This is a specific conversation about Rabbit food and hay — getting the diet right — ask about yours and get one honest answer for your exact situation.
inparticular.ai
A 6-week-old Lionhead mix in foster care — that's a delicate age and you're right to be careful about what goes in front of them. Here's the foundation to understand first: hay should make up around 80% of a rabbit's diet at every life stage, including babies. It's not filler — it's what keeps the gut moving and wears the teeth down properly. Pellets are a small supplement, not the main event. So, what are you currently offering this little one, and do you know whether they were with their mother up to this point?
They were pulled from a hoarding situation so we're not sure how long they were without mum. They seem to be eating independently — nibbling at things. Right now the rescue gave us some pellets and a tiny bit of mixed hay but I don't know if it's the right type of hay for such a young rabbit.
inparticular.ai
Good news: hay is safe and actually critical at this age. The type matters though. For a 6-week-old, you want Timothy hay — not meadow hay blends, not oat hay, not anything with added dried fruit or seeds. Timothy is the standard because it's the right fibre-to-protein balance and it won't upset a young gut. The mixed hay the rescue gave you might be fine, but if it's got colourful bits or smells sweet, set it aside. What does the bag or packaging say on it?
It just says 'small animal hay' — no brand name I can see. It's quite dusty actually.
inparticular.ai
Dusty hay is a problem even for adults, but especially for a baby with a developing respiratory system. I'd replace it. The product I'd point you to is Oxbow Western Timothy Hay — it's the most consistently clean, low-dust Timothy hay available in the UK, it's what rescue vets routinely recommend, and it's widely available on Amazon UK. Get the largest bag you can manage because you want it always available — they should be able to eat from it freely all day. At 6 weeks, unlimited Timothy hay plus a small amount of plain alfalfa-based pellets formulated for young rabbits is the right setup. No vegetables yet, no treats, nothing fancy.
Should I be worried that they were potentially separated from mum too early? Is there anything else I need to watch for?
inparticular.ai
At 6 weeks they should be fully weaned and eating independently, so if this one is nibbling hay and pellets that's a good sign. The main things to watch: soft or runny droppings are a red flag at this age and need a vet same day — GI issues move fast in baby rabbits. Also check they're not bloated or sitting hunched. If they're alert, moving around, and producing normal round droppings, you're in reasonable shape. Keep the hay topped up constantly — it genuinely cannot run out. And keep the environment warm and quiet. You're doing the right things by asking these questions.
Thank you, that's really reassuring. I'll order the Oxbow Timothy hay today.
inparticular.ai
Perfect. Oxbow Western Timothy Hay on Amazon UK — order the bigger bag, it keeps well if stored in a cool dry place. You're giving this rabbit a proper start. If the droppings change or they stop eating within 12 hours, contact a rabbit-savvy vet rather than waiting it out. Good luck with the foster.
