Getting rabbits to eat more hay can take a little effort, but it's essential for their health. Here are some tips that can help encourage them:
Mix Hay Types: Rabbits can be picky. Try offering different types like Timothy, Meadow or Cotswold Sweet Hay to see which they prefer.
Fresh and Clean Hay: Replace hay frequently to keep it fresh and appealing. Rabbits are more likely to eat it if it's not dusty or stale.
Place Hay Strategically:
- Put hay in their litter box (they love to munch while doing their business).
- Use hay racks, toys, or cardboard tubes stuffed with hay for enrichment.
Limit Pellets and Treats: Too many pellets or treats can make rabbits full and less interested in hay. Slowly reduce pellets and sugary treats so they rely more on hay.
Add Flavors: Sprinkle a few dried herbs (like dried dandelion, chamomile, or coriander) over the hay to make it more enticing.
Make Hay Fun: Hide small treats inside hay piles, so they have to dig through it, encouraging them to nibble along the way.
Quality Matters: Make sure the hay is high-quality — green, fragrant, and soft. Avoid hay that’s brown or overly coarse.
Lead by Example: If you have more than one rabbit, sometimes seeing another bunny eat hay encourages the others to do the same.
