Can rabbits be given apples and how is it right
The diet of rabbits does not only consist of cereal mixtures and compound feed. The list of ingredients must be supplemented with vegetables and fruits. Carrots, pumpkin, apples, pears and many other products will benefit animals. It is difficult for a farmer to decide which vegetables are preferable for pets and whether dried apples can be given to rabbits. In such matters, it is better to consult with professionals.
Is it possible to feed rabbits with apples
The fragrant apple will appeal to rabbits of different breeds. The composition of the healing fruit includes almost all the substances necessary for the normal development and maintenance of animal health. Just a few apple slices supply the pet's body:
- phosphorus;
- iron;
- copper;
- potassium;
- fiber.
Organic acids remove plaque from the rabbit and strengthen the immune system.
In winter, animals do not have enough warmth and sunlight. The rosy fruits will help fluffy beauties recharge their batteries and get through a difficult time without any problems.
Fruit is vital for pregnant and lactating rabbits. Even a well-formulated diet cannot satisfy all the needs of the female. During the dark winter months, apples will provide the rabbit with vitamins A, B and C. However, we must not forget that excessive consumption of apples leads to a serious upset of the pet's intestines. The owner's task is to find a middle ground and provide the animals with adequate nutrition.
Ripe
Fresh apples are the champions in iron content. Ripe fruits will benefit both adults and small rabbits. Pregnant females especially need apples, because the health of future offspring depends on the quality of the diet.
It is advisable to treat pets with fruits from your own garden. So the owners don't have to worry about the quality of the feed. Purchased fruits can be treated with chemicals, which means they are dangerous for animals. The fruit should be ripe and sweet. Sour fruits will not give pleasure to furry pets and can provoke diarrhea in the animal.
Dried
Dry apple slices are a real concentrate of vitamins and minerals necessary for rabbits. Dried fruits are easy to introduce into the diet of pets. The food does not cause intestinal upset in animals. However, it should be borne in mind that the calorie content of dried fruits is 4 times higher than those of fresh fruits. Therefore, the daily rate of delicacies should not exceed 50 g.
Dry fruits are convenient to store, thin light plates do not take up extra space. It is advisable to prepare the delicacy yourself.Sliced slices of sweet apples are laid out in a thin layer on a flat surface and dried naturally in the open air. Ready-made "chips" are stored in a dry paper bag, tissue bag or glass jar.
Unripe
Sour, unripe fruits contain aggressive acid. The substance can adversely affect the health of the rabbit and lead to disruption of the pet's digestive organs. From exposure to acid, the tooth enamel in the animal's mouth is irreversibly deteriorated. Feeding of animals with fruits of medium ripeness is allowed. However, such fruits are given to rabbits in limited quantities. An adult pet is able to eat several pieces of a treat without damage to health. You can not feed eared pets with immature, green fruits.
Apple cake
For representatives of decorative breeds, cake is not suitable. The sensitive digestive tract of pets cannot digest apple pomace. Eating rough food threatens your pet with diarrhea and intestinal inflammation. Broiler rabbits are eager to eat fresh apple cake. The main thing is that the pomace is made from sweet, red fruits.
How to feed rabbits with apples
For the delicate digestive system of animals, apples can become dangerous food if pets are not prepared first. In the early days, the rabbit is treated with a small piece of fruit and during the day, the animal's health is monitored. If an eared handsome man behaves calmly, and he does not have signs of intestinal upset, the portion of the treat can be increased.
The animal is accustomed to juicy food from a young age. 2 months after birth, the pet begins to feed with tiny pieces of fruit.
Rate per day
The optimal portion for an adult animal is an average apple weighing 100-120 g. A small rabbit needs 3 slices of fruit weighing 30 g. For nursing females, the portion of the treat is increased to 140 g per day.
If we are talking about dried apples, reduce the dose by 3-4 times. When accustoming your pet to a juicy fruit, you need to adhere to the rule: a rabbit can only be given a treat after the main feeding. The animal should not enjoy fruit on an empty stomach. Before feeding, the apple is doused with boiling water and peeled. The core, along with the seeds, is removed from the fruit.
Experienced owners advise stringing apple pieces on a wire. The trick will help you avoid dirt and feed rot. The resulting "beads" are suspended from the rods of the cage. Adults are treated to an apple 3-4 times a week. Rabbits eat juicy food no more than 2 times a week.
Combination with other products
Ornamental rabbits are given an apple no more than 1 time per week. 2-3 small pieces of fruit will not harm your pet. The apple cannot be mixed with other foods. If your pet includes other fruits and vegetables, it is best to give them to your rabbit at the next feed.
This rule applies to all members of the large family of rabbits. Pumpkins, carrots, beets, pears and other juicy foods are given to pets separately from apples. Succulent feed makes up one third of the daily ration of animals, so it is not difficult to divide the ingredients into separate portions.
Possible Digestive Problems
An excess of succulent feed often leads to a disorder of the intestinal tract of animals. The rabbit develops diarrhea, the animal becomes lethargic and depressed. The owner's inaction can result in the death of the pet, so you need to immediately take action:
- Succulent food is replaced with dry twigs and hay.
- As a liquid for drinking, the drinker is filled with a decoction of oak bark. If necessary, replace the broth with strongly brewed tea.
- For additional treatment, short oak blocks are placed in the cage. Small cuts of bird cherry are also suitable. The bark is not removed from the pieces of wood.
If the disease has gone far, and it is not possible to stop the diarrhea, the pet is given smecta to drink. The drug is given to the animal with a pipette or syringe without a needle.
