Rabbits are exclusively herbivorous mammals that depend on plant foods for their nutritional needs. Remember: green grass is an integral part of a rabbit’s diet. However, not all plants are safe for these wonderful animals, and some can even harm their health and even life. Therefore, farmers should be well-versed in what grass can be given to rabbits, as well as what types of grass should be avoided.

Green grass, fresh leaves and tender tree branches are the basis of a rabbit’s healthy diet. The inclusion of these ingredients in food will not only save on grain feed, but also provide the animal with valuable vitamins and trace elements necessary for its health.

The best option for rabbits is wild greens, such as meadow, steppe or forest grasses. These plants are characterized by a rich composition of nutrients and fibers that contribute to the proper functioning of the rabbit’s body. Other useful components of the diet can include the stems of leguminous and cereal plants, as well as tops of garden crops.

What grass can be given to rabbits

It is emphasized that the nutrition of rabbits should be varied. Feeding them only one type of grass should be avoided, as this can negatively affect their health and growth. Variety in the diet helps to provide all the necessary nutrients necessary for the healthy physical development of rabbits.

The usefulness of herbs for rabbits

Herbs have many positive properties that make them an indispensable source of nutrition for rabbits:

  • Ease of digestion: Herbs are well digested by the rabbit’s digestive tract and are easily absorbed by the body.
  • Intestinal regulation: Plant fiber, which is contained in herbs, helps to ensure the normal functioning of the intestines, improves the process of food passage.
  • Vitamin source: Green food, including herbs, is a natural source of vitamins necessary for rabbit health.
  • Improving the quality of wool: Feeding herbs helps to improve the quality of wool in rabbits, helping it to become thicker and shinier.
  • Dental Health Support: Grass stalks help rabbits sharpen their ever-growing teeth, which is important for maintaining dental health.
  • Medicinal properties: Some herbs have medicinal properties that contribute to improving the health of rabbits and help to combat certain problems, for example, to deal with disinfection or sedation.

Herbs are a profitable and effective feed for rabbits for several reasons:

  • Cost savings: Harvesting grass and harvesting it has minimal costs compared to other feeds.
  • Reducing the use of expensive grain feed: Eating grass helps to reduce the cost of more expensive grain and feed.
  • Stimulation of growth: Plant amino acids and proteins contained in herbs promote active growth and weight gain in rabbits.

Herbs should be added to the diet together with dry feed, as dry supplements perfectly absorb the excessive amount of moisture contained in the green mass of the grass.

The general conclusion is that the inclusion of a variety of grass in the diet of rabbits is beneficial from the point of view of their health and well-being. It provides rabbits with the nutrients they need, helps maintain healthy coats and teeth, and provides economic benefits for their owners.

Meadow, steppe and forest grasses for rabbits

The variety of herbs for rabbits includes the following types:

  • Bean sprouts: These sprouts are high in protein and low in fiber. It is important to note that a large amount of clover in the diet can negatively affect the sexual functions of rabbits.
  • Cereal grass: This grass has a significant amount of fiber, proteins and amino acids. It should be given before the flowering of plants.
  • Dioecious nettle: Nettle contains many proteins and vitamins. It is collected before the budding period. Before feeding rabbits, nettles are recommended to be crushed by hand or scalded.
  • Dandelion: This herb contains a large amount of calcium and proteins. Dandelion should not make up more than 30% of the total grass mass, as overfeeding can slow down the growth of rabbits.

What grass can be given to rabbits

  • Common cumin: Cumin has a rich content of essential oils.
  • Borschivnik: This is a juicy and nutritious green. Rabbits should be given only leaves. It is recommended to wear gloves before harvesting borscht, as contact with it can cause skin burns.
  • Winter rapeseed: This herb contains a lot of protein. It is important to avoid eating the seeds, as they are highly poisonous.
  • Surepka: Surepka contains many valuable vitamins, amino acids and proteins. It is harvested before the seeds appear.
  • Fenugreek: This herb contains protein, fiber and carbohydrates.
  • Burkun: Burkun has a high content of vitamins and trace elements. It also has a pleasant smell.
  • Tonconig: This herb has tender shoots with a high nutritional content.
  • Timofeivka (Arzhanets): This type of grass is an excellent source of vitamins.
  • Chicory: Chicory contains many vitamins, fructose and inulin. Only young shoots are collected.
  • Starwort: This succulent herb has a wide range of nutrients. Before giving it to rabbits, it should be fanned or dried.

