Kits on Oats?

[Wesley]

I am thinking of introducing my kits to some oats from the local feed store. I am currently feeding an 18% pellets and grass hay. Should I offer the 3 week old kits all they will eat or ration the oats? One litter in particular is not growing as fast as they should.

Thanks,
Wesley

 

[ottersatin]

Oats are a great first feed for kits
and will put on firm flesh.
Some will dispute that statement,
but it has always worked for me.
Everything in moderation, moderation is the key.
Ottersatin. ldtimer:

 

[Demamma]

When you feed oats what form do they take?

 

[caroline]

I feed whole oat & BOSS to my nursing does. They get a handful of each in the feeder. They are also getting pellets. The kits get this too, since it's there, when they come out of the nest box. They all LOVE it. Once they are weaned @ about 6 weeks they are on pellets and hay.

 

[MamaSheepdog]

I don't feed pellets at all anymore, but when I did, I would start litters out with about 1/4 cup of oats and increase the amount as they grew. Now I feed a mix of oats, barley, BOSS, and beet pulp and they are free fed. I have creep feeders for the kits, but before I did I would feed them in a cat litter jug so the does couldn't eat all of the oats. I still provide the jugs as shelter for the kits when they come out of the nest.

 

[Demamma]

I have found only rolled oats here and still can not find any barley. Maybe I will try that. Is there something as good as barley around? I found rabbit food for 13.99 for 50 lbs but I do not trust what is in it. It is Mamma pro.

 

[tm_bunnyloft]

I just switched all of my rabbits off of pellets and onto oats and alfalfa. I will be giving them boss as well. The bad feed I just got that killed my younger bunnies was not worth it to me. Its grains I can Identify by looking at it from now on for all my animals and no corn!!!!

I hope it works for you as well and you have great success.

 

[Wesley]

Well I bought a fifty pound bag of rolled oats so we will see. I know that they must like the taste because my doe with the smaller babies would have chewed off three of my fingers if I hadnt moved them out of the way. I didnt know rabbits could eat with such gusto. I think I heard her smacking. Thanks for all the great advice! May try some BOSS down the road. I am still going to feed pellets but hopefully the smaller litter will begin to grow better. Thanks!

 

[tm_bunnyloft]

Manna pro select is a good feed with no corn as well. Hope your kits are gaining well now.