Rabbit health and diet

Sore Hocks
Sore hocks is a bacterial infection in the hind legs or hocks. The severity of this condition can range from mild to severe pain. Symptoms include; hair loss around hind feet, swelling,redness, broken skin or scabs, and ulceration. In more severe cases "severe symptoms include; osteomyelitis or bone marrow infection, swelling of the joint tissue (synovitis), and possibly inflammation of the tendons (tendonitis), which can all lead to an abnormal walk, stance and posture,Other signs and symptoms may include an unwillingness to walk, which is largely associated with discomfort and pain, obesity, nervousness, and inability to eat"(PetMD). Early cases can be treated with  a resolution of the cause, but more severe cases have to be treated by an exotic vet. Sore hocks can be caused by wire flooring, sitting in a wet environment, and obesity. Humid/moist environments causes bacterial growth, and skin issues. Wire flooring is harsh on rabbit's feet, causing cuts and abrasions that can easily be infected. Obesity causes sore hocks, due to the abnormal amount of pressure placed on their feet. To avoid sore hocks, clean your rabbit's cage daily, have smooth solid flooring, and allow your rabbit to have exercise outside of their cage. If your cage has wire flooring, place cardboard or fleece over it. For more information visit:http://www.petmd.com/rabbit/conditions/skin/c_rb_ulcerative_pododermatitis
Rabbit diet

Rabbits have  sensitive stomachs that are similar to a horse's digestive structure. Strictly herbivores, rabbits  are unable to eat a lot of foods, including certain plants and fruits. In the next few paragraphs, we will go over the basic recommended diet for  rabbits.

   Pellets are popular in many rabbit diets, they're inexpensive and fulfill the rabbit's appetite. Although,  pellets aren't necessary in a rabbit's diet. Pellets should be fed in small helpings, to prevent any health issues. "Rabbit pellets, known for their ease of feeding and rapid weight gain, were originally developed for the rabbit "livestock" market, where rabbits are raised for their meat or fur and not intended to live out their potential lifespan of 8 to 12 years" (San Diego HRS).  Dr. Susan Brown recommends owners to follow this data:

2-4 lb rabbit: ⅛ cup per day
5 -7 lb rabbit: ¼ cup per day
8-10 lb rabbit: ½ cup per day
11 - 15 lb rabbit: ¾ cup per day

     I feed my own rabbit 3/4 a cup of Oxbow organic timothy pellets. It's affordable, and lasts for a long duration of time. "Do  not feed your rabbit any of the many commercial pellet mixes that contain seeds, dried fruit or colored cereals. These commercial treat foods are geared to look pleasing to us humans, but they are definitely not in the best health interests of your pet rabbit. Rabbits are not seed, fruit or cereal eaters by nature and these types of junk foods are high in sugars and carbohydrates, which as we talked about earlier can lead to an overgrowth of bad bacteria" (My bunny.org).

         The most important factor in a rabbit's diet is hay. It's an important source of fiber,  it wears down their constantly growing teeth, and keeps their digestive system constantly flowing. "A rabbit's complex digestive system means they need to constantly snack on hay throughout the day to keep things moving inside, and help prevent blockages (eg. from fur or things they've eaten - rabbits seem to have little concept of what they can and cannot digest!) Blockages can often be fatal" (save a fluff.co). When you're shopping for hay, you may notice the large variety stores offer.  The most popular types of hay include; timothy, alfalfa, oat, Bermuda, and orchard. Timothy hay is the most recommended. I feed my rabbit large quantities of Oxbow Timothy Hay. For more information on the different types of hays visit: https://www.sandiegorabbits.org/diet.php.
Vegetables are a great source of vitamins and minerals. Fruits and carrots are categorized as "treat" foods, and should be given a couple of times throughout the week. Below is a list of greens and fruits recommended for your rabbit:

Alfalfa,Clover & Radish Sprouts
Basil (sweet, lemon, or purple)
Beet Greens (tops)
Bok Choy
Broccoli (eliminate if your rabbit has a tendency to get gassy)
Brussels sprouts (eliminate if your rabbit has a tendency to get gassy)
Carrot & carrot tops (tops can be given with greens, carrot should be given as a treat)
Celery (cut into small pieces to eliminate long strings)
Cilantro

           Clover
Collard greens
Dandelion greens and flowers (available in produce aisle)
Endive (the curly kind)
Escarole
Kale
Mint
Mustard greens
Parsley
Pea pods (the flat edible kind)
Peppermint leaves
Radicchio
Radish tops
Radiccio
Raspberry leaves
Red or Green Leaf lettuce
Romaine lettuce (no iceberg lettuce)
Spinach
Watercress
Wheat grass

Fruits:

Blueberries
Melon
Orange (be sure to remove the peel as it can harbor pesticides)
Papaya
Peach
Pear
Pineapple
Plums
Raspberries
Strawberries
Watermelon