Post-Winter Conditioning...

[Random Rabbit]

I think that the hibernating time is almost behind us. Soon the Spring show season will be here.

DH and i were checking over the possible 'show buns' to see what we might have. Honestly, after the Winter we've had... they are in a bit rougher shape than i had hoped. Everybunny is Solid feeling...just without the 'conditioned' feel that it takes to pull off a win. And of Course... everybunny was Not terribly happy about being handled after the lay-off.

Would anyone care to share their 'tips and secrets' for getting their crew back into Show Shape ??

 

[Frosted Rabbits]

EXERCISE!!!!! Large pens with lots of things to do, run up and down, nibble this, nibble that, climb here, jump there.... Put a harness on the critter and let him be with you as you go about your day for a while.
Add the fresh stuff to the diet, plenty of fresh air and sunshine- all add up to the 'bloom' that you want.

 

[yanni]

WATER! Lots of water! I had some rabbits out of condition because the crocks kept freezing this winter. That was in feb. By last weekend , they were all doing great because I was able to solve my frozen water problem. I had a doe take BOB.

 

[Devon's Mom Lauren]

Yanni I totally agree with you, dehydration will put a rabbit out of condition so fast it'll make your head spin!! During the winter rabbits just need more of everything to keep up condition.

 

[Jack]

A pump up or hot feed
I use BOSS/Oats with a spoon full (actually my smallest measuring cup, nursing does get the whole cup, rest get a sprinkle)

It brings up condition is a week or two with good water.

 

[DevonW]

The best way for post winter conditioning is prevention. In the winter everything should be upped food, hay, greens (I get the 50% off greens in the grocery store) and the water should be checked several times a day to prevent dehydration.

The number one thing in conditioning is making sure they're getting enough protein minerals/vitamins, and water to maintain a healthy weight especially in the winter when they're in "survival" mode. They're burning more energy keeping warm so they need more to maintain weight. This way you don't have to worry about having a bunch of out of condition rabbits that don't want to produce.