The inclusion of various meadow, steppe and forest herbs in the diet of rabbits provides them with the necessary nutrients, contributes to the preservation of the health and well-being of animals. Remember that rabbits’ diets must be varied and their nutrition must be balanced to ensure optimal growth and health.

Weeds

Weeds that can be given to rabbits:

  • Creeping wheatgrass: Wheatgrass contains vitamins, fiber and amino acids. It is used in fodder mixtures, with the exception of green leaves and rhizomes.
  • Thistle: Thistle has a rich and useful composition. It can be included in the diet of rabbits.
  • Buckwheat: Buckwheat is a rabbit’s favorite treat and contains a variety of vitamins.
  • Bird’s spore (Highlander): This weed contains many vitamins and minerals and can be included in the rabbit’s diet.
  • Great Burdock (Burdock): Burdock is very nutritious, but it is not recommended to give it to rabbits. Adult rabbits should be given no more than two leaves per animal per day.
  • Field birch: Field birch contains many beneficial amino acids, but also contains poisonous alkaloids. Therefore, it should be given to rabbits only in dried form.

When including weeds in the diet of rabbits, it is important to take into account their content of substances and correctly dose them to ensure the health and safety of the animals. It is always best to consult with a veterinarian or rabbit specialist to determine the optimal diet and amount of weeds to include in a rabbit’s diet.

Garden plants

Garden plants that can be given to rabbits:

  • Carrot tops: Carrot tops are a very healthy and nutritious food for rabbits. It can be given without restrictions.
  • Sorrel sour: Sorrel has a rich and useful composition. However, it should be given in moderate amounts, as there is a risk of urolithiasis.
  • Beetroot: Beetroot is a very juicy food, rich in vitamins. It should be given to a limited extent together with viscous food, for example, yarrow. It is not recommended to give beet tops to young rabbits.
  • Bean sprouts: Green peas contain a lot of protein. Bean tops and pods can be given, but it is prohibited for young animals.
  • Melissa medicinal: Melissa, also known as peppermint, contains many essential oils, trace elements and tannins. It can be included in the diet of rabbits.
  • Jerusalem artichoke tops: Jerusalem artichoke tops are rich in nutrients and promote weight gain and growth. It is especially useful for pregnant and lactating rabbits and young ones.
  • Corn sprouts: Corn sprouts contain a lot of nutrients and water, but can cause fermentation in the stomach. Therefore, they should be given with caution.
  • Cabbage leaves: Cabbage leaves contain many vitamins. However, it should be given in a limited way due to the possible occurrence of stomach disorders.
  • Onion feathers: Onion feathers contain many amino acids, vitamins and phytoncides. It can be given to rabbits more often to check if they are getting enough nutrients in their diet.
  • Top of tomatoes, nightshade, physalis: It is forbidden to give tops of tomatoes, nightshade and physalis to rabbits. Potato greens can be given in very small quantities, while the animal’s reaction to it should be monitored.

Consider that when including garden plants in the diet of rabbits, it is important to follow the correct dosage and observe the reaction of the animals. It is always best to consult a veterinarian or rabbit breeder to determine the optimal diet and amount of garden plants that can be included in a rabbit’s diet.

What grass can be given to rabbits

Medicinal plants

Many herbs are not only nutritious food for rabbits, but also natural means for the prevention or even treatment of many diseases.

