-state or region-to-region.  Because even local and regional ingredients vary throughout the production year, formulations may not be identical from month-to-month!  Finding a pelleted ration that maintains the best consistency for your area is your goal.

Choosing A Pellet Feed

Which is the best pellet?  Ask 10 different breeders and you'll get 10 different answers!  It stands to reason that if top breeders in your area are doing well with 'brand A', then this brand might be a good place to start for you.

I've tried several different brands throughout the years but keep going back to the Purina family - I've had consistently good results with this feed, although it costs more than other feeds in our area. Currently, I use the Show Chow in the blue bag.  It has 16 percent protein and a little extra oil to give my rabbits nice coats without supplementation. 

When Kelly raised the French Lops, we also purchased the Purina Professional formula in the gray bag - 18% protein, which worked really well for those big rabbits.

You'll want to choose a brand you can afford, and one that is readily available in your area - it doesn't make sense to have to drive 50 miles to buy rabbit feed.......

Whatever brand you choose - buy it fresh - most feeds are now date stamped - stay away from feed approaching or exceeding 6 months old.  Store your feed in a cool, dry place where vermin cannot get to it and keep it sealed so it doesn't absorb moisture from the air.

2/24/09 - I'll be back to finish this article soon (well, maybe not real soon)!   I plan to make this an in-depth segment all about rabbit pellets, and will soon be researching different brands so I can make a useful comparison chart.  I also plan to have information and listings on feed mills, and other sources of rabbit feed.   If you have a feed you'd like to see included in my research, please email me the information and where you are from!