Nova has been on a certain pellet for the last three-four months, the foster carers didn’t even know what brand they were. They were the typical grey, boring, 2cm long and 3mm wide type of pellet. So, while I was at my sister’s house I raced to the pet shop and got a selection of different pellets. Turns out, none of them are the same as the ones Nova was eating.

These are the ones I purchased:

I have never met a rabbit who likes Oxbow pellets. Neither Nova or Buttons likes these small, shiny, hard, brown lumps. They may be considered healthy, and good quality, but I think that if the rabbit doesn’t take to them (or even test them) there’s something wrong with them. Buttons stuck his nose up at them and looked at me with a disgusted look. Nova, she tried one and then flicked them around her pen.

I heard good things about the Selective Naturals brand of pellet. Lots of bunnies love these, so I thought I’d give it a try.

I gave 3 to Butty, and 2 to Nova. Nova devoured them instantly, and Butty – once he found them – inhaled them like they were something so good he’d chuck a bunny-party. These large pellets have a nice smell and are clearly on the top of the list.

The Science Selective are the same Selective brand as the other pellets, only these are scientifically adjusted to have a balanced phosphorus-calcium ratio (2:1). That’s what makes it have the name “Science” on the pack. These are large pellets, surprisingly so. They smell nice and have a nice texture.

There’s a whole article on pellets in the Health Library. It goes through everything you need to know about pellets and what to watch out for.

Most of it is all advertising and hype.