Over the weekend I got a bunch of rabbits for my dogs. This is my first time dealing with rabbits, so I've got a few questions.

1. Is there any organ I should avoid? I'm planning on feeding the heart, lungs, kidneys, and liver. I think the pancreas too, but I couldn't differentiate between it and the liver... I think they look the same. Which one has the gall bladder on it?

2. Do ya'll think it's safe to feed the tripe if the rabbit's diet consists mostly of pellets? My gut says it's probably not a big deal, but I think I would just prefer not to as I don't really see the difference between pellets and kibble. I think the rabbit farmer fed both pellets and foliage. I would prefer the rabbits had been fed only foliage, but I guess it's fine considering some of the chicken I feed is not organic.

3. Can anybody give me any tips on composting the remaining organs? I'm fairly new to composting and have only been using fruits, vegetables, and yard refuse. If I want to compost the rest of the bunny organs, do I need to do anything specific? I think I've read somewhere about thermal composting when dealing with proteins.

Coincidentally, the only time I could pick them up was Saturday. The farmer was busy was tons of families picking out pet bunnies for Easter. I think some of them were freaked out when I showed up with a giant cooler. Poor timing on my part, I guess.

1. You can feed every organ, no problem.

2. I'd probably feed it. Like you said, 100% pastured would be optimal, but if my dog had no pre-existing issue with grains, or whatever was in the pellets, it wouldn't bother me. Rinse out all of the feed/stomach contents if it bothers you.

3. Don't know. I can't think of anything off a bunny that I wouldn't feed.

 Quote: Michael_Wise

Rinse out all of the feed/stomach contents if it bothers you.

Good idea. I might do that.

The liver is going to be one of the larger organs you find. I've never seen one that wasn't a reddish color, either. That should help differentiate.

I'll see if I can find a picture.:wink:

I edited my above post because I had described the pancreas in the wrong place.

It will be located around the first section of the small intestine.

I've yet to find a good picture.

Yes.....I'm bored today.....

Yeah I know what the liver looks like, but I don't know what the pancreas looks like. I've had trouble finding pics as well.

I think it will be light pink in color.(pancreas)

It will look roughly, and be located roughly, in about the same place as a persons. Of course smaller, though. Look at a human pancreas picture and you should recognize it when you get there.

Regardless, the sheer size difference will let you differentiate for sure. The liver will dominate the abdomen space.

Yeah, that's true. Whatever, I'll just make this easy and feed the whole thing.

 Quote: John Saad

Yeah, that's true. Whatever, I'll just make this easy and feed the whole thing.

Can't get more balanced than that.:wink:

Your dog won't be any more impressed with your knowledge of the anatomy.

I don't know... after a few beers he starts getting all emotional and will ask me some weird questions, so it might come up.