rabbit water bottles & feeding dishes
You have three basic options for feeding your rabbit water:
- water bottles,
- crocks, and
- automatic watering systems.
The automatic systems are suitable for larger herds of rabbits.
The crocks are easy to clean and fill, and no rabbit has trouble drinking from them. But they can tip over if they are not heavy enough or can be easily soiled. Plus, using crocks can contribute to moist dermatitis under the neck in some cases.
Water bottles are generally more sanitary, but harder to clean. Occasionally they drip. Most rabbits can learn to use them quite easily. Even though the bottle holds more than your rabbit will drink in a day, make sure you change the water daily anyway.
An adult rabbit generally needs about 1 oz. of feed per pound of weight (varies with different feeds, but this is close enough to help you size your bowl).
Additionally, large headed breeds, like Holland lops, need a slightly larger opening to eat or drink comfortably.
For small to medium pet rabbits, the 4.5- or 5-inch diameter bowl is suitable for feed. The 5- or 6-inch diameter bowl is suitable for water. I prefer the deeper 6-inch bowl for water.
Oasis Dura-Pearl Water Bottles
For a small or medium rabbit, a 16-oz. water bottle is large enough. If you have two rabbits living together, or a large or giant breed, you will need a quart-sized bottle.
Tip: Unless you really need them, avoid huge water bottles and the temptation not to empty them daily. I avoid flip-top bottles, too, since the bottle needs to be emptied and not just topped off.
These water bottles come in both 16-oz. and 32-oz. sizes.
All Living Things® Small Animal Sifter Feeder
Although I do use crocks for feeding, most of the time, I use this type of feeder (mine just aren't as pretty). They are called J-feeders or gravity bin feeders.
Dust from feed can cause respiratory problems in rabbits. The wire mesh allows the dust, called fines, to fall to the ground (or floor). Okay, so that's one reason you might want to use a crock indoors. But for outdoor hutches, this type of feeder is the best choice.
Tip: Do not be tempted to fill the feeder to the top and just refill as it is empty. Rabbits are picky about their feed being fresh and are very sensitive to mold and mildew. Just open the top and drop in a day's worth of feed.
Since the feed goes through your cage wall, the J-feeder does add the convenience of allow you to feed your rabbit without opening the cage door. However, don't be tempted to scrimp on one-on-one time with your bunny!
This device serves three very important purposes. First of all, it supplies hay or straw, the most important part of your rabbit's diet after water.
Second, it helps keep your cage neat. Straw on the cage floor will become soiled and make a mess to clean up.
Third, it provides entertainment and exercise for your rabbit.
As a bonus, it will help keep your rabbit's front nails worn down and provide you with entertainment, too. My rabbits love to scratch at their hay after they have eaten the choicest bits to expose more options. It's fun to watch.