I bought a good quality Timothy hay from Zooplus, but my dwarf rabbit only wants to eat the pellets. I've already tried offering different brands and he refuses them. Is this normal or does the rabbit have a problem?
When did he start refusing the hay? That's important to know whether this is a recent habit or if it's always been this way.
If your rabbit only wants pellets, that's pretty common, especially if he got used to it from a young age. Rabbits tend to prefer what's softer and tastier, and pellets always win that competition. But here's the thing: hay is essential for his digestive health, it's not just a snack. Without enough hay, you're looking at increased risk of dental problems, constipation, and even more serious intestinal issues.
Try gradually cutting back the pellets (they should only be a small part of any rabbit's diet anyway) and increase his exposure to hay. Mix different types - timothy, fescue, various grasses - because sometimes it's just a texture or flavor thing that doesn't appeal to him. If the hay is really old or smells off, obviously he'll refuse it. Offer hay in different spots around the enclosure, near where he sleeps or spends the most time, because some rabbits are more likely to eat if the hay is right there within reach.
If after a few weeks he's still completely refusing it and you notice other weird signs (less active, irregular droppings, constant teeth grinding), then it's worth getting him checked out by someone who knows exotic pets. There could be something underlying, like dental problems that are causing him pain.
Try mixing the hay with the pellets gradually, reducing the pellets a bit each week - your gourmet rabbit sometimes just wants to eat what tastes better, but if he's been eating like that since he was little it becomes much harder to change his palate later on.
The danger is leaving him with only hay all of a sudden thinking he'll go hungry, because then he really suffers and ends up with digestive problems. The thing is you really need patience, increase the fiber gradually or else your little guy goes on total strike and it gets even worse if he has any digestive sensitivity.
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