How to feed grains.

Apple Cider · Jun 16, 2012

The use of wheat, oats, and barley is mentioned in several threads here. I'm sure this has been asked before but I cannot find it. In what form are these grains presented to the rabbits?

1. Whole, cracked, cut, sprouted?
2. How much per bunny? Or how much per ounce of bunny?
3. Where do most of you purchase these grains? Or . . .
4. Do most of y'all grow it yourselves?

Thanks.

trinityoaks · Jun 16, 2012

Check out this thread. I think this will answer your first two questions.

trinity-oaks-grain-feed-mix-t6809.html

(Note to admins/mods: I feel awkward asking this, but could we sticky that thread? I find myself answering these questions over and over because the thread gets buried.)

I get mine at my local feed store (yes, even in a major metropolitan area). Before we moved here, I got it directly from the store connected with the local grain elevator.

I don't currently grow my own (except for sprouts of spilled grain as a supplement), but one of the reasons I grain-feed is so that I COULD grow my own if I had to.

MaggieJ · Jun 16, 2012

Different people use grain for their rabbits in slightly different ways. Whole, cracked, cut and sprouted are all fine.

I prefer to use whole grain. It keeps better and in winter I also grow grain grain grass in plastic dishpans to give the rabbits some inexpensive greens.

I give adult rabbits about 1/4 cup per rabbit per day with a bit extra in winter. I know some other people feed more than this, but grain is only one component of the rabbits' diet, and I feed proportionately more alfala/grass hay and as many greens (mainly weeds) as the season allows.

I have not yet grown my own grain, but we are increasing our garden space and I may add a grain patch. I'll still have to buy most of it at the feed store, but it might be fun to give growing it a try.

Mary Ann's Rabbitry · Jun 16, 2012

trinityoaks":3byfg00p said:
but could we sticky that thread?

I have mentioned this before.

I buy my grains from a farmer that isnt to far from me.It is way cheaper than the feed store.I use whole grains

Apple Cider · Jun 16, 2012

Since I started this thread I have found several other threads that cover parts of my question. I also found the trinity-oaks-grain-feed-mix this morning. Thanks everyone.

Miss M · Jun 16, 2012

Maggie must've stickied it -- somebunny did.

<br /><br />__________ Sat Jun 16, 2012 2:20 pm __________<br /><br />I think MSD has a slightly different mix... might be good to copy it over into that thread.