How do I transition rabbits to hay racks?

When gradually transitioning rabbits to hay racks, be patient. The first step is to put hay racks containing their favourite hay near their normal floor feed sites and keep them filled even while they are floor feeding. In time, the rabbits come to enjoy eating from a rack.

Troubleshooting Things Don't Go So Smoothly If your rabbits don't seem to touch the rack, hang some fresh herbs from it to attract their attention. If a hesitant feeder, try removing the top of the cage temporarily to make it as easy as possible. You should encourage them to use their racks with gentle petting or soft praise; never punish avoidance behavior.

Pay careful attention to signs of stress. Less time spent eating indicates discomfort. Smaller droppings are an indicator of lesser intake. Hesitance to approach the racks may indicate improper placement. If stress indicators persist and additional time has passed, you can pause for several days.

Tailor strategies based on the kind of rabbit being housed. If a rabbit is older, it should be located lower on the rack. If a rabbit is shy, make sure they have a rack with a covered area. If two rabbits are sharing space, they should effectively have their own rack. Pair-bonded rabbits will often emulate each other's behaviors.

Always keep backup options available permanently. Some rabbits will select to be hybrid food eaters. Always have ground stations active after the transition. This promotes hay access even when rabbits are sick or stressed. Having options and flexibility sets you up for long-term success in feeding.

Read the full article: Rabbit Hay Racks: Benefits, Risks and Tips