Keeping Mothers from Getting Overweight

[BlackSpruceRabbitry7]

I have a doe that will eat constantly and get very overweight while she's on full feed with a litter. Is there just a certain amount I can give her so she has lots of milk to feed her litter without making her super fat?!
She is a Mini Rex and also struggles with sore hocks due to her excessive weight.

P.S.
She is at a good weight now and her hocks are healing, but is due on Thanksgiving day and will soon be nursing a litter! Help! :shock:

 

[Easy Ears]

How do you know she gets over weight?? I find it quite hard for my rabbits to get over weight.

:rabbit-hop1: :rabbit-hop1: :rabbit-hop1:

 

[akane]

You don't have to free feed every doe but by the time the kits are wandering you could have issues with some not getting food if you restrict it. Grass hay can be nice and filling without the fat, protein, and calories. If you are using an 18% feed you might want to see how they do on a 16%.

 

[ottersatin]

Hello BSR,
I have a suggestion about feeding:
I feed my rabbits once a day in the early morning.
When you go through your herd feeding, take note
of how much feed in left in the feeder. If feed is still left when you feed,
give a bit less at the next feeding, should you go to feed and so a completely empty feeder,
feed just a bit more at the next feeding. After a short time you will see just how much each
Rabbit requires to maintain it's body and health. Every Rabbit must be fed as an individual,
some will require a little more and some a little less balance.
To reduce an overly pudgy rabbit, place an obstacle [Length of PVC or 2X4]
between the feeder and water source. The rabbit will have to climb or jump over it
to get what it needs. Sort of a Rabbit Gymnasium
Ottersatin. ldtimer: