Mineral Blocks

[laughaha]

Are the salt/mineral blocks for horses okay for rabbits? all I could find was one called "Mighty Horse sweet apple block"



Made with real apple
calcium .50-.55%
phosphorus .50%
salt 93-97.5%
zinc .35%
manganese .28%
iron .175%
copper .035%
iodine .007%
cobalt .007%

I actually couldn't find any natural/deer minerals, my agway doesn't carry it right now. Can I use this or should I go back to the little wheels?

[morgansrgr8]

I was wondering the same thing about what kind of mineral block was best for the buns. I tried to go back and look when they had the discussion but sometimes things get so off track and there was just so much to read I gave up. LOL
Linda

[Bearfootfarm]

I often see "salt spools" for sale for rabbits, but I've never seen them mentioned on any sites pertaining to rabbit diets.

They only seem to be on sites that are trying to SELL them.

[MaggieJ]

Originally Posted by Bearfootfarm

I often see "salt spools" for sale for rabbits, but I've never seen them mentioned on any sites pertaining to rabbit diets.

They only seem to be on sites that are trying to SELL them.

Salt spools or blocks are probably not required if the rabbits are being fed pellets. Rabbits fed a pelletless diet may need salt added to their diet in some form.

[morgansrgr8]

Must have been on the meatrabbit forum then. Posted a study that minerals increased the growth. Wish I could find it again and try it.

[MaggieJ]

Would this be the one you were wanting to find?

http://world-rabbit-science.com/WRSA...N-Zerrouki.pdf

[laughaha]

Thanks for the link, it was a good read. I think I will put it in the grower pen to see if I notice a difference.

[Macybaby]

If it's for growers, I need to get a second one for the grow out pen. I put one in the colony a few weeks ago, and so far it looks like it has not been touched.

Which reminds me, I'd better go look and see if the Horses need another one - they sure do like theirs.

Cathy

[laughaha]

Don't know if the young'uns have noticed it yet or not.....Doesn't seem touched yet.

[Macybaby]

Yesterday I bought a block for the growout pen. Forgot about it until this morning so I took it out of the car and left in in the garage.

After reading this, I remembered I left the 50lb one for the horses in the trunk! Nothing like adding a bit of balast for the car.

Cathy

[JCWehking]

At least your car won't be suffering from lack of minerals. LOL

I am curious if the mineral will really make bigger bunnies faster. Or if buying commercial pellets do the same thing.

Is anyone doing both to see if there is a difference?

[Devoville]

I think it makes a difference only if the pelleted feed is below the 1% calcium. I have just checked my feed tab and I have 1% calcium and .6 phosphorus. There is also added selenium at.1 mg/kg. This is from the Tizwhiz brand of pellets.

[laughaha]

Still don't think that they have noticed the mineral block. This may end up going to my friends horses.

[jhuebner]

salt blocks/spools only do one thing... rot/rust your wire. They get enough salt and minerals from their pellets. IMHO

[Macybaby]

About 3/4 of my bun's diet is from hay and fresh greens, would they still get enough salt/minerals from the pellets? So far it really does not look like they've touched the salt.

Cathy

[laughaha]

Originally Posted by Macybaby

About 3/4 of my bun's diet is from hay and fresh greens, would they still get enough salt/minerals from the pellets? So far it really does not look like they've touched the salt.

Cathy

My buns diet is very similar to yours and I was wondering the same thing

[MaggieJ]

It may take them awhile to figure out what the salt is for or they may not need it at all. Some rabbits, from what I have read, use more salt than others.