How do you feed rabbits well? Mastering the seven observations is key

Rabbits grow and develop quickly, have a high reproduction rate, and a vigorous metabolism. They must obtain a variety of nutrients from feed to meet the nutritional needs of growth and production at each stage, thereby raising the level of production and increasing economic returns. Therefore, the basic principle is "fixed times and fixed amounts." Fixed times means fixing the number of feedings and the time each day, so that rabbits develop the habit of eating and excreting at set times and their stomach and intestines have time to rest. Fixed amounts means determining the daily feeding amount according to the rabbits' demand for feed and their physiological and seasonal characteristics, preventing too much at one time and too little at another. Attention must be paid to eating enough and eating well, and to preventing overeating; overeating in young rabbits in particular can cause gastroenteritis. Therefore, feeding should be flexible in practice, using the "seven observations feeding" method:

Observe body weight: feed more to those with greater body weight and less to those with lesser body weight.

Observe body condition: rabbits are considered moderate at 80% fatness; feed less to those that are too fat and more to those that are thin and weak.

Observe feces: if the feces are dry and hard, increase green and succulent feed and increase drinking water; if the feces are wet and loose, increase pelleted compound feed, give less green and succulent feed, reduce drinking water, and administer medication promptly.

Observe hunger and fullness: if the rabbit is hungry and has a strong appetite, the feeding amount may be appropriately increased. If the appetite is poor and it is not hungry, feed less.

Observe cold and heat: when the weather is cold, feed more and give warm water. When the weather is hot, feed less concentrated feed, increase green feed, and give more drinking water, using fresh well water or tap water.

Observe age: adult rabbits should be fed no more than 3 times a day, while newly weaned young rabbits should be fed more often, with small amounts and frequent additions, and should be given good-quality, easily digestible feed.

Observe the number of nursing young: if a doe is nursing many young rabbits and the young rabbits have begun to eat feed, more feeding troughs should be provided and more feed should be given.