New to rabbits, have question about willow branches

[dmdhart]

I have recently aquired several rescue rabbits and am in a crash course to learn about them. I've seen lots of people writing about willow baskets for their rabbits. I have a weeping willow tree in my yard. Can I just cut off branches for them? Does it matter what time of year I do this? Can they eat the leaves? Do I have to dry the branches before I give them to them?

Thanks for any help you can give me.

 

[Debacus]

Not sure about the leaves but the bark (young fresh growth preferred) is great for them to strip away at. Read somewhere that it contains a pain killing ingredient, don't know the facts on that 'tho.
Mine love Ash twigs the best.

 

[Nancy McClelland]

American Indians used to boil willow bark to make tea and use for pain an fever relief. Guess where Aspirin came from? We have only used fresh apple cuttings--don't know if Willow is alright or not.

 

[Flash Gordon]

this is what i found when ive researched this in the past.. just make sure the tree doesnt have pesticide on it.

• Orange or lemon trees – branches (fresh or dried)
• Apple tree branches– (fresh or dried)
• Willow - branches (fresh or dried)not sure bout fresh leaves but i have bought from a bunny website , their willow rings with "dried" leaves on it.
• Maple, Ash and Pine trees – branches should be dried
• Rose Canes – remove thorns, branches and leaves may be fed fresh or dried

leave in the freezer overnight to kill any bugs.

 

[dmdhart]

Thank you so much! You have been a great help! I am so glad that I found this forum!

 

[golfdiva]

On my list of "Plants That Are OK to Feed to Bunnies", willow leaves and branches are ok. I have feed them to Hershey, and he eats a little bit of them, but not his favorite.