Among the well-known “natural healers” that rabbits eat with pleasure are the following:

  • Wheatgrass (rhizomes) has diuretic properties, promotes urine excretion.
  • Dandelion increases appetite and facilitates digestion.
  • Burdock has excellent astringent properties and can be used as a medicine.
  • Nettle is a valuable tool for stopping bleeding, has a lactagon effect and helps to normalize the work of the stomach and intestines. Nettle also has antimicrobial properties.
  • Spore is a viscous agent.
  • Cumin is an excellent antiseptic, stimulates lactation and relieves bloating. It is also a natural anticoccidial agent.
  • Borage improves lactation.
  • Coriander, parsley, coriander and celery help rabbits improve their appetite.
  • Dream is used as an anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial agent.
  • Chicory has a positive effect on digestion.
  • Melissa and mint are treats that increase appetite and calm timid pets.

Also below are useful medicinal herbs that are added to the rabbit diet because of their medicinal properties:

  • Elderberry is a viscous agent, stimulates the appetite, normalizes digestion and helps with flatulence. It is useful to add to mixtures with beet tops.
  • Wormwood stimulates the appetite and has anthelmintic properties. It is worth adding it to food once every 3-4 days, keeping within the limits of the limited amount, since too much can affect the rabbit’s nervous system.
  • Common tansy is an anthelmintic.
  • Ivan tea contains a lot of protein and ascorbic acid, and also has anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties.
  • Large plantain contains a large amount of proteins and sucrose, helps heal wounds, has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. A little of it is added to the herbal mass.
  • Common mother-and-stepmother increases appetite, improves digestion and strengthens the body. Helps with colds and can be used together with other plants.
  • St. John’s wort has a positive effect on digestion. It is also given in limited quantities.
  • Galega (Kozlyatnik) is a source of nutritious and useful components, it is used as a diuretic drug that stimulates lactation. It is also an excellent prophylactic against helminths.
  • Podmarennik real is a laxative and is added in a small amount together with viscous feed.
  • Stony femur has viscous properties.
  • Conifers contain many vitamins, proteins, minerals and carbohydrates. It stimulates appetite and sexual desire, improves digestion and has a positive effect on the taste of meat, as well as improves the quality of wool. Needles are also an excellent preventive measure against colds.

The lawn type of grass is not suitable for feeding rabbits due to its low nutrient content.

In what form can you give grass to rabbits

Rabbits should not be fed fresh grass. It is recommended to dry it shortly before feeding. It is worth remembering that greens should not be collected near roads or factories, where dust and toxic production waste can fall on the plants.

Herbs are usually harvested in excess, and the unused part is left to dry on hay. When harvesting grass, it is necessary to carefully monitor that poisonous plants for rabbits do not get into the food.

  • Wet grass

It is important to remember that it is strictly forbidden to feed rabbits wet grass or greens, especially after rain or with dew. Firstly, such products rot quickly, and secondly, wet raw materials can cause disorders of the digestive tract of rabbits.

  • Rough grass

Rough shoots of plants are not contraindicated for rabbits, but it is not advisable to use them. Rabbits are reluctant to chew such grass, and it contains few useful substances. Coarse grass is usually rich in fiber, which is difficult for rabbits to digest.

  • Grass with flowers and seeds

It is recommended to collect all the greens before flowering. Care must be taken with flowering herbs as some become coarse at this stage. Some plants, such as canola or rapeseed, have poisonous seeds. Dandelions and legumes can be given to rabbits at any stage of development.

  • Tear or mow

It has been scientifically proven that when using a scythe, plants are oxidized due to the metal blades-nozzles. Therefore, it is believed that grass for rabbits, plucked by hand, is more useful and safe.

Poisonous plants

Not all grass can be useful for rabbits. Some plants can cause severe poisoning in eared animals, and even lead to death. It is important for rabbit owners to be able to recognize these plants in order to avoid harm to their pets.

It is known that drying can reduce the toxicity of some herbs or completely neutralize them. However, there are plants that become more poisonous when dried, and some even become fatally poisonous to rabbits during ensiling.

