You
should feed your Holland as much fresh rabbit pellets as it wants until
it reaches about 3 months old. After that, the standard rule is 1 ounce
of feed per pound of the Holland. Most Holland’s do well on a ½-measured
cup of rabbit pellets per day. That should keep them at a happy and
healthy maintained weight. Of course, an extra busy or nursing Holland
will require more food. If you let your Holland get too fat, it can
cause serious health problems and even death. Holland’s require low
protein, high fiber. You should feed your Holland rabbit pellets that
are between 15 and 16 percent protein, and at least 20 or 21 percent
fiber. You should make sure the rabbit pellets you feed are hard, green,
and dust free. Make sure if the rabbit pellets you are currently feeding
does not look the same as it usually does, or it is dusty, that you
inform your feed dealer of the change. They can notify the feed mill. If
you Holland ever refuses to eat a feed--remove all feed and have the
feed checked. If you get a new Holland, make sure you get "change-over
feed" from the previous owner, so that you may change the Holland over
to your brand of feed slowly. Any changes in feed should be done over
about a week's time. This also applies if you are changing the brand of
feed you are currently feeding, to something different. Any uneaten
pellets should be thrown out and replaced with fresh pellets everyday.
It is also highly recommended that you feed your Holland as much
fresh coastal hay as it wants to eat everyday. If not everyday, at least
3 times a week. Remember that Holland’s require high fiber, and coastal
hay has lots of fiber. Make sure the coastal hay you feed is fresh, mold
free, dust free, and preferably green.
As a treat, you can give your Holland Cheerios and Shredded Wheat
(unfrosted) cereals. They are a very tasty and high fiber snack.
If you feel your Holland needs extra conditioning, ask a Holland
breeder if they could recommend something for you.
And of course, make sure you Holland has as much fresh, clean water
as it wants at all times.
Do not…. Feed your Holland lettuce. It can be very deadly. This
also includes grass. It is recommended that you do not feed your Holland
any vegetables until it reaches at least 6 months of age.
Some safe things to feed your Holland when it becomes of age are:
raisins, carrots, apples, oranges, spinach, collard greens (most dark
leafy greens) and sweet potatoes. If you decide to feed any of the above
foods, check with a Holland breeder on suggestions and amounts. |
