Feeding Rabbits

Question 1

What is selective feeding?

Answer 1

Muesli diets, certain parts of the diet will be missed due to colour or shape

Leads to nutritional deficiencies

Question 2

What is selective feeding linked to?

Answer 2

Obesity

Dental disease

Poor gut health

Myiasis

Question 3

Why are mussel diets not recommended?

Answer 3

Contain high levels of starch which is poorly digested by rabbits

Linked to slow gut movements

Urinary problems

Skin inflammation

Question 4

Nutrient profile for young rabbits? (Protein, Fat, Crude Fibre)

Answer 4

Protein 16-18%

Fat 3%

Crude Fibre 16-18%

Question 5

Nutrient profile for adult rabbits?

Answer 5

Protein 12-14%

Fat 1%

Crude Fibre 20%

Question 6

What causes gut stasis?

Answer 6

Low fibre diets

Stress

Pain from underlying illness

Question 7

What happens during gut stasis?

Answer 7

Normal peristaltic muscular contractions are slowed or cease

Results in decreased or halts production of faecal pellets

Question 8

How can guy stasis be diagnosed?

Answer 8

Abdominal radiography

Blood samples
Low blood glucose is seen in rabbits with GI stasis

Question 9

How should rabbits be held during assisted feeding?

Answer 9

Normal position or with head slightly raised

Should be relaxed as possible

Question 10

How should rabbits be syringe fed?

Answer 10

Gently insert nozzle of syringe into side of mouth, do not push down towards throat but into middle of mouth

Make sure head remains straight

Administer small volumes at a time

Question 11

Why should the syringe be removed between each mouthful?

Answer 11

To encourage chewing and swallowing