Page:Care and Management of Rabbits.djvu/165

This page has been validated.
CARE AND MANAGEMENT OF RABBITS
151

are feeding her the green food, as the youngsters will nibble at it and get into trouble.

Young stock should not have a single bit of green food until they are at least two months old and it should be fed very sparingly even then. It is better to wait until they are three months old to commence feeding the green element in the ration direct to them.

Then start out on dandelions or chicory or small quantities of lettuce and gradually feed more until they are used to it. By feeding a small quantity until they are accustomed to it, there is less likelihood of trouble occurring. And if it does seem to disagree with them it can be stopped until the trouble seems over.

You have to use your observation and your wits in this matter. There is no need to pass up green food entirely for the reason that it may cause trouble. The point is to use it because it is valuable in the ration, but to use it intelligently.

Never feed green food that is partially wilted or wet from rains or dew. Get your