Conditioning with Oats for Show Prime Flesh

[wildeden]

a general question for those who use oats as a conditioner...how long before shows do you begin to serve it to your rabbits? the amount of oats (specify for breeds/weights of rabbits -- I serve commercial rabbits)? and do you find you use it for rabbits of certain ages ranges or all ages? for example: I notice that obviously juniors and young seniors are in their prime and oftentimes don't require it. Sometimes an older senior, especially does in and out of breeding cycles, can use a boost aside from quality care. In short, I'm looking for what people like to use a routine for optimal show rabbits.

I should specify that this is because I am noticing that all of my rabbits, once they hit senior age, lose their firm flesh. They are not overfed/overweight either! I do feed my Cals 18%, one cup measured.

 

[ottersatin]

I suggest that you feed each rabbit as an individual.
Some rabbits will require either more or less feed to
maintain proper condition. Some may even require an exercise
program. An overweight rabbit should have an obstacle placed between
it's feeder and water source. You could use a section of PVC pipe
or 4X4 block of wood. Jumping or climbing over it will strengthen
their shoulders. I would feed a mix of Black oil sunflower seeds,
Rolled Oats and Sweet Feed for at least a week or two prior to showing.
Pay close attention to what takes place during the feeding.
Ottersatin. ldtimer:

 

[wildeden]

I suggest that you feed each rabbit as an individual.
Some rabbits will require either more or less feed to
maintain proper condition. Some may even require an exercise
program. An overweight rabbit should have an obstacle placed between
it's feeder and water source. You could use a section of PVC pipe
or 4X4 block of wood. Jumping or climbing over it will strengthen
their shoulders. I would feed a mix of Black oil sunflower seeds,
Rolled Oats and Sweet Feed for at least a week or two prior to showing.
Pay close attention to what takes place during the feeding.
Ottersatin. ldtimer:

Thank you for the suggestion!

I have been concluding the last couple of years that perhaps that is a case: they're all such individuals. I will begin to start calibrating to each bun