Rabbits are increasingly becoming favorite pets today. They are small, fluffy, tender and very sociable. Accordingly, the owners have a question: how to feed a small pet? If we feed a dog and a cat without hesitation with what we eat ourselves (although this is completely wrong), then everything is different.
Fluffy animals may have intestinal problems from malnutrition. As a result, dangerous diseases progress, and in some cases even a fatal outcome is possible. Today we’ll talk about whether a rabbit can watermelon.
The experience of rabbit breeders
Every year in Russia, this direction of animal husbandry is only gaining popularity. At the same time, farmers reasonably think about whether it is possible to feed fruits to their pets from their plot. Everything has been clear with carrots and cabbage for a long time, but can a rabbit have a watermelon? In fact, a juicy berry with a hard crust is a real treat. The fruits contain a whole complex of vitamins that are necessary for the proper functioning of the whole organism.
Benefits of Feeding a Berry
Considering the question of whether a rabbit can watermelon, you immediately need to tell what the benefits to the body of its use. The main plus is the low cost. This is especially true for the fall season. If you live in a village and keep rabbits in large numbers, it makes sense to sow melons so that with the onset of autumn there is something to please eared pets. The high content of vitamins that the body needs to the full gives an understanding of whether the rabbit can watermelon.
Eared pets are very fond of fresh fruits, and here they are also given the opportunity to thoroughly sharpen their teeth.
Proper preparation
Do not forget that the fruits must be thoroughly washed. The rabbit's digestive system is very delicate, any infection can thoroughly undermine your pet's immunity. Is it possible to give watermelon to rabbits, you decide after a thorough examination of the berry. If there are rotten places on the crust, then they should be removed, and all seeds removed. If you bought a watermelon for yourself, then treat your pets with a crust, leaving a little pulp on it. Pets will gladly accept such a treat.
How to give?
So, we have already answered the question of whether it is possible to feed rabbits watermelon. Before giving pets, it needs to be cut into small pieces. Pay attention to the freshness and quality of the fruit. It is best if they are small, local watermelons from their own garden. In-store fruits and vegetables are treated with chemicals to increase shelf life. However, there is very little benefit from such products. If you live in the southern regions, then finding a quality fruit is not difficult at all. It is this kind of watermelon that has ripened under the sun and is needed by your gentle creatures.
How much to give?
Domestic fluffies are no different in structure of their body from those that are bred for meat and tender skins. Therefore, on their example, we can safely say whether decorative rabbits can watermelon. Yes you can. This is not forbidden at all. Watermelon peels can be given in the form of goodies and in order to replenish the vitamin supply. However, they should not act as the main element of nutrition. The best option would be to feed once a week the crust of watermelon with pulp, and on other days it is recommended to give a little melon. After several weeks, take a break and give the rabbit apples, cabbage or carrots.
be careful
When deciding whether it is possible to give watermelon to decorative rabbits, it is worth noting that animals cannot be overfed with this product. For them, this striped berry is difficult to digest. When you first give it a try, you should limit yourself to a small piece. Observe the reaction of the animal, if everything is in order, then you can increase the portion. I want to emphasize that only adult pets are fed such fruits. Small cubs are not allowed to give watermelon crusts. The digestive system is not yet fully strengthened, and an unfamiliar product can cause disruptions.
Contraindications
Before introducing a new product into the diet, you must first evaluate its condition. If the ornamental rabbit has an indigestion, then you should wait with experiment. The fact is that their digestive system is very weak, and it is recommended that all food products be selected very carefully. Rabbits eat everything and in most cases without measure. Therefore, if you notice that the pet has diarrhea, then you should not give him a watermelon and thereby overload the body.
Pregnant females and a new product
Usually during this period the rabbit begins to eat with a vengeance, therefore it will not just crunch crusts with appetite, but will persistently beg for more. But watery food quickly overloads the stomach, so it is recommended to maintain the interval between servings. In winter, juicy fruits are almost impossible to find, with the exception of those that you yourself procure for your favorites. Well, in the summer, in hot weather, it will not be superfluous to think about whether it is possible to give a pet a wet and sweet fruit. After the rabbit eats it, his coat gets wet on his face, dirt sticks to it and wasps sit on it. Therefore, when you feed your pet, you should wash its face and wipe it dry with a paper towel.
Harvesting for future use
A decorative rabbit can only be given fresh crusts and flesh of the fetus. Therefore, the optimal period for the first test is August-October. During this period, the least likely to acquire an unripe watermelon. When the season comes to an end, it is recommended to purchase these fruits for future use, providing rabbits with vitamin reserves for the winter.
It is best to store late varieties. A dry and well-ventilated area is suitable for this. You can also prepare crusts in dried form, but fresh ones are much healthier, and rabbits eat them more willingly. Do not forget that after you cut the fruit, you can only store it for 24 hours, and of course, you should clean it in the refrigerator.
Instead of a conclusion
Watermelons are a favorite treat for rabbits. Therefore, with the onset of autumn, be sure to try to offer the fluffy handsome a juicy treat. Watch the reaction. If the rabbit feels normal, and there is no reaction from the gastrointestinal tract, then the next time you can give a little more.