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Nuggets
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'Nuggets' is the name that some manufacturers give to uniform pieces of extruded rabbit food. Food extrusion is a manufacturing technique during which a mixture of ingredients is pushed through a die and cooked to produce pieces that store well.
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DIET
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COMMERCIAL DIETS
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Almost empty bowl
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This bowl shows the components of muesli mixes that rabbits seldom eat. Close inspection shows that pellets, whole grains, and husks are left behind. Most owners discard this food and replenish the bowl, so the rabbit never eats pellets and whole grains. The pellets often contain the vitamin and mineral supplement that is used to balance out the deficiencies (calcium, vitamins A and D) in other ingredients in the mixture. The husks of the grains contribute to the fibre content. Rejecting these food items mean that the rabbit is eating an unbalanced, fibre deficient diet despite the analysis on the side of the packet.
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COMMERCIAL DIETS
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MUESLI MIXES
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Ash
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Ash leaves are suitable for feeding to rabbits as part of a mixture of plants. Young shoots (as in picture) are palatable.
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FORAGING
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FAVOURITE PLANTS TO LOOK FOR
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Clover (red)
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Clover is common on rough grassland and on roadsides where there is forage to pick. There are many varieties, and it is palatable for rabbits. Red clover (Trefolium pratense) is easier to pick than white clover (Trefolium repens) because it is larger. Clover has an unfounded reputation for causing bloat in rabbits probably because ingestion of large quantities of young clover can cause bloat in cattle. The digestive physiology of ruminants, such as cattle, is different from hindgut fermenters, such as rabbits.
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FORAGING
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FAVOURITE PLANTS TO LOOK FOR
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Cow Parsley- comparison with poison hemlock
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This picture was taken in May. On the left is the young hemlock plant (Conium maculatum). On the right is a young cow parsley plant (Anthriscus sylvestris). The plants were growing next to each other and illustrate the differences. The main stem and the leaf stems of hemlock are circular, smooth, pale green with reddish purples spots and blotches. The main stem of cow parsley is also circular but has longitudinal grooves. The leaf stems of the cow parsley have the characteristic celery-like groove and are slightly hairy. The colour of cow parsley stems varies from green to purple like the example shown in this picture.
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FORAGING
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FAVOURITE PLANTS TO LOOK FOR
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Bramble leaves in winter
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The leaves from blackberry (Rubus fruticosus) or bramble bushes will survive the winter and can be picked to feed to rabbits when there is little else around. The leaves may not look palatable, but they are a favourite.
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FORAGING
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FAVOURITE PLANTS TO LOOK FOR
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Herb Robert
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Herb Robert (Geranium robertianum) is common on waste ground and hedgerows. It can grow well in some parts of UK. It is enjoyed by rabbits and an easy plant to dry and store.
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FORAGING
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EDIBLE WILD PLANTS
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Hogweed plant
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Hogweed (Heracleum sphondylium) is an excellent forage plant for rabbits. It is prolific with large leaves that are easily picked. This picture was taken in August. Young leaves are the most palatable. Hogweed is common in hedgerows, on verges, pastureland, and along footpaths. The leaves grow again after the plants have been picked or mown and can be found in November/December when other forage plants are rare.
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FORAGING
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FAVOURITE PLANTS TO LOOK FOR
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Ground Elder (new leaves)
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Ground Elder (Aegopodium podagraria) grows quickly and is easily harvested. It is a perennial plant that grows in shady places. These new shoots are one of the first plants to appear in the spring and are welcomed by rabbits.
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FORAGING
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FAVOURITE PLANTS TO LOOK FOR
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Dandelion in flower
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All parts of the dandelion are enjoyed by rabbits including the flowers, stems and roots.
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FORAGING
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FAVOURITE PLANTS TO LOOK FOR