Conditioning

[BlackSpruceRabbitry7]

I am going to a show in November, first time, and was wanting some tips about conditioning. I am currently giving my rabbits 1/2 cup of pellets, hay, and 1 tbsp. of BOSS every day, but any other suggestions?
One thing about the 1/2 cup of pellets, my two I'm gonna be showing look pretty chubby, should I maybe cut down on pellets or would they not be getting enough then? Well, at least I know they're eating healthy. :lol:

One more thing...how accurate would you say a digital kitchen scale is for weighing rabbits? If they are accurate mine are overweight...but they are very small, and I find it hard to believe they are the max weight. Someone with experience with the comparison of the Rabbit scale(like at a Registrar's table) verses the kitchen one, could please let me know.

 

[MamaSheepdog]

1 TBSP of BOSS for a Nethie seems like a lot to me.

The rabbits (Rex and Satin) I will be taking to Convention are on pellets and get about 1/4th cup of a grain mix with a bit of BOSS and a tiny bit of Calf Manna twice a week. I would guess that there is maybe a teaspoon of BOSS (if that) in the mix.

As for your kitchen scale- you need to calibrate it by weighing something that has an exact weight. I don't know what to suggest- I use a 5lb weight lifter's weight to calibrate my hanging scale, but that goes up to 10lbs on the first revolution.

 

[BlackSpruceRabbitry7]

Sorry, I forgot to say My rabbits are Mini Rex.

 

[MamaSheepdog]

Sorry, I forgot to say My rabbits are Mini Rex.

Where did I get the idea you raised Netherlands?

But that is still a lot of BOSS for them, especially if they are juniors.

 

[bantambunnies]

You could try more like 1/3 cup of pellets, or - if they are big hay eaters - even 1/4 cup. Keep an eye on their behavior in the morning... if they're tearing the door off, maybe up the feed. If they lazily hop over, try a little less.

 

[Easy Ears]

Sorry guys, but I've never gone to a rabbit show....so...what is BOSS?

 

[Sagebrush]

BOSS = Black Oil Sunflower Seeds

 

[ottersatin]

Some use Sweet-feed along with Boss and rolled Oats
as a top dressing for conditioning. Be careful with it as too much
can throw the rabbit into a molt. Everything in moderation.
Moderation is the key!
Ottersatin. ldtimer:

 

[akane]

It's good to balance boss with something like flax. BOSS has tons of omega 6 which isn't bad except if you over feed it and don't balance it with an omega 3 source. It can actually become inflammatory and stress joints and organs instead of helping. Flax, walnuts, and soy are the highest omega 3 vegetarian foods commonly eaten. Other seeds like chia and other nuts should also be good sources. Omega fatty acid sources also tend to be high calorie and will make fat animals quickly. For small mammals they are usually measured in pinches and teaspoons. Horses often start out with a cup worth at 100-200 times the size of a rabbit to give a comparison.