Feeding raw rabbits

[Hook'N'Bullet]

Taenia serialis is found in muscle and connective tissue.

I stand corrected, almost give you the Heebie-Jeebies about hunting rabbits

 

[Sionyn81]

I freeze to keep the rabbits in condition, not so much because of parasites (never really thought about it).. a couple of days minimum.. I know freezing kills parasites so. all good there-
But I still have to de worm my dogs fairly regularly as they kill and eat their share of rats and mice. I reckon any parasites they get is from that.

Just wondering after freezing the rabbits whole, do you need to defrost them before feeding to the dogs or not?

 

[Buchan]

Yes

 

[Sionyn81]

Yes

Thanks

 

[old keeper]

For years I supplied a zoo with rabbits for feeding various species. The zoo vet said rabbits had to be frozen for at least a month. As far as I know, there were never any problems. They were thawed before feeding.

 

[Sionyn81]

For years I supplied a zoo with rabbits for feeding various species. The zoo vet said rabbits had to be frozen for at least a month. As far as I know, there were never any problems. They were thawed before feeding.

Thanks

 

[SikaSeeker]

Feed them fresh, regularly worm the dogs. Or freeze for 72hrs. Old dogs might struggle with breaking down the pelvis.

 

[VSS]

Just wondering after freezing the rabbits whole, do you need to defrost them before feeding to the dogs or not?

Yes

Why's that then, @Buchan?

 

[Buchan]

Why's that then, @Buchan?

I wondered when someone would ask that!

For once I don't have scientific evidence, just a gut feel. At the very least I'd take the chill off it -18 can'y be good for living tissue

 

[VSS]

I wondered when someone would ask that!

For once I don't have scientific evidence, just a gut feel. At the very least I'd take the chill off it -18 can'y be good for living tissue

So what about all the working sled dogs that are fed on a frozen diet? Seems to be the norm in cold climates.

 

[Brittany boy]

I now chill the ones getting used quickly and freeze any others. I’ve also started portioning them up and now microwave them which I think helps with parasites. Still worm the dogs every 6-12 months and their stools are a lot less than on kibble and their coats look great.

 

[Long drag]

Do the bones cause any problems when eating this way.

 

[Mickeydredd]

So what about all the working sled dogs that are fed on a frozen diet? Seems to be the norm in cold climates.

I've watched a few Alaskan programmes featuring sled dogs and they always seem to boil up the salmon from frozen before feeding them.

Used to occasionally give my hawks a frozen rabbit head, but that was mainly to help keep their beak in trim!

 

[sion]

I feed with kibble in the morning and half a frozen rabbit in the afternoon/evening. If it’s a smaller rabbit I’ll freeze it whole (skin & guts) and feed frozen, if it’s a big buck I’ll gut and skin before freezing and chop in half and feed it frozen.
Takes longer for the dog to eat it, cleans the teeth better and I feel like there’s less chance of the bones splintering, if raw bones do splinter that is!
I will also feed badly shot game but not in the feather. Normally just skin them or take off any salvageable meat.
Generally I have a good enough stock of meat that things are frozen for 2-4weeks. No signs of worms.

 

[Sionyn81]

Must say after 2 weeks of feeding my dogs whole raw rabbits, they are looking well. Lovely coat, clean teeth and firmer stools.

 

[User00056]

Whole raw rabbits, guts fur and all, is about the best food for dogs that you can get.

I agree. Whole rabbit was my old lab's absolute favourite! She'd eat the entire thing, gut, fur, head, the lot. I seem to recall reading that the fur acts as a natural dewormer, and the gut is full of beneficial bacteria

 

[Bowland blades]

i feed my dogs rabbits whole but guts out in the field first . To be fair most of my dogs get highly skilled and nailing bunnies in the garden , those could go down in one with a few of the dogs i have had ( Labs mainly and a GWP)