The most poisonous plants:

  • Buttercup: Especially dangerous when fresh. Causes severe diarrhea, bloating and food poisoning. After drying, it becomes less dangerous.
  • Shot (Sleepgrass): Causes poisoning, which can be accompanied by convulsions or paralysis. After drying, it loses its poisonous properties.
  • Aconite (Borets): A particularly poisonous species of creeping plant. Causes poisoning that can lead to death. Dangerous both in fresh and dried form.
  • White chamomile: Causes diarrhea, bloating, difficulty breathing and can lead to the death of the animal.
  • Late Flower (Colchicum): Causes fatal poisoning.
  • Purulent large: Accompanied by diarrhea, bloating, convulsions and possible death of the animal.

Less poisonous herbs can cause symptoms of poisoning, so it is necessary to avoid their inclusion in the diet of rabbits:

  • Dope is common or stinky
  • Charlock
  • Wild radish
  • Avran medicinal
  • Samples (Calla)
  • Common cowpea (Agrostemma)
  • Juniper
  • Astragalus
  • The tobacco is real
  • Nightshade
  • Black Sea rhubarb
  • Eggplant

Before mowing the grass, make sure that there are no poisonous plants for rabbits in this area.

What grass can be given to rabbits

There are also plants that are less often used in rabbit feed, but it is still important to remember their poisonous properties:

  • Foxglove
  • Castor oil
  • Horsetail
  • Hemlock
  • Blackness
  • Aloe vera
  • Apple and pear seeds
  • Almond
  • Macadamia nut
  • All parts of an apricot (except the fruit)
  • Avocado
  • Begonia
  • Lupine
  • Fern
  • Orlyak
  • Ivy
  • Carnation
  • Echinacea
  • Dracaena
  • Delphinium
  • Ficus
  • Yucca
  • Kalanchoe
  • Batata
  • Snowdrop
  • Poppy
  • Peony
  • Oak leaves
  • Valeriana cornflower horned

What to do in case of rabbit poisoning

Even experienced farmers can sometimes make mistakes or overlook when choosing grass for rabbits. Even a small amount of poisonous vegetation can cause severe poisoning in animals.

Symptoms of poisoning in rabbits include:

  • Vomiting, hypersalivation, bloating, diarrhea or constipation;
  • Depressed or excited state of the animal (depending on the type of poisonous substance);
  • Narrowing or dilation of the pupils;
  • Violation of physical activity, paralysis, convulsions;
  • Complicated breathing;
  • Tachycardia or bradycardia;
  • Sudden bleeding or self-expulsion in rabbits.

To help a poisoned rabbit, immediately call a veterinarian and provide first aid:

  • Wash the stomach and perform a cleansing enema;
  • Give internally adsorbing drugs, such as activated carbon, enterosgel, polysorb or smecta;
  • Administer medications intravenously (this procedure must be performed by a veterinarian).

The best prevention of poisoning in rabbits is control over the composition of feed for eared pets.

Remember that if you suspect rabbit poisoning, it is important to quickly consult a specialist, as self-medication can be dangerous.

Sowing herbs for rabbit feed

To provide rabbits with green fodder, breeders need not only to count on wild greens or a vegetable garden, but also to allocate a special area for sowing fodder greens. The best option is to plant cereals (oats, wheat) and legumes (peas, vetch, clover, alfalfa).

Advantages of own plot with fodder greens:

  • Self-seeding will always help rabbit farmers during dry periods or temporary impossibility to obtain other types of feed.
  • Growing your own greens for harvesting for the winter is a very practical and economical solution.
  • Plant seed mix is ​​well suited for feeding animals before slaughter, as it allows them to quickly gain the necessary weight.

In medicine, there is a saying: “Do no harm!”. It is with this motto that you should approach the issues of rabbit nutrition. The quality and composition of food, especially when choosing herbs, has a great influence on the growth of animals, their appearance and the benefits they bring to breeders.

What grass can be given to rabbits