Can rabbits be given watermelon rind or melon?
In Russia today, rabbit breeding has become popular along with other domestic animals. Their food should be healthy, rich in vitamins, minerals and other essential substances. Due to the availability of prices in summer and autumn, especially in the southern regions, one of the common fruits and berries are watermelons and melons. Based on this, the question arises: "Is it possible to give rabbits watermelon rind or melon?" Is it allowed to feed juicy fruits to eared ones?
Can rabbits eat watermelon rind or melon?
The benefits of the treat in question
The benefits of watermelon lie in the composition. This berry is rich in:
- mineral salts;
- vitamins B1, B6, B9, A, C, E, PP;
- calcium;
- magnesium;
- iron, etc.
The antioxidant "Lycopene" accumulates in watermelons, which gives the berry, in addition to its bright scarlet color, healing properties:
- Watermelon has a diuretic effect, due to which it is given in order to remove toxins and toxins from the body.
- The substances that make up the berry help to normalize digestion, prevent constipation and saturate the body with vital micro and macro elements.
It is not difficult to guess that a berry like watermelon is a useful product not only for humans. Is watermelon good for rabbits? - a question that worries many novice eared breeders. The answer will be ambiguous (it all depends on the reaction of the animal that eats such a specific product).
"Can rabbits have a melon?" - a question that worries novice breeders. Let's figure it out. Many useful substances are found in them (melons):
- B vitamins;
- vitamins A, E, C, PP;
- amino acids;
- sodium;
- manganese;
- zinc, etc.
Even a small slice of melon eaten can replenish the daily supply of vitamin C, which is so necessary to maintain immunity and many processes that take place inside a living organism. The high fiber content in that product has a positive effect on the body's gastrointestinal tract.
Based on this, we can draw the following conclusion: melon for rabbits is not only a delicacy, but also a useful product, one that breeders give to their pets.
How to properly prepare watermelon and melon for feeding
In order not to harm the delicate body of the eared, it is important to observe the following principles for preparing a delicacy:
- Choose only fresh berries and fruits.
- Before giving a treat, it must be rinsed well with boiled water.
- Cut off the rind so that a small amount of pulp remains on it.
- Remove the bones.
- Cut into pieces.
- Before using the peel, you have to remove the thin skin from it, as it contains dirt and nitrates.
Important: from the last advice, follows the answer to the question that worries many: "Is it possible to give rabbits skins from a watermelon?" - and it sounds like this: "No."
Only careful preparation of products and competent preparation of the diet of the eared ones make it possible to grow a healthy livestock (it is enough to follow the above recommendations).
Features of serving delicacies to the eared
Before offering an amazing treat to rabbits, the farmer will have to tinker, namely, carefully introduce complementary foods (delicacies). This procedure is similar to changing the diet in young children (a new product is given at first in small quantities and the response of the eared to it is assessed).
Can rabbits be given watermelon? The answer to this question depends on the condition of the eared:
- In case of gastrointestinal disorders, you should not even give the pet pulp, so as not to overload the body (since, due to the weak digestive system, the eared products have to be selected carefully).
- For adult animals, only a small crust is sufficient. If everything is in order and the rabbit asks for more supplements, then you can give him a couple more pieces (let him eat).
- It is better to feed small rabbits with crusts after their digestive system has already become stronger, although the rabbit eats the treat in question very well.
- Pregnant females should not be given pulp or crust, as this food overloads the stomach due to the high water content.
Important: the answer to the question: "Can rabbits have watermelon crusts and melon?" individual (accepted by the farmer based on the assessment of the pet's condition).
Feeding the eared
It is better to accustom rabbits to watermelons and melons from the first month of life (they get used to this food and absorb it with pleasure). Experienced farmers begin to feed the rabbits in small portions no more than once a week (in the natural environment, melons and gourds are often visited by wild rabbits and gnawed the skin).
It is important to understand that watermelon and melon are products that are not fundamental in the diet of rabbits, therefore, due to the huge content of nutrients in them, they are given only in the form of a treat.
There is no need to overfeed pets with watermelon and melon, as these melons are difficult to digest. It should also be borne in mind that rotten peel should not be given (before use, you need to wash the fruits and berries, and remove the seeds from the pulp).
Many novice farmers have a question: "Is it possible to feed rabbits with watermelon rinds in addition to pulp?" The answer will delight lovers of juicy fruits and berries, because it is positive.
The thing is that the peel of a ripe berry is rich in fiber, amino acids and other useful substances. In practice, it has been proven that after eating watermelon peels, the animal's coat becomes more shiny, and the body is saturated with vitamins.
How to prepare and store food
It is better to choose the period from August to October, since the likelihood of purchasing watermelons and melons with nitrates is significantly reduced. Late fruits and berries can be purchased for future use, since with proper storage they will remain fresh for a long time.
Whole fruits should be stored in a dark and well-ventilated area. This can be a basement, for example, in a private house, or a special room that meets these requirements. All cut watermelon peels for a rabbit, like the pulp, are best given to the eared ones right away. But, if they appeared and you need to save them, then cut the pieces into 1-3 cm and put them on a sheet, which you place in an open space (at room temperature).
Caring for rabbits after feeding
Watermelon for rabbits is a sweet, juicy product that is given to eared ones. After eating it, the pet's muzzle may remain sticky and wet (it will become a noticeable place for parasites). After feeding, cleanse the eared.
The answer to the question: "Can rabbits have watermelon peels and melons?" ambiguous and depends on the condition of the eared. Remember: you can feed the rabbit with watermelon crusts (the rabbit will not refuse), but if the product is improperly prepared, stored and consumed, the likelihood of developing problems with the gastrointestinal tract is high.