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Can Rabbits Eat Potatoes?

There are many popular tales and stories about bunnies. Those long-eared adorable fellows are heroes of folk tales, beliefs and popular culture. Rabbits have been considered a symbol of good fortune, prosperity and happiness, since ancient times. It is not surprising rabbit was the most favorite animal of beautiful and kind Aphrodite and worshiped in both ancient Rome and Greece.

Nowadays, they are very popular as pets. Rabbits are cuddly, cute and dear little fellows, who know how to warm your heart and make you smile.

They are not extremely complicated to take care of, but be ready to fully commit to your furry friend. Rabbits don’t like to be alone; they would always seek attention and a buddy to play with. Rabbits live in larger groups in nature, so they love company of other pets and their owners. Whenever you have time, play with your bunny. You will make yourself a very loyal and kind little friend.

Treat it with tenderness and always be there to make it feel safe. Bunnies need to be active and properly maintained in order to be happy and healthy. They are very affectionate and they love to interact with their owners. Your new pet will most likely circle around your legs to attract your attention. However, they don’t like to be picked up by their ears or skin behind the neck. You should not carry them around, either. They are not suitable for small children and nervous, rough people.

Most rabbits love to cuddle. Your new pet would let you place it in your lap and caress its soft fur.

However, let it get used to your household gradually and try not to knead it all the time. Be very patient with it, because this sensitive adorable rodent could be a little scared when separated from the group of other rabbits. If you treat it gentle and with love, you’ll have a lovely, happy pet.

Feeding bunnies

Rabbits are exclusively herbivores and they don’t need any food of animal origin, except their mother’s milk. Their menu should consist of hay, grass, raw vegetable and fruit and some granules. Hay should always be available and fresh. It takes almost one hundred percent of their daily diet. Hay contains fiber which is essential to rabbits’ digestion. Since it should always be completely fresh, serve it in several daily portions. There should also always be fresh and clean water available.

Beside hay, rabbits’ nutrition should include vegetable and fruit. All of it should be given carefully, especially if you are introducing new viands. Rabbits’ delicate intestinal tract needs to adapt to new food. Baby rabbits separated from their mother have extremely sensitive intestines. In the first several months you should feed them only hay. After that period, you can start with including some vegetables and herbs. Feed it very small amounts and track their behavior. If they don’t have any stomach problems, diarrhea or bloating, you can give them a little more.

Rabbits can eat fruit as well. However, fruit is sweet and it should be considered a treat. Bunnies cannot digest well any food that contains too much sugar. One or two small slices of fruit are enough for them. Don’t fall for their charms, because they would most likely love any fruit you give them. Just follow those advices and your bunny will be healthy.

Are potatoes good for rabbits?

Potatoes and other root vegetables are a bit tricky for rabbits. The list includes parsnips, carrots, beets and radishes as well. This type of vegetable is full of starch and sugar, which is not particularly good for rabbits. Their intestines are not designed to digest lots of carbohydrates. Too much potatoes and other can just make them sick. Your bunny may enjoy how potatoes taste, but it won’t get it any benefits if you go overboard. So, you can feed it, but only in small amounts.

There are lots of other vegetables you can choose over potatoes. Offer your bunny some lettuce, sprouts, other dark green and leafy food. Try some mint, basil, chicory and dill. They are good for your bunny’s digestion. You can feed it some broccoli, celery, cabbage and zucchini, but keep in mind they could cause bloating and other stomach upsets. You can serve them in smaller portions, several times a week.

Potatoes in larger quantities can make your rabbit sick. If you notice any sign of illness, immediately go to veterinarian. Your rabbit can experience appetite loss, weakness and diarrhea. That applies to other vegetables as well. Potatoes should not be a problem if you feed it occasionally. You can add them to enrich your bunny’s diet, but there are far better choices.

However, if it really likes potatoes, you can serve it sometimes and in very small amounts. Always make sure all food is thoroughly rinsed, sliced and free of any signs of spoiling.