Best way to fatten meat rabbits

[Squishychicken]

I free feed pellets, hay and water. Fresh cabbage, carrots and celery weekly. Any other ways to fatten them

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

A bit of black oil sunflower seeds, and dry oatmeal made mine thicken up.

 

[ChocolateMouse]

What kind of hay? Not all hay is created equal. Fescue hay doesn't have the kind of calories orchard grass or alfalfa does. If I were trying to put some chonk on a bun, especially for eating, I would give their normal diet plus some alfalfa and oatmeal. Alfalfa has a ton of protein and fat in it while still having a lot of fiber but the excess calcium can damage kidneys long-term. Not really important if you're gonna eat the bun in a few months anyhow.

You can get alfalfa in hay bale form or in compressed chopped cubes in 50lb bags from the feed store.

Also make sure your rabbits are on a pellet feed that's 16-18% protein.
For a more au natural food you can load them down with some sweet potato vines. I've heard kudzu can be good in moderation as well.

 

[Squishychicken]

It is alfalfa hay. For the oats just like oats you would use to bake with?

 

[Squishychicken]

The feed is 15% protein

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I use the Quacker old fashioned oats, or we buy it in bulk as steamed rolled oats.

 

[Squishychicken]

Thank you for all the help

 

[ChocolateMouse]

Yeah, just ye old rolled oats. Oat groats are also good. You should consider a 16-18% feed for production rabbits. 16% for maintenance, 18% for does and growers. I use Mana Pro Gro (18% for does and kits) for my whole herd but I also liked the Purina Professional 18%. I feed grass hay blend (a lil of a few grasses and some alfalfa) free-choice for all and for bucks and non breeding does I lower their pellets per day. They make up their food intake with lower calorie hay so they don't get too fat to breed.

13-15% is usually a great indoor, small-breed or pet rabbit ration. Not as packed as you'd want for a good chonk of a rabbit.

 

[Squishychicken]

Ok I will get some higher protein feed.
Also anyone have a good rabbit dewormer I can use for pregnent does and that dosent have a meat withdrawal

 

[Squishychicken]

Shelled or unshelled sunflower seeds?