Garden plants safe for rabbits & spring hazards to avoid
March 21, 2022
The winter months are behind us which means the spring gardening season is here. Many rabbits will be out in the garden enjoying a potter but with all the green growth, it is important to be aware of plants and other items that could cause harm. Our Appleby Magna Vets have put together this advice for rabbit owners.
Please share this article on your social media profiles to help other rabbit owners know what hazards are lurking in the garden for their pets this season.
Garden safety for your rabbits
Bunnies love to hop around, but did you know that not everything in the garden is safe for these small pets? Discover what you need to look out for so you can create a safe haven for your rabbits.
Predators
Rabbits have many natural enemies, and sadly it is common for a rabbit to be attacked and seriously injured or killed. Wild predators include foxes, owls, birds of prey, and even seagulls will have a go. Closer to home, your cat, dog, or neighbouring pets can be a threat to your bunnies too.
Garden hazards
In the garden, most of the danger to rabbits comes from manmade hazards. Using common sense will reduce the risks. Rabbit-proof your garden by making sure they can’t escape, injure themselves, get trapped somewhere, or access anything harmful.
Plants toxic to rabbits
Speaking of harmful, keep your bunnies hoppy and healthy by safe gardening. There are many great resources out there to help you determine which plants can’t be eaten. Some of the most dangerous include Azalea, Bittersweet, Buttercups, Daffodils, Deadly Nightshade, Figwort, Foxglove, Hemlock, Meadow Saffron, Poppies, Ragwort, and Rhubarb.
If your rabbits have eaten something dangerous, give our Appleby Magna Vets a call straight away on 01530 270 170.
Grass cuttings
Pottering in the garden and chewing on grass is every rabbit’s dream. If your lawn has been recently mowed, make sure your rabbits can’t eat the grass cuttings as these can be extremely harmful.
Vegetables & garden plants safe for rabbits
Rabbits love carrot tops, kale, and broccoli, but if you plant too much and leave your pets unattended, they may eat all the plants in sight. Same goes for roses, pansies, pot marigolds, and sunflowers if you are planting these for the summer months ahead. You might be pleased to know that rabbits can eat clover, daisies, dandelions, and nettles, so if your garden is looking a little ‘weedy’, you can always put your bunnies to work.
A rabbit run
Time outdoors is extremely beneficial to your rabbits’ wellbeing and helps them get the vitamin D (from the sun) they need to aid their digestion. To avoid many of the dangers above, Vet Caroline Ward, recommends the best course of action is to exercise your rabbit outdoors in a large, predator-proof enclosed run.
Constant monitoring
If you are giving your rabbit freedom to roam in the garden, it is wise to monitor them constantly advises Caroline. Accidents can happen quickly, and predators can strike more easily if you are not there.
We hope you found our Appleby Magna Vets’ advice helpful and can enjoy a danger-free spring season and beyond. As always, we are here if you would like more advice, just get in touch.
We are here for your rabbit emergencies too, just call 01530 270 170.
You can share this advice with your rabbit-loving friends by sharing the link by email, WhatsApp, Messenger, or on your Facebook profile or Twitter stream.
