A great supplement or treat for rabbits, guinea pigs, chickens, horses, cattle and sheep. High in protein.
Can also be used as a great odour controlling cat litter and after use it can be put in the garden as a fertiliser.
The lucerne pellets are made from approximately 90% lucerne and 10% mill run and canola oil (Mill run a combination of bran, pollard, wheat germ and flour)
About Feeding Rabbits:
Lucerne pellets are great young rabbits but once they become adult its best to feed lucerne in moderation and only occassionally. Lucerne has high levels of calcium and protein. Excessive calcium in the diet can lead to health problems like bladder stones and excessive high protein can cause weight gain.
Lucerne (also known as alfalfa) pellets are a common feed for various animals like rabbits, guinea pigs, chickens, and others. They provide a good source of fiber and nutrients, but it’s important to tailor their use depending on the species, age, and health needs of each animal. Here’s a breakdown of how different animals can be fed Lucerne pellets:
Information about feeding Lucerne Pellets to rabbits, guinea pigs, chickens and other animals.
1. Rabbits:
Young Rabbits (Under 6 Months): Lucerne pellets are suitable for young rabbits as they require more protein and calcium for growth.
Adult Rabbits (Over 6 Months): Once rabbits reach adulthood, their diet should shift more to grass hay like timothy hay. Lucerne pellets are high in calcium, which can lead to kidney problems and urinary issues (like bladder stones) in adult rabbits if fed regularly.
Feeding Tip: Offer Lucerne pellets sparingly, and focus on providing unlimited hay (like timothy, meadow, or orchard grass) and fresh vegetables. Avoid overfeeding pellets.
2. Guinea Pigs:
Young Guinea Pigs (Under 6 Months): Similar to rabbits, guinea pigs in their growing phase can benefit from the higher protein and calcium in Lucerne pellets.
Adult Guinea Pigs (Over 6 Months): Like adult rabbits, adult guinea pigs should not be fed Lucerne pellets regularly due to the high calcium content, which can lead to urinary problems (like kidney stones).
Feeding Tip: Offer Lucerne pellets to young guinea pigs or pregnant/nursing females, but switch to hay-based pellets (such as timothy pellets) for adults. Fresh hay (like timothy or meadow hay) should be the main component of their diet, along with fresh vegetables and a Vitamin C supplement.
3. Chickens:
Lucerne pellets are sometimes used in chicken feed as a supplement. However, the high protein and calcium content may be too much for some chickens, especially laying hens.
Feeding Tip: Lucerne pellets can be used in small quantities to provide extra protein and fiber, but they should not make up the main portion of the chicken's diet. Make sure your chickens are also getting a balanced diet with layer pellets (for laying hens) or a more appropriate poultry feed mix.
4. Other Animals (e.g., Guinea Fowl, Tortoises, etc.):
Guinea Fowl: Like chickens, they can eat Lucerne pellets in moderation, but they don’t require them as a staple part of their diet.
Tortoises: Some species of tortoises may enjoy Lucerne pellets, especially in their juvenile stage, but adults typically do better with a variety of other plant matter and less protein and calcium-heavy foods.
General Guidelines for All Animals:
Portion Control: Overfeeding Lucerne pellets can lead to obesity and other health issues in most animals.
Calcium: Lucerne is rich in calcium, which is important for young or pregnant animals, but excessive calcium in the diet can cause problems in adults, especially in small mammals like rabbits and guinea pigs.
Variety: Lucerne pellets should be fed in conjunction with a variety of other food sources, including fresh vegetables, grass hays (for rabbits and guinea pigs), and commercial pellets formulated for the specific animal.
Always make sure to monitor the health of your animals and adjust their diets as needed. If you’re unsure about how much Lucerne to feed, it's always a good idea to consult a veterinarian.
Disclaimer: Please seek expert advise before feeding animals. Dont depend on information on this page that may have errors or be dated.