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Forum DIET & CARE Safe To Eat?

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    • Deleted User
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        Sadly for my last rabbit I had been misinformed about how healthy it is to feed greens and vegetables on a regular basis. I have learned my mistake, and the two new little ones who’s arrival I am Eagerly awaiting will be enjoying a much better more diverse diet. I’ve read all the HRS site had to offer (an copied lists) but I still have a couple of questions. The article on rabbit.org mentioned cucumber leaves as being safe but when I mentioned them in passing to a representative I wrote to from the site (before I found this Wonderful forum) she was pretty upset at the thought of feeding cucumbers. From searching this site I get the impression they are alright? Are the leaves safe too? I also wanted to check that collard greens (that is potato leaves) are okay, and the leaves from the black currant bush. (I know currant like raspberry and strawberry leaves are very healthy for us humans, and since raspberry leaves are good for the rabbits I hoped currant leaves might be too.) As ever any extra thoughts or tips are appreciated. Thanks, Grey Dove


      • Roberta
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          NOTHING Potato is safe for buns. Its from the belladonna family and is highly toxic. Tomatoes though from the same family are safe as long as the seeds and leaves are removed. Cucumber skin is good but the flesh is very watery and can cause loose poos.
          Stick with the main stream ones for now and introduce slowly and one at a time. Kale, Rocket (arugula) Coriander (cilantro) Sweet Basil, Parsley, Dill/Fennel, Mint, Bok Choy, Nasturtium leaves, Dandelion greens, collard greens and celery leaves.


        • Beka27
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            I’ve honestly never heard of feeding cucumber leaves. The stores I get cucumbers from don’t have the leaves… lol! Do you grow cucumbers and that’s why you’re asking?


          • Sarita
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              Collard greens are potato leaves? I don’t think that is correct – collard greens are absolutely okay to feed rabbits. Like Beka, I’ve never seen a cucumber leave either – I don’t grow them though and only buy them.


            • Roberta
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                Collard greens are chard and silver beet… Nothing even remotely like potato leaves.Cucumber leaves are similar to pumpkin and squash leaves, I really would not risk them.


              • Deleted User
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                  Roberta, Thank you for that list, and for the potato info.

                  Beka and Sarita, no, I’ve never seen a cucumber with leaves in the store either, but yes, I (and friends I have) grow them. They grow on vines and have Massive leaves (a foot long cucumber can hide in the leaves), so if they are safe then giving them fresh and drying a supply for winter would be terrific!

                  Sarita, you are right and I was misinformed, … can’t remember who told me that collards were potato leaves but just checked and they aren’t. Still happy they are good for rabbits.

                  What about currant leaves? Its just a lot of these plants have leaves from spring through late autumn (not to mention the drying potential for winter supplements) so if I can serve them through the season in addition to the vegetables that would be great.

                  My new little ones will be arriving late next week so after a few weeks on hay to make sure every thing is balanced we can begin the introductions of greens just when dandelions will be poking up through my grass, … perfect timing, (I live in Ontario Canada) we can ad variety as the garden begins to grow. This will be the first year I’ll greet the dandelions with Enthusiasm!


                • Deleted User
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                    Well, just for the record, the article and list I referred to (the one that mentioned cucumber leaves) is: http://rabbit.org/suggested-vegetables-and-fruits-for-a-rabbit-diet/

                    I’m no expert, but I just checked again and they are definitely there.


                  • Beka27
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                      Hmmm, they are on there! That’s interesting!

                      I don’t know how much your bun would like them dried, but it sounds like you can work up to feeding them fresh.


                    • jerseygirl
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                        Pretty sure both red and black currant leaves are ok. Should be fed in moderation though as they can be diuretic.


                      • Deleted User
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                          I have a new question, but first, Thank you Beka and Jersey Girl for addressing my earlier questions. Seems I didn’t get email updates (I’ve been having a little problem with that setting) and so didn’t realize you had answered, … sorry about that. I’m happy about the currant leaves (very), and will see how a few fresh cucumber leaves are received when we have them to pick.

                          However, in the mean time I’ve been reading lists of toxic and safe plants. I was considerably surprised (and upset) to find sage listed as a toxic plant. Only saw it on one list, and they did say only some kinds. I’d been going to grow common sage, … is it safe? I’m now anxious, but since I haven’t bought it yet I’d rather change my plans now.

                          That list also has red clover and rosemary on it, and I’ve seen those mixed with hay and in rabbit treats, so I’m feeling a tad confused! I was looking forward to sharing my rosemary bush (it desperately needs more eating) with my furry ones!

                          Once again thanks for any and all advice!


                        • Sarita
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                            I’ve fed rosemary, sage, and red clover to my rabbits in the past. They are fine. They weren’t big fans of rosemary and some weren’t fans of sage. The clover was in some of my hay not sure if they loved that or not either. But yeah, they are fine.

                            Also all kinds of basil if you like growing that – my rabbits really like this too.


                          • Deleted User
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                              Thank you, I feel better!

                              I adore basil and grow it to make masses of pesto in the autumn. I’ll happily share but I’m trying to pick some I can grow in pots to have as greens year round. The rosemary’s been with me now for several years (which is why its getting out of hand, I can’t eat That much), so I hope they’ll share it but either way it and the lavender are here. But sage was on my “herbs for rabbit in pots” list. Borage, chicory, pansies and another flower I can’t spell is on my outdoor herbs for rabbit list. (Though I love pansies in my flower boxes anyway, that just worked out well.) I should have roses, not sure, the person who cut my lawn last year did more then the grass, so I may need to get a couple of bushes. I’ll just keep my fingers crossed. If they obviously dislike something it can always go in the garden and I’ll try something else in the pot.


                            • jerseygirl
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                                . I was considerably surprised (and upset) to find sage listed as a toxic plant. Only saw it on one list, and they did say only some kinds. I’d been going to grow common sage, … is it safe?

                                Your regularly culinary varieties are safe.

                                Regarding the currant leaves, don’t be surprised if the bunnies snub them.


                              • Deleted User
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                                  Oh good, thank You Jersey Girl! I was trying to buy my hergs today (most of them not in stock yet, so disappointing!) and I found sage. I settled for a varigated tri-coloured one, and all my doubts bubbled up again, so you had excellent timing.

                                  I have had the currant bushes for a few years so I just wanted to be sure the leaves were okay for them. I hope they like them but doesn’t matter particularly if they don’t, … not growing the bushes for them, it will be a bonus if the rabbits do think they are tasty!

                                  Planning the final details for my condo and Really looking forward to Friday evening and finally bringing them Home!


                                • Bam
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                                    My bunny snubs black currant leaves. But he loves raspberry, strawberry and wild strawberry-leaves. Rosemary he won’t touch but I’m working on it. Sometimes he will accept new stuff if I give a little of it often, maybe he needs to get used to the scent first? You can put rosemary in cooking oil (canola f ex) and let it soak for a few weeks, then make lotion for your hands and lips with the oil + beeswax. It will keep for a long time because rosemary is a natural preservative. (I mean if you’ve lots of rosemary and don’t know what to with it).

                                    Make sure that your cucumber-growing friend isn’t using any pesticides on her plants.

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                                Forum DIET & CARE Safe To Eat?