Rabbit Protein Source

[BarredBuff]

Other than commercial feed what would a good protein source for rabbits be?

 

[Wifezilla]

Alfalfa? Clover? What protein percentage do they need?

 

[BarredBuff]

I think 14 to 16. Im working on sustainable feed project for the chickens, ducks and rabbits.

 

[Beekissed]

You might try BOSS...anyone ever try this with rabbits? I know they would like them and they are certainly easy to grow.

 

[BarredBuff]

I put BOSS in their feed one time and they loved it. But thanks Beekissed I hadnt thought of that.

 

[tortoise]

Crude Protein (%)

15% 4-12 weeks old
18% Lactation/Gestation
13% Maintenance
17% Doe and litter on one food

Alfalfa Hay - 14% Crude Protein, 32% Crude Fiber
Alfalfa Meal - 18% Crude Protein, 26% Crude Fiber
Clover Hay - 16% Crude Protein, 29% Crude Fiber
Orchard Grass Hay - 8 % Crude Protein, 37% Crude Fiber
Timothy Hay - 9% Crude Protein, 31% Crude Fiber

 

[Beekissed]

I'm wondering how successful growing one's own oats, wheat and barley would be? It would be kind of neat to get a feed store to mix your own home grown feeds for you into pellets for the rabbits, wouldn't it?

Anyone ever do this? I am planning on growing some grains this next year in my large garden plot, along with BOSS, to see if I can produce some of my own chicken and sheep feeds.

 

[BarredBuff]

.

 

[tortoise]

A rabbit diet should be based in grasses, not grains. Maybe feed grain leaves and stalks to the buns, feed the grain itself to the sheep?

 

[Beekissed]

I'm thinking that is an excellent plan, BB. Keeping track will tell you how much you need to produce.

tortoise A rabbit diet should be based in grasses, not grains. Maybe feed grain leaves and stalks to the buns, feed the grain itself to the sheep?

I know they primarily eat grasses, barks and other roughage but I think they also eat seed heads in the wild. I would say a healthy mix would be beneficial, though I wouldn't include too much corn at all.