Why does Sherwood say to cut out greens when everyone else says they need it?

 It is true we do things a bit differently at Sherwood. In most cases, if your rabbit/guinea pig tolerates greens well, leaving in a small treat each morning can actually be a great thing. It can help you bond, it’s fun for you both and it can serve as a great red flag indicator of any potential issues such as stasis.
Because everything they need is within the pellets and hay they eat from a nutritional standpoint and because it’s balanced in a way to prevent common health issues like stones and sludge and digestive problems, keeping them down to a treat vs. part of their meal is a great way to treat them.

• There are a few reasons for cutting down -
• Filling up on greens can reduce hay intake, especially in the evening when pets usually eat the most hay.
• Eating fewer greens also means they may drink less water—but greens don’t provide nearly as much hydration as drinking does.
• Cutting back on greens helps with nutritional balance, so their bodies don’t have to produce as much carbonate (which can bind to calcium and cause stones or sludge).
• A lower greens diet supports a healthier gut balance:
     - Greens contain starch, which feeds bad bacteria
     - Good bacteria (needed for digesting hay) work more slowly and can get overwhelmed.
• Reducing greens also means less protein waste, which helps prevent:
    - Smelly urine
    - Excess cecotropes
  

Overall, your rabbit or guinea pig should look and feel healthier and happier.