Orchard Hay & Pellets Bundle: Rabbit Feeding Guide
By Small Pet Select UK | Published: 2026-10-31
Category: Tips & Care
Learn how to feed the Orchard Hay & Rabbit Food Pellets Bundle, from portioning hay and pellets to switching hay gradually and spotting when to adjust amounts.
Quick answer
Feed the Orchard Hay & Rabbit Food Pellets Bundle by keeping hay available at all times while measuring pellets to your rabbit's size and life stage. Switch to orchard grass hay gradually over one to two weeks, and adjust portions based on body condition and droppings.
Why orchard grass hay belongs in a daily rabbit diet
Orchard grass hay is a grass hay with a soft texture and sweet aroma that many rabbits accept readily. It provides the long-strand fiber that keeps the gut moving and helps wear down continuously growing teeth. Unlike alfalfa, orchard grass is lower in calcium and protein, which makes it a suitable everyday hay for adult rabbits that are not pregnant, nursing, or growing.
The catch is that hay alone does not cover every nutrient need. Pellets supply concentrated vitamins and minerals, but they should not replace hay. The bundle pairs the two so you can build a routine around forage first and pellets second.
When orchard hay is not the right choice
Young rabbits, pregnant or nursing does, and underweight rabbits may need the higher energy and calcium of alfalfa hay rather than orchard grass. If your rabbit has a history of bladder sludge or calcium issues, ask your vet before making orchard hay the main forage. Orchard grass is also not a treatment for dental disease or gut stasis; those need veterinary care, not a hay change alone.
Step-by-step feeding routine for the bundle
- Set up free-choice hay first: Fill a clean hay rack or manger with orchard grass hay and top it up at least twice a day. Most adult rabbits should have hay available at all times. Check that the hay smells sweet and is free of mold or dust before refilling. Never let the hay rack sit empty overnight; a rabbit that runs out of hay may fill up on pellets instead.
- Measure pellets by weight, not by eye: Weigh your rabbit's daily pellet portion on a kitchen scale. A common starting point for adult rabbits is about 1/4 cup of pellets per 5 pounds of body weight, but adjust based on body condition, activity, and whether the rabbit is maintaining a healthy weight. Split the portion into one or two meals. A rabbit that leaves pellets uneaten is often eating too much hay or too many treats; check the whole diet before increasing pellets.
- Switch to orchard hay gradually: If your rabbit is used to another hay, mix the orchard grass hay with the old hay for 7 to 14 days. Start with about 25% orchard hay and increase the proportion every few days. Watch droppings and appetite during the transition. A sudden switch can cause loose droppings or refusal; slow down if you see either.
- Check body condition and droppings weekly: Run your hands along the ribs and spine; you should feel them but not see them sharply. Healthy rabbit droppings are round, firm, and plentiful. If droppings get smaller, softer, or less frequent, increase hay and reduce pellets or treats until normal. Weight loss or a sudden drop in droppings is a reason to call your vet, not just to add more pellets.
- Keep pellets fresh and store the bundle properly: Keep the hay dry and covered, and store pellets in an airtight container away from heat and sunlight. Use the oldest pellets first and check for stale smells or clumping. Do not mix water into pellets unless your vet advises it. Buy only as much as you can use within a few weeks of opening so the hay stays aromatic and the pellets stay fresh.
Bundle facts that affect feeding
- Orchard Hay & Rabbit Food Pellets Bundle: The bundle includes premium orchard grass hay harvested at peak freshness plus balanced rabbit food pellets. You get both forage and a concentrated pellet in one purchase, so you can plan the hay-to-pellet ratio without buying two separate products.
Orchard Hay & Rabbit Food Pellets Bundle
