If you have a senior rabbit, you may notice they’ve slowed down since their younger years. Maybe they spend more of their day relaxing and less of their day concerned about what’s under the couch. Those mellow years can be nice!
I remember my two rabbits chewed the legs on our kitchen table when they were young but eventually weren’t interested anymore. We kept that table with the chewed legs for years! The rabbits just added a custom design to it.
When a senior rabbit slows down with their physical activity, their digestive system can slow down. They may also be burning fewer calories so they don’t work up as much of an appetite.
These two factors combined give you a good incentive to take extra care and consideration when it comes to the food you have for your senior rabbit (a senior rabbit is typically over six years old). You need to make sure they’re eating enough!
The dietary requirements for rabbits don’t change as they become seniors but as your rabbit’s personality and preferences change, you might need to adjust your routine!
Sara is talking about tips for feeding adult rabbits on YouTube!
What Should A Senior Rabbit’s Diet Focus On?
With all rabbits, the top priority is fiber. Preferably, fiber in the form of roughage so that their teeth are worn down and kept at a healthy length as they chew.
A senior rabbit will often have less energy than a younger rabbit resulting in less time at the hay pile. There are a few ways to make the hay pile more exciting, as well as changing up the hay type to make it easier for a senior rabbit to chew.
Providing Softer Hay Options
Timothy hay and orchard grass hay are top contenders when it comes to hay for rabbits. These have the necessary nutritional requirements while being low in fat and calcium. Orchard grass hay is a softer choice than 1st and 2nd cutting Timothy hay so that is a popular choice for picky rabbits.
3rd cutting Timothy hay is the softest cutting and it has the most leaves. Some senior rabbits have an easier time eating enough hay when they have 3rd cutting.
By using the later cutting of Timothy hay, you get a very similar nutrient profile as well. What you lose out on is some of the roughage for wearing down your rabbit’s teeth. This is why it’s best to give your senior rabbit the tougher hay as long as they’re able to eat enough of it.
A rabbit should be eating a hay pile about the size of themself each day for reference.
Check out our Timothy Hay Guide for more information on Timothy hay!
Spice Up The Hay Pile With Hay Toppers
Sometimes you just need to call your bun over with a little treat. No, not sugar. Sprinkling something interesting on top of their usual hay can get them interested in a meal.
Similar to how you sprinkle salt or other spices on your food to make it more appealing!
You can use hay that isn’t ideal for their free-choice food as a topper. This could be Alfalfa hay or Oat hay. Mixing this hay into their usual hay can sometimes help them eat their free-choice hay as well!
Dried Herbal Blends can be added to a hay pile. These have a strong smell for a bun that is usually a turn-on. Have your bun try herbal blends plain before adding it to their hay pile so you can see if they like it. If they don’t like the strong smells and flavors it will only keep them away from their hay.
What Happens When A Senior Rabbit Doesn’t Eat Enough Hay
If your rabbit suddenly stops eating hay, contact your rabbit-savvy vet to rule out any health issues that could be causing the decrease in appetite.
A rabbit’s digestive system is more sensitive than other animals. Especially when it comes to skipping meals. Constant fiber is what keeps everything moving in a senior rabbit’s digestive tract.
When they aren’t eating enough fiber, their digestive system slows down resulting in a condition called G.I. Stasis. With G.I. Stasis, there’s an increased chance of your senior rabbit experiencing a serious blockage.
As rabbit parents we need to provide the most high-quality hay we can so that our rabbits want to eat their hay! We also need to be aware when they aren’t eating as much as they used to so we can adjust as necessary.
When your rabbit seems to be losing interest in their hay pile, that's when you need to grow your interest in the hay pile!
We are not veterinarians, and none of our information should be construed as veterinary advice.
Before adding any new product, please consult your exotic veterinarian. If your pet is acting unwell and you have concerns for their well being, please contact your vet immediately.
