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Image JPEG image Dandelions
The Common Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) is the most popular perennial forage plant for rabbits. All parts of the plants are edible including the flowers, stems and roots. There are many forms of the common dandelion with slightly different leaf shapes and growing habits. Dandelions can be found on verges, wasteland, meadows gardens, woodland, and other places. The plant is often considered to be a weed but it useful for rabbits. It tempts anorexic rabbits to eat and can be fed to rabbits with urinary tract disease because of the high water content (85%) and diuretic properties.
Located in Media / … / FORAGING / FAVOURITE PLANTS TO LOOK FOR
Image JPEG image Dock (Broad-leaved)
Broad-leaved Dock (Rumex obtusifolius) is a common plant that survives grazing and mowing so it is common in gardens, pastures, and verges. Young leaves make an early appearance in spring and are enjoyed by rabbits. As the plant matures the leaves develop red spots contain more oxalate, which makes the plants less palatable.
Located in Media / … / FORAGING / FAVOURITE PLANTS TO LOOK FOR
Image JPEG image Grass
Freshly cut grass is enjoyed by most rabbits, especially those that do no have access to a run or garden. Scissors are useful to cut some grass from the garden each day. This not only feeds the rabbits but also trims lawn edges and other places. Picking some grass during foraging is another option.
Located in Media / … / FORAGING / FAVOURITE PLANTS TO LOOK FOR
Image JPEG image Ground Elder
Ground Elder (Aegopodium podagraria) is a weed that annoys gardeners because of its persistence. It was introduced into the British Isles by the Romans as a salad plant. Rabbits love it. It is a reliable food source as it is prolific and rapidly grows back in areas that are mown or strimmed occasionally. It is a firm favourite to pick for rabbits, especially young growth before the plant it has flowered.
Located in Media / … / FORAGING / FAVOURITE PLANTS TO LOOK FOR
Image JPEG image Hawthorn
Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) is common in hedgerows and small branches and twigs are easy to collect. The thorns can be a problem although they are not present on new growth so the leaves can be stripped off easily. Alternatively, twigs cut be cut and offered to the rabbit. The thorns do not pose a problem to them. Rabbits are happy to eat both the leaves and the twig.
Located in Media / … / FORAGING / FAVOURITE PLANTS TO LOOK FOR
Image ECMAScript program Hogweed leaf
This is a young leaf of Hogweed (Heracleum sphondylium). These leaves can be found in places that are periodically mown, such as verges. These leaves are very palatable.
Located in Media / … / FORAGING / FAVOURITE PLANTS TO LOOK FOR
Image JPEG image Plantain (narrow-leaved)
Narrow-leaved Plantain (Plantago lanceolata), also known as Ribwort, is a common plant in verges, meadows and grassy places. It is a good foraging plant as it is eaten readily by rabbits.
Located in Media / … / FORAGING / FAVOURITE PLANTS TO LOOK FOR
Image JPEG image Plantain (broad-leaved)
Broad-leaved plantain (Plantago major) is a common plant that grows in grassland and verges, especially on disturbed ground. The leaves can be difficult to pick without uprooting the plant. The leaves are most abundant in late summer when other forage plants have been mown on verges. Rabbit enjoy the leaves.
Located in Media / … / FORAGING / FAVOURITE PLANTS TO LOOK FOR
Image Sow thistle
Sow thistle is a really useful plant for rabbits. There are many varieties (e.g. Sonchus oleraceus, Sonchus arvensis, Sonchus asper) and none are poisonous. Some varieties have smooth leaves and others are prickly. All varieties are a favourite food with a long growing season. Sow thistle used to be grown in warrens to feed the inhabitants on in winter. The plants exude a milky substance from cut stems or leaves. Sow thistle often grows on newly turned soil, on waste ground or in crevices along pavements or walls. The plants can be tall- up to 1.5m high and all have prickly looking leaves and yellow flowers.
Located in Media / … / FORAGING / FAVOURITE PLANTS TO LOOK FOR
Image JPEG image Sow thistle (another variety)
Sow thistle (Sonchus sp) can be found in grassland on verges and in waste ground. Although some varieties with prickly leaves have the appearance of the common thistle, it is not as prickly and can be picked easily. The flowers are yellow not purple, and the stems exude a milky substance when cut.
Located in Media / … / FORAGING / FAVOURITE PLANTS TO LOOK FOR