Pregnant rabbits crave meat

by Al
(Modesto, CA)

I've heard that pregnant rabbits crave meat, and to keep them from eating their young a piece of bacon should be hung in their cage a few days before she is to deliver. Does anyone know if this is true.

***Karen Sez***
Wow, that's a new one.
We'll have to bust that myth and say *no,* not true. Rabbits are true herbivores, meaning they never eat meat.

IF rabbits eat their young, it is out of fear as a survival instinct, not from hunger.

But: when pregnant, their need for protein goes up. Bacon contains more fat (and chemicals) than protein, but fat supplies nutrients that help optimize the rabbit's use of protein. (That said, we don't know of ANY breeders that offer bacon to their rabbits!)

The usual source of protein and fat in a rabbit's diet is plant-based. Normally, rabbit breeders simply increase the amount of feed a pregnant rabbit receives, or switch from a 15-16% protein feed to an 18% protein one. You can also supplement rabbit pellets with fresh garden forages (no pesticides), and add a high-protein supplement such as Calf Manna. And, if you dampen the calf manna with wheat germ oil (just a few drops per serving), you will have added protein, fat and fat-soluble nutrients.

But bottom line - if you're feeding fresh rabbit pellets, you really shouldn't need to add anything - the pellets are a complete feed, making your life simple! Just ensure peace and quiet for your doe while she kindles, and all should be well.

Any rabbit breeders out there that feed bacon to pregnant does???