Mineral blocks ?

hoggie · #1 01/16/08, 06:54 AM

OK - all things being equal, and several technical hitches permitting, our first rabbit (and maybe two) is arriving on Friday.

We are nearly ready for them, but I can't figure out what to do about mineral blocks.

Both the books I have say they don't need mineral blocks if they are on "proper" rabbit food. however, in spite of being on "proper" guinea pig food, our guinea pig goes mad for her block, ,and if she is without one for any length of time she starts nipping - not REAL biting, just starts licking and gets carried away as if she is after the salt on our skin. As soon as we got her another block this behaviour goes away.

So, should they ahve a mineral block? I am assuming that, like any other animal, if they don't need it they jsut won't use it?

TIA

hoggie

Michael Leferink · #2 01/16/08, 11:34 AM

Well, it really depends on the quality of your available feed. I have no idea what feeds are available in your area, so I would say just give your rabbits the mineral blocks and see if they eat them. If your rabbits eat the minerals, they probably do need them. If not then don't buy anymore. Our rabbit feed is very high quality and we don't need to supplement.

Good luck,
MikeL

hoggie · #3 01/16/08, 12:08 PM

Yep - sounds like I will just have to play it by ear. I have asked my friend to buy a bag of whatever they are eating now to bring with him so that I can see what they are having and if I can't get that one, then change it a bit at a time.

Will just shove a block in for now for what its worth - if they do't touch it, then I kow not to bother

Thanks

hoggie

DocM · #4 01/16/08, 12:44 PM

I've never used them. Just because your cavy uses one, doesn't mean she needs it.

jil101ca · #5 01/16/08, 06:29 PM

I don't use them, everything they need is in the pellets or so I've been told. Healthy buns here.

Pony · #6 01/16/08, 07:03 PM

I've used them and I've not used them, and I haven't noticed any real difference.

When it's terribly hot in the Summer, I may put them back out again to be on the safe side. They're only 30 cents a block, and they last a while.

Pony!

meancoyote · #7 01/16/08, 08:34 PM

i use them, they dont last as long in the summer as they do in the winter.

Terry W · #8 01/17/08, 10:04 AM

I figure it this way-- offer it- If they need it, they will use it. If not, then there is no harm. And Buying the horse blocks works out a lot cheaper!!! They can be cut or broken into smaller pieces.

hoggie · #9 01/17/08, 12:58 PM

OK - will offer it around

Terry - does it matter which type of horse block? I have the ones with higher copper so that the goats can have them too? Is that OK for buns - or are they better with standard salf blocks

TIA

hoggie

Terry W · #10 01/17/08, 01:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hoggie

OK - will offer it around

Terry - does it matter which type of horse block? I have the ones with higher copper so that the goats can have them too? Is that OK for buns - or are they better with standard salf blocks

TIA

hoggie

I Picked up the regular red horse block-- we are deficient in so many minerals here, that I am sure the higher copper levels for goats would probably help my buns, rather than hurt. I am passing the block around, so to speak--one cage one day, another cage the next---My neoighbor does it that way when she takes the ponies to fairs-- every time the ponies are returned to the trailer, the salt block is placed in front of a different pony-- they stay healthy, and don't overindulge--