NUTRITION (cont)
Rabbits exhibit coprophagy in which the sticky non-pelleted “night feces” is eaten directly from the anus. This is nature’s way of providing the rabbit certain B vitamins which are synthesized in the cecum by bacterial action.
Clean drinking water should be available for rabbits at all times. Water consumption varies with ambient temperature, lactation and feed intake. Water may be provided either by bottle and sipper tube or an automatic watering system. If an automatic watering system is used, it must be checked daily for proper operation. The system should be flushed frequently to maintain a sanitary water supply.
Rabbits should not be fed or watered in open bowls. They will invariably foul the bowl with urine and feces or spill the contents into the cage.