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Image Sorrel
Common sorrel (Rumex acetosa) is a relative of the broad-leaved dock and has been cultivated for centuries. It can be found in meadows, verges and hedgerows. It is sometimes used in soups or its leaves used in salads. However, it has a sharp taste due to the oxalic acid it contains. It also has a laxative effect in humans if it is ingested in large quantities. Rabbits seldom eat it.
Located in Media / … / FORAGING / PLANTS TO AVOID
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
Image C header Spinach 630g
Although spinach is rich in calcium, it is also mostly water. A rabbit would have to eat about 630g i.e 2-3 bags of spinach from the supermarket to ingest 500mg calcium.
Located in Media / … / DIET / AMOUNT OF FOOD THAT PROVIDES RDA OF CALCIUM
Image Spring cabbage (150g)
Although spring cabbage is rich in calcium, it also has a high moisture content. A rabbit would need to eat about 150g to meet the recommended daily allowance of 500g calcium. Most supermarket bags contain 500g spring greens.
Located in Media / … / DIET / AMOUNT OF FOOD THAT PROVIDES RDA OF CALCIUM
Image Sunflower seeds
Sunflower seeds are occasionally encountered in muesli mixes. They are not a food item that would normally be available for rabbits to eat. The kernels are high in fat, deficient in vitamin A and calcium with a highly inverse calcium to phosphorus ratio. Although the occasional seed is not harmful, there is no need to include them in muesli mixes. Some rabbits enjoy the hulls, which have a high fibre content but no other nutritional value.
Located in Media / … / COMMERCIAL DIETS / MUESLI MIXES
Image JPEG image Sweet Cicely
Sweet Cicely (Myrrhis odorata) is an umbelliferous plant with feathery leaves and white flowers. It is a perennial plant that grows on grassy banks, verges, and woodland areas. It is easy to identify from the strong smell of aniseed that comes from the leaves when they are crushed. Like Cow Parsley, the leaf stems are grooved, indicating that the plant is safe to pick. Sweet Cicely is palatable for rabbits but it is not a common plant so care should be taken to only pick from places where the plants are abundant.
Located in Media / … / FORAGING / FAVOURITE PLANTS TO LOOK FOR
Image JPEG image Sweet Cicely leaves with characteristic marks
The leaves of Sweet Cicely (Myrrhis odorata) also often have grey 'splashes' on them that differentiates them from hemlock.
Located in Media / … / FORAGING / FAVOURITE PLANTS TO LOOK FOR
Image JPEG image Sweet Cicely main stem
The main stem of Sweet Cicely (Myrrhis odorata) is grooved, which differentiates the plant from hemlock.
Located in Media / … / FORAGING / FAVOURITE PLANTS TO LOOK FOR
Image JPEG image Sweet cicely seeds
The seeds Sweet Cicely (Myrrhis odorata) are large, dark brown, and easy to pick. They appear in late summer. Not only do the seeds help to identify the plant but some can be taken home to sow in the garden. The plant is attractive as well as providing forage.
Located in Media / … / FORAGING / FAVOURITE PLANTS TO LOOK FOR