Do rabbits tend to eat less of higher protein feed?

[Juci]

So I’ve been slowly switching all my rabbits other than weaning kits to Purina 18% pellets. They were eating pet rabbit food that was 14 percent. My feed store was out when I first got them last summer.
Now the bucks are eating less than they were before the switch. Do they typically need less pellets if it’s higher protein content? Does are both eating the exact same amount as before.

I’m not really worried about the bucks because they seem to be just as happy/healthy, no changes there. I’m more just curious about it. I give them each a half cup in the morning and another half cup in the evening. They used to eat all of it in one sitting on the previous feed and now there’s always food left in the bowl. All the rabbits have free choice hay in addition to the pellets.

The photo is just for fun.

 

[sassafrasshat]

I also was forced to make a switch to a higher percentage but not as much as yours (16 to 18). I did notice my rabbits are eating less, but the pellets are physically smaller as well so that could be a factor.
If you have leftover food in the bowl, it usually means you are feeding too much. I would get yourself a scale and weigh out the food. Especially when switching brands, but even across different bags, you will see a change of density.
EX: One measured cup (volume) of pellets from Bag A could weigh 200 grams (weight) but one measured cup from Bag B could weigh 130 grams. So if you feed one cup of pellets always, you could be under or over feeding.

 

[ladysown]

You don't need to feed as much when you feed a higher protein food. If you do, you'll be risking fat does and bucks.

 

[Juci]

I also was forced to make a switch to a higher percentage but not as much as yours (16 to 18). I did notice my rabbits are eating less, but the pellets are physically smaller as well so that could be a factor.
If you have leftover food in the bowl, it usually means you are feeding too much. I would get yourself a scale and weigh out the food. Especially when switching brands, but even across different bags, you will see a change of density.
EX: One measured cup (volume) of pellets from Bag A could weigh 200 grams (weight) but one measured cup from Bag B could weigh 130 grams. So if you feed one cup of pellets always, you could be under or over feeding.

Good point! I didn’t think about the difference in size/density of the pellets. The instructions on the package were weight based, but I just looked up a cup conversion online. That probably wasn’t accurate enough. I think I’ll get a kitchen scale instead cause what you’re saying makes sense.
Thank you!

 

[Juci]

You don't need to feed as much when you feed a higher protein food. If you do, you'll be risking fat does and bucks.

Oh yeah, I really don’t want that. Especially since they’re looking so good at the moment!
Thanks for mentioning that.

 

[MuddyFarms]

I also was forced to make a switch to a higher percentage but not as much as yours (16 to 18). I did notice my rabbits are eating less, but the pellets are physically smaller as well so that could be a factor.
If you have leftover food in the bowl, it usually means you are feeding too much. I would get yourself a scale and weigh out the food. Especially when switching brands, but even across different bags, you will see a change of density.
EX: One measured cup (volume) of pellets from Bag A could weigh 200 grams (weight) but one measured cup from Bag B could weigh 130 grams. So if you feed one cup of pellets always, you could be under or over feeding.

That’s interesting!