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Hawthorn
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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
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FORAGING
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FAVOURITE PLANTS TO LOOK FOR
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Grass
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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
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FORAGING
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FAVOURITE PLANTS TO LOOK FOR
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Cow parsley
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Cow Parsley (Anthriscus sylvestris) is a short-lived perennial. It grows in grassland, along hedges and woodland edges, road verges, railway banks and wasteland. The foliage is one of the first plants to appear in the spring and last to disappear in autumn. It is safe and palatable for rabbits but there is always a concern that the plant may be confused with hemlock (Conium maculatum)- see section on ‘Plant Toxicity’. Examination of the stems will confirm its identity as cow parsley.
Located in
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FORAGING
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FAVOURITE PLANTS TO LOOK FOR
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Blackberry (brambles)
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Blackberry (Rubus 'fructiosus') is a common hedgerow plant, although the prickles can make it difficult to harvest . It is a semi-evergreen shrub that is common all over Europe. In winter, when other plants are rare, some leaves can still be found to feed to rabbits. In the British Isles there are over 320 ‘microspecies’. All are suitable to feed to rabbits
Located in
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FORAGING
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FAVOURITE PLANTS TO LOOK FOR
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Bindweed (Hedge)
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Hedge bindweed (Calystegia sepium) is a safe plant for rabbits. They love it. Its sister plant - Field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis)- has a question mark over it because it contains toxins. The plants can be differentiated by their flowers, leaves and the way they grow. Hedge bindweed has large pure white flowers and grows vertically, twining around plants as it goes. It is commonly found in hedges.
Located in
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FORAGING
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FAVOURITE PLANTS TO LOOK FOR
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Nibbled foxglove leaves
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These leaves of the foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) have been nibbled by a young wild rabbit. It is not unusual for rabbits to taste plants and never try them again.
Located in
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DIET
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PLANT TOXICITY
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Yarrow flower
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The flowers of yarrow (Achillea millefolium) are usually white or a pale pink and abundant. Other colours are available as garden varieties.
Located in
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FORAGING
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FAVOURITE PLANTS TO LOOK FOR
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Yarrow
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Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is a common aromatic perennial plant found commonly throughout the British Isles. It has characteristic feathery leaves and is found on grassland and wasteland from sea level to the hills (up to 1200m). It is safe and palatable for rabbits.
Located in
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FORAGING
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FAVOURITE PLANTS TO LOOK FOR
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Meadowsweet leaves
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The leaves of Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria) grow in damp places. It is common on verges alongside ditches. The leaves may appear in June, especially on verges that have been mown. They are a favourite with rabbits.
Located in
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FORAGING
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FAVOURITE PLANTS TO LOOK FOR
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Meadowsweet
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Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria) is a common plant that grows in damp places and ditches. It has white highly scented flowers. The leaves are a favourite with rabbits The roots contain salicylic acid and were used to make aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid).
Located in
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FORAGING
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FAVOURITE PLANTS TO LOOK FOR