Is it possible to give raw zucchini to rabbits
The rabbit is a frequent guest on farms, it is one of the most important animals in the household. At the same time, decorative rabbits are one of the most indulgent pets. However, these furry beauties can eat quite a lot in a day, their diet consists of grain feed, hay, fresh vegetables and mineral supplements. But in order for the animals to grow and be active, they must be fed correctly and regularly, selecting only healthy foods. Including should find out whether it is possible to give zucchini to rabbits.
Is it possible to give zucchini or pumpkin to rabbits
Can zucchini be added to the diet?
For such animals, it is best if most of the food is plant (natural) food, it is such a diet that is similar to natural food. A rabbit is an unpretentious animal, but sometimes it can give up its usual diet. That is why the pet's diet should always be different so that the rabbit gets all possible vitamins and calcium. You cannot feed the animal only hay or vegetables. A correct and balanced diet consists of solid food and juicy feed, only in this case the rabbit's digestive system will be in order, and he will receive all the necessary substances.
Farmers have derived the ideal proportion for proper nutrition: this is 80% of dry feed, the remaining 20% are vegetables, fruits, herbs, fresh grass and hay. The most favorite foods for eared pets are:
- carrot;
- pumpkin;
- beet;
- potato;
- cabbage;
- zucchini.
Will zucchini be useful
Often, beginners are faced with the problem of whether it is possible to give zucchini and pumpkin to rabbits. Oddly enough, but on this account, veterinarians have different opinions. Some believe that these products should be an integral part of the diet of rabbits, while others, on the contrary, advise to beware of such vegetables and minimize their amount in the diet, to find other vegetables that will provide the same necessary dietary supplements for rabbits.
But still, most veterinarians are sure that zucchini and pumpkin can be used for rabbits, but pumpkin for rabbits must be added carefully, since this product acts as a laxative. In addition, it is very useful to give tops, cucumbers, lettuce leaves. You can also give dried pumpkin seeds: they contain many beneficial vitamins, which positively affects the blood flow in the body. Zucchini and pumpkin have beneficial properties:
- vitamins;
- macronutrients;
- microelements.
All of them are essential for rapid development. It is recommended to give such products both raw and boiled. But there are rules according to which pets should be fed:
- rabbits can be given zucchini, pumpkin, but only to those who are already 4 months old;
- it is necessary to remove the skin from the products and remove all the seeds;
- The flesh of the food is best chopped or grated and then mixed with corn silage.
Rabbit breeders should pay great attention to the seeds that need to be harvested during the preparation of vegetables for serving.The seeds are considered an excellent natural anthelmintic agent, so you can add a little to the diet of rabbits as a prophylaxis against worms.
Pumpkin and its beneficial properties
Animals can be given squash, but in moderation. If you do this regularly, the appearance of the animal becomes brighter. The coat becomes more saturated in color and softer, especially if the fluffy friend is orange - his color becomes fiery.
Rodents really like the taste of pumpkin, besides, it has enough vitamins to support the animal's immunity, but not enough protein supplements and milk thistle. The pumpkin can be stored throughout the winter, as long as the room is cool. You can leave the vegetable in the basement or in the cellar. But it can also be stored in a warm room at a temperature not exceeding 20 ° C.
For nursing mothers, it will be an excellent feed supplement, since the components contained in pumpkin affect milk production. Also, the mummies' coat becomes soft and tender, the coat of the coat is doubled. In addition, the rabbits receive vitamins through milk, thanks to which they become more active and strong.
For adults, it can be given raw, simply cut into cubes, and it is better for young animals to grind pre-cooked on a grater. It is best to give such a top dressing in the autumn, because it is then that the first pumpkin crop appears. Rabbits should not be fed pumpkin with mother's milk. If the baby rabbit is still breastfeeding from the mother, a product such as pumpkin cannot be added to her diet, this can cause frustration.
It is better to give pumpkin to rabbits when they reach 4 months, then their body is already able to assimilate all useful substances. Many breeders say they love pumpkin puree and eat it with great pleasure. The animals eat pumpkin seeds very actively, but one must be careful with the dosage. For one small pet there are 2-3 seeds, for an adult - 4-5 seeds. If you overdo it, your pets may have problems with stool and, accordingly, with the stomach. Pumpkin cannot be the main component of food, since it does not have the substances necessary for the proper development of the rabbit. It is rather a vitamin supplement that should be in the animal's diet. Combinations with pumpkin can be used to dilute the diet:
- tops;
- cucumbers.
The food of the animal must be properly balanced, as there are breeds of rabbits that can suffer from obesity. Feeding should be regular: in young animals - 4-6 times a day in small portions, in adults - 2-3 times a day.
What are the advantages of zucchini
Many rabbit breeders are not sure if it is possible to give zucchini to rabbits, as, in their opinion, this product is not useful for rodents, because it can be addictive. Can fluffy rabbits be fed zucchini often? Veterinarians say that yes, but at the same time, the food must be balanced, include other foods. For 200 g of zucchini, there should be 500 g of cucumbers and a little tops or hay. Zucchini cannot become the "crown" of a dish and be the only source of vitamins.
At the same time, veterinarians themselves are not sure whether it is possible to give zucchini to rabbits if the babies are not even 2 months old, therefore they warn that it is best to leave such a product and not add younger rabbits to the diet.
Useful properties of the product:
- vitamins C, B1 and B2;
- minerals: phosphorus, iron, calcium;
- valuable acids.
Before adding zucchini to feeding rabbits, you should make sure that it is free of dirt, peels and rot. If dirt or other bacteria enter the rodent's stomach, this can cause a complete disorder of its digestive system. It is undesirable to give zucchini often, and even more so every day. It should be alternated: one day - pumpkin as an additive, the other day - zucchini.Zucchini contains a lot of milk thistle, and a large amount of it in the body can lead to problems with stool (constipation).
The main thing is to diversify the pet's diet, add new vegetables and properly balanced vitamins, provide enough calcium and vitamins for good growth. Also, the rabbit can do without zucchini in its food, they can be replaced with cucumbers in the form of mashed potatoes.