I don't know if saying that rabbits can't grow or produce if they aren't fed pellets is an exaggeration or just what someone actually told you. But, it is certainly not true. What do you think rabbits were fed before the pelleting machine was invented? In Storey's Guide to Raising Rabbits by Bob Bennett he shares the late Oren Reynold's recipe for rabbit feed (about 100 years old).
Many weeds and grasses are basically hays. Dandelions, herbs, and other dark greens are given to the rabbits of die hard show exhibitors that are strict about the pelleted diets they give their rabbits. They use the pelleted diet because it is consistent, nutritionally balance, easily found and stored, and know that the results are fabulous. If it were not so, they major rabbit feed companies could not survive (I mean GOOD rabbit feed companies).
A basic, forage diet is what I'm seeing described here but, that can hardly be compared to what House Rabbit Society prescribes. Their diet is so varied and difficult to balance it has been the cause of many a rabbit's death. I've seen way to many chronically sick rabbits that have to be on meds constantly, read about too many "rainbow bridge" rabbits who died from complications of the HRS diet, and met too many obese rabbits that were fed the HRS diet to think there is any merit to it.
I keep my own rabbits on a pellet based diet (yes, I feed them greens, too) because I need them in top show condition - both muscle tone and in coat. I use only the best pelleted feed.
Oxbow is a good feed if you don't have a feed store around but I'd throw any other pet store rabbit product in the trash before I'd give it to a rabbit. Oxbow feed and hays cost at least 3x what you'd pay for the same or better at a good feed store, though.
IF you feed a pellet based diet, go with a major company that actively does research on rabbit nutrition and employees PhDs in livestock nutrition (Purina (not associated w/the dog food company), Nutrena, Manna Pro, Pet Pals, etc.) or find a local mill that a show breeder recommends.
Back on topic: I absolutely think one can feed a grass/weed based diet supplemented with herbs, select veggies, and grains because that is exactly what a quality pelleted food is. You shouldn't have many problems with it. You just have to put in a little work to get it and balance it properly. The volume will be greater and your storage abilities with be more challenging is all.
I want to hear more or hear updates on this topic. I really am interested in hearing how long it takes to grow out your fryers to 5lbs and what breeds or crosses you're working with.
I have my tiny show rabbits but I'm adding Argente Bruns from Canada in the fall that will be my rare breed development project but my first meat breed, too. We'll be eating our "mistakes". It would be pretty cool to raise some from self gathered foods.
Cool topic.
