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Image JPEG image Field Bindweed
Field Bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis) can be differentiated from Hedge Bindweed (Calystegia sepium) by the smaller, often pink, flowers on plants that creep along the ground on verges, waste ground and hedge bottoms. The plant is known to contain alkaloids that affect other species, such as horses and mice, if they eat large quantities. The effects on rabbits are unknown but it is a plant that is best left alone.
Located in Media / … / FORAGING / PLANTS TO AVOID
Image Flaked maize
Flaked pieces of sweetcorn (maize) are VERY palatable for rabbits. They are starchy and sweet, so they are fattening. The calcium content is very low with a highly inverse calcium to phosphorus ratio. The fibre content is low. Flaked maize is junk food for rabbits. They really enjoy eating it, but it contributes to obesity and dental disease.
Located in Media / … / COMMERCIAL DIETS / MUESLI MIXES
Image Flaked peas
Flaked peas are a firm favourite with rabbits despite their low calcium content. They also contain sugar and starch. In moderation, they are not harmful. If the rabbit picks them out of the mixture and eats a lot of flaked peas, it will be eating a very unbalanced, calcium and fibre deficient, fattening diet.
Located in Media / … / COMMERCIAL DIETS / MUESLI MIXES
Image ECMAScript program Foxglove leaves
Foxgloves (Digitalis purpurea) are common hedgerow plants that are easy to recognise when they are in flower. It is a biennial plant and in the first year, it forms a clump or rosette of leaves (see photo). In the second year, this rosette produces the flower spike – which may be up to 2 metres in height. All parts of the plant, including the roots and seeds, may contain a toxin, which is a cardiac glycoside, digitalis. It is inadvisable to pick foxgloves leaves for rabbits although it is unlikely that the rabbits will eat them.
Located in Media / … / FORAGING / PLANTS TO AVOID
Image JPEG image Garlic Mustard (young leaves)
Garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata) is abundant in damp shaded areas, common in hedgerows and at the edge of woods. It is a biennial plant that grows leaves in the first season and flowers during the following year. The young leaves can be found during the winter and are edible although not all rabbits will eat them.
Located in Media / … / FORAGING / EDIBLE WILD PLANTS
Image JPEG image Garlic mustard in flower
During the second year of its life, the leaves off garlic mustard plants (Alliaria petiolata) are lighter in colour with a slightly different shape from the leaves in the first year. The plant can grow up to 1 metre tall and has small white flowers followed by multiple seed pods. The leaves from the top of the plant with flowers or flower buds are the most palatable.
Located in Media / … / FORAGING / EDIBLE WILD PLANTS
Image JPEG image Germander speedwell
Germander speedwell (Veronica chamaedrys) is only one of a family of speedwells (Veronica spp.) that may be found in gardens and grassland. It is a low growing plant with a creeping habit and is sometimes considered a weed. The plant is not harmful for rabbits although it is not particularly palatable either.
Located in Media / … / FORAGING / EDIBLE WILD PLANTS
Image JPEG image Goosegrass (early growth)
Goosegrass (Galium aparine) is among the plants to look for because it is safe and popular with some owners. Abundant small plants appear early in the season when other plants are in short supply and it is easy to pick at this stage. During the summer and autumn, it is among plants to avoid because it is unpleasant to pick. Goosegrass often grows alongside stinging nettles and also has numerous down-turned prickles that stick to clothing and animal fur.
Located in Media / … / FORAGING / EDIBLE WILD PLANTS
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