Article or advice on wild greens to feed rabbit if pellets unavailable.

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Clyde
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Aug 18, 2013
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I have several pet rabbits. I'm concerned one day soon I may not be able to afford and/or find pellets and hay for them. I'm thinking I may have to resort to outdoor wild plants such as clover, dandelions, unfertilized yard grass, garden items (broccoli, spinach, etc.) Anyone have a list they can post here or better yet a link to an article? I live in the mountains of western N.C. on a small farm, but the answers need not be specific to my location.
 
A good, balanced site about feeding:

https://www.harcourt-brown.co.uk/articles/free-food-for-rabbits
https://www.harcourt-brown.co.uk/articles/free-food-for-rabbits/foraging
Check the other links on the left side.


I feed mostly forage, whatever grows on the meadow, along field roads, around vegetable plots, wherever my neighbours don't bother to mow. pellets on treat level to get them back to their hutches, and I always offer hay - they know when they need some, it's good to prevent tummy problems.
 
A good, balanced site about feeding:

https://www.harcourt-brown.co.uk/articles/free-food-for-rabbits
https://www.harcourt-brown.co.uk/articles/free-food-for-rabbits/foraging
Check the other links on the left side.


I feed mostly forage, whatever grows on the meadow, along field roads, around vegetable plots, wherever my neighbours don't bother to mow. pellets on treat level to get them back to their hutches, and I always offer hay - they know when they need some, it's good to prevent tummy problems.
Thank you very much! I'll check out the articles. Really appreciate the assist.
 
A good, balanced site about feeding:

https://www.harcourt-brown.co.uk/articles/free-food-for-rabbits
https://www.harcourt-brown.co.uk/articles/free-food-for-rabbits/foraging
Check the other links on the left side.


I feed mostly forage, whatever grows on the meadow, along field roads, around vegetable plots, wherever my neighbours don't bother to mow. pellets on treat level to get them back to their hutches, and I always offer hay - they know when they need some, it's good to prevent tummy problems.
Been thinking about your reply about foraging whatever grows on the meadow. Do you have a way of knowing what is safe for a rabbit to eat? Or is it slow, small amount trying different wild items in the meadow? I'm guessing that's the way to go but welcome suggestions. Thanks again.
 
Well, yes, introducing slowly always is a good idea, and in my opinion the more diverse their diet is the better. Since mine grow up that way I can't tell if they need time to rediscover their instincts, or at least to get over the exitement of all thisn new, good stuff. I would start with grass and known safe weeds and then just gradually start to offer everthing except stuff you know is really toxic.

I totally stopped to care about those toxic lists on the internet. If they eat it, it's safe for them, no matter on how many lists it is, very little can harm a rabbit, and here that's mostly decorative plants. I can't controll it anyway since I let them out to forage.

There might be plants in your location that are really toxic, here there isn't anything they can't stomach or simply avoid, there could be hamlock but since there are farmers feeding cows here it's eridicated anywhere close to the meadows.
 
Well, yes, introducing slowly always is a good idea, and in my opinion the more diverse their diet is the better. Since mine grow up that way I can't tell if they need time to rediscover their instincts, or at least to get over the exitement of all thisn new, good stuff. I would start with grass and known safe weeds and then just gradually start to offer everthing except stuff you know is really toxic.

I totally stopped to care about those toxic lists on the internet. If they eat it, it's safe for them, no matter on how many lists it is, very little can harm a rabbit, and here that's mostly decorative plants. I can't controll it anyway since I let them out to forage.

There might be plants in your location that are really toxic, here there isn't anything they can't stomach or simply avoid, there could be hamlock but since there are farmers feeding cows here it's eridicated anywhere close to the meadows.
Perfect, Thanks again. Appreciate the assist.
 
Just be aware that rabbits unused to foraging and having a variety of plants to chose from to eat, could be at risk of consuming a toxic plant. There was a former RO member whose indoor pet rabbits got into the decorative yellow jasmine plant on the persons balcony. Both rabbits ate some of it and later died.
 
Just be aware that rabbits unused to foraging and having a variety of plants to chose from to eat, could be at risk of consuming a toxic plant. There was a former RO member whose indoor pet rabbits got into the decorative yellow jasmine plant on the persons balcony. Both rabbits ate some of it and later died.
Good to know. Thank you for passing along this helpful information.
 

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