Struggling to Get Your Rabbit to Eat Hay? Here’s What You Need to Know

Hay is the cornerstone of a rabbit’s diet, yet so many rabbit owners find themselves in a battle of wills, trying to convince their furry friends to eat it. If your rabbit is turning their nose up at their hay, you’re not alone. But here’s the thing – rabbits NEED hay. Without it, they’re at risk of digestive issues, dental problems, and a whole host of health complications.

So, why is your rabbit refusing hay, and more importantly, how can you fix it – fast? Let’s break it down.

The Shocking Truth About Hay – Why Your Rabbit CAN’T Live Without It!

Before we jump into the fixes, let’s make one thing clear: hay is non-negotiable. It should make up at least 80-90% of a rabbit’s diet, providing the essential fibre they need for digestion and dental health.

Timothy hay, in particular, is the gold standard. It’s rich in fibre, promotes gut motility, and wears down their ever-growing teeth. But if your rabbit is snubbing it, something’s wrong – and you need to act fast.

Wild Rabbits vs. Pet Rabbits – Do They Even Need Hay?

Unlike domesticated rabbits, wild rabbits don’t have access to neatly packaged Timothy hay. Instead, they graze on fresh grasses, leaves, bark, and various plants found in their natural habitat. Their diet is rich in high-fibre vegetation, which naturally maintains their dental and digestive health. However, during colder months when fresh vegetation is scarce, wild rabbits may resort to dried grasses and bark, which serve a similar function to hay. Since pet rabbits don’t have the same foraging freedom, providing high-quality rabbit hay is the closest way to mimic their natural diet, keeping their digestion in check and their teeth properly worn down. 

7 Reasons Your Rabbit Won’t Eat Hay (and What to Do About It)

1. They’re Too Hooked on Other Rabbit Food

If your rabbit is filling up on pellets, treats, or veggies, they’re likely choosing convenience over health. Rabbits are smart – if they know that holding out will earn them something tastier, they’ll skip the hay. Pellets and treats, while beneficial in moderation, are much denser in calories, meaning they fill up faster and won’t feel the need to graze throughout the day. This is a major problem because rabbits’ digestive systems are designed for continuous fibre intake.

Fix: Reduce pellet intake to one tablespoon per kg of body weight and limit treats to once or twice a week. Introduce a feeding schedule, offering hay first before anything else. If they’re hungry enough, they’ll start eating hay naturally.

2. The Hay Isn’t Fresh Enough

Would you eat stale, dusty food? Neither would your rabbit. Rabbits rely on their keen sense of smell, and if their hay smells off, musty, or has lost its natural fragrance, they’ll refuse it. Stale hay also lacks the nutritional value and texture needed to maintain their health.

Fix: Always buy high-quality, fresh Timothy hay from a reputable supplier. Look for hay that’s green, fragrant, and slightly soft – not brown, dusty, or brittle. Store hay in a cool, dry place in a breathable bag or container to maintain freshness.

3. They Don’t Like the Type of Hay

Not all hay is created equal, and some rabbits are extremely picky about the texture, cut, or flavour. First-cut Timothy hay tends to be coarser, while second-cut is softer, and third-cut is extremely leafy. Some rabbits prefer softer hay, while others like the crunchy, fibrous variety.

Fix: Experiment with different types of hay. If they’re not keen on Timothy hay, try meadow hay, orchard grass, oat hay, or a blend. Sometimes mixing two hay types can make it more appealing.

4. It’s Not Presented Well

Would you eat food that was scattered on the floor? Rabbits are clean creatures, and if their hay is trampled, mixed with bedding, or covered in waste, they might refuse it. Presentation matters! If hay isn’t easy to access, your rabbit may ignore it altogether.

Fix: Use a hay rack or feeder to keep it clean and elevated. A well-designed hay feeder prevents waste and encourages your rabbit to eat throughout the day. Stuffing hay into toys, tunnels, or even cardboard tubes can make it more engaging for picky eaters.

5. Dental Problems Could Be Why Your Rabbit Hates Hay

Rabbits’ teeth grow continuously, and without enough hay to grind them down, they can develop painful overgrowths. If chewing hay becomes uncomfortable, your rabbit may start avoiding it altogether, leading to serious dental issues.

How to Fix It: Watch for signs like drooling, weight loss, slower eating, or a preference for soft foods—these may indicate dental disease. If you notice any of these symptoms, consult a rabbit-savvy vet immediately. To encourage hay consumption, try offering softer cuts or mixing in fresh herbs.

For more information, check out this PDSA guide on dental problems in rabbits: PDSA Pet Health Hub.

You can also watch this PDSA video explaining rabbit dental care: Watch Here.

6. They’re Bored of Plain Hay

Just like humans, rabbits can get bored of eating the same thing every day. If their hay lacks variety, they might lose interest. This is especially common in rabbits that have been spoiled with an excess of pellets or treats.

Fix: Add some fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or coriander into the hay for an extra flavour boost. Try stuffing hay into enrichment toys or placing it in different areas of their enclosure to encourage natural foraging behaviours.

7. They’ve Never Learned to Eat Hay

Some rabbits, especially those from pet shops or poor breeding conditions, weren’t introduced to hay early enough. If they grew up eating primarily pellets, they may not even recognise hay as food.

Fix: Start small. Mix pellets into hay to encourage nibbling. Offer hand-fed hay strands to create a positive association. Make hay fun by stuffing it inside paper rolls or hanging it from the cage like a treat. With patience, they’ll adapt!

The 3-Day Hay Reset Plan – Get Your Rabbit Eating Again in 72 Hours!

If you’re serious about getting your rabbit back on track, follow this 3-day hay reset plan:

Day 1: Cut Back on Pellets & Treats

• Reduce pellet intake to a tablespoon per kg of body weight. No more unlimited pellets.
• Remove all sugary treats and high-calcium veggies (like kale and spinach) to encourage hay eating.

Day 2: Offer Only Fresh, High-Quality Hay

• Replace old hay twice a day so it’s always fresh and inviting.
• Scatter hay around their favourite lounging spots – rabbits love to eat while they relax.
• Stuff hay into toys, tunnels, and chewable baskets to make it more appealing.

Day 3: Make Hay the Most Exciting Thing in Their Enclosure

• Mix in dried flowers, herbs, or a small handful of forage mix for variety.
• Try a different hay type if they’re still not eating (oat hay, orchard grass, or meadow hay can be good alternatives).
• Give unlimited access to fresh water – hydration is key for digestion.

By the end of Day 3, you should start seeing a difference in their hay consumption.

Rabbit Hay FAQs – All Your Questions Answered!

1. How much hay should my rabbit eat daily?
   Your rabbit should eat a pile of hay at least as big as their body every day.
2. Can I replace hay with pellets?
   No! Pellets should be a supplement, not a replacement. Hay is crucial for digestion and dental health.
3. What’s the best type of hay for rabbits?
   Timothy hay is ideal, but meadow hay, orchard grass, and oat hay can also be good options.
4. How do I introduce hay to a picky eater?
   Mix hay with herbs, hide treats in it, or use a hay feeder to make it more interesting.
5. My rabbit still won’t eat hay – what should I do?
   If they refuse hay completely, consult a vet to rule out health issues.

Happy Feeding!

Guest Author: Rabbit and Hutch