Allotment Gardening Advice Help Chat

Poultry and Pets => Pets without Feathers => Topic started by: sarah1983jane on December 26, 2013, 20:02

Title: Weeds for pet Rabbit?
Post by: sarah1983jane on December 26, 2013, 20:02
My hubby bought me a fluffy little baby rabbit 2 weeks ago and I am trying to home grow it lots of nice food.
Today I carefully dug up all the dandelions in the front garden and potted them up! Mad I know but he loves dandelion and I don't want it in the garden plus I want to be sure they have not been polluted or sprayed.

Can anyone recommend any other weeds that are safe for a pet rabbit please?

Thanks
Title: Re: Weeds for pet Rabbit?
Post by: spottymint on December 28, 2013, 10:51
Hi have a look at this eBay site, mainly aimed at tortoise owners, but list many weed seeds.

http://stores.ebay.co.uk/Shelled-Warriors/Individual-Species-/_i.html?_fsub=14801130&_sid=168722494&_trksid=p4634.c0.m322

A lot are listed as rabbit weeds, like alfalfa, chickweed, yarrow ect.

He also sells rabbit mix.

I have no connection to the seller, but have bought seeds for my bearded dragon in the past.
Title: Re: Weeds for pet Rabbit?
Post by: compostqueen on December 28, 2013, 14:42
I was studying rabbit keeping the other day on the RSPCA website. There are loads of free care posters to download etc and every kind of info that a responsible keeper should know. Rabbits need really careful looking after to keep them tip top.  I was pointing one of my great nieces there as she's been bought a rabbit but no-one thought to study the subject first  :wub:

I think certain weeds are ok but you'd have to make sure. Grass mowings are a big no-no apparently.  Also with rabbits they can die if fed on turnips and such like so please have a good swot up  :)
Title: Re: Weeds for pet Rabbit?
Post by: sunshineband on December 28, 2013, 17:06
http://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-health-advice/rabbits/diet

This PDSA site is really helpful sarah, as it lists all sorts of plants that rabbits can eat safely, as well as some excellent advice about rabbit nutrition in general.

Your rabbit sounds lovely  :D
Title: Re: Weeds for pet Rabbit?
Post by: 8doubles on December 28, 2013, 17:47
Our rabbits used to eat common hogweed by the sackful. ;)
Title: Re: Weeds for pet Rabbit?
Post by: maxyboo on December 28, 2013, 18:05
http://www.rabbitwelfare.co.uk/resources/content/info-sheets/safefoods.htm

This site might be of use too. I feed my bunnies dandelions, hogweed, plantain and sow thistles and they are fine on them.  Remember their main food should be hay. Some of the advice will contradict others. If you're not sure just don't give it and introduce new foods in small amounts as their tummies are very complex and delicate.
Title: Re: Weeds for pet Rabbit?
Post by: sarah1983jane on January 01, 2014, 20:31
Thank You for the links. I have set aside this evening to sort out the rabbits diet. Thanks again
Title: Re: Weeds for pet Rabbit?
Post by: Willow_Warren on January 09, 2014, 10:29
I assume your rabbit is only very young.  I would therefore introduce it to any veg, herbs or "weeds" very slowly as it will take time for it's digestion to adapt.

Apple, pear tree branches and leaves are very good for them.

Also hawthorne (not the berries) and brambles (the bunnies should be able to cope with the spikes or you can take a pair of scissors to the leave and just feed them the ouside spike free part).

Sticky weed is a bit of a ? so I don't feed that.

Dandylion leaves are good and plaintain also (not as tasty according to my bunnies).

Good luck with your new addition - any further question please ask.

Hannah :)
Title: Re: Weeds for pet Rabbit?
Post by: Elvira on January 13, 2014, 13:07
Although not weeds, try carrot tops as a treat!  apparently they are like chocolate for rabbits (lots of sugar) so treat sparingly!

As Maxyboo says their diet should be 80-90% hay - my rabbits love western timothy and unfortunately won't eat anything else but I have finally tracked down a Scottish supplier (rather than the American imported stuff - horrific air miles!!  :ohmy:)