Which tree branches can be given to rabbits in summer and winter?

2024 Author: Howard Calhoun | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:16

Tree branches act as additional food, the main function of which is the regulation of digestion. What tree branches can be given to rabbits without fear for their life and he alth? This question causes a lot of controversy in various forums. Branches are used most often as top dressing in rabbit breeding, and its benefits are obvious. As a result, everyone wins: eared pets and farmers. Some of the secrets of using this method when feeding rabbits, the benefits and harms will be discussed in this article.

Economic benefits and not only when using tree branches

Trace elements and vitamins contained in tree branches support the pet's body at the proper level. Aspen and willow branches are a natural antiseptic that not only disinfects the body from pathogenic bacteria, but is also a preventive measure against diseases that threaten rabbits.

The incisors of domestic rodents cause them some discomfort. Due to the need to undermine them from time to time, rabbits begin to gnaw on everything wooden. Then everything is used in a row from a cage in the household to chic furniture inapartment. By nature itself, the use of branches by these funny animals is laid down. Digestion is regulated, mood and general tone improve.

Experienced rabbit breeders take full advantage of this feature to reduce the cost of keeping. This type of solid feed solves two problems at once: saving on feed (grain) and recycling of branches on a personal plot after pruning shrubs and trees. When answering the question of which tree branches can be given to rabbits, it is necessary to conditionally divide the answer into three categories: safe, recommended, but in limited quantities, and dangerous. All three of these categories will be discussed below.

Safe plants for rabbits

Rabbits are relatively unpretentious animals and willingly eat twigs of almost any species of trees and shrubs. Branches of gooseberries, currants, blueberries, hawthorn and raspberries are the main delicacy. His eared ones are able to absorb almost in large quantities, but only without berries. Winter and early spring is a relatively difficult period. The organism of animals is in dire need of replenishment of vitamins and microelements, which are so necessary for growth and development.

Which tree branches can be given to rabbits in winter? At this time, apple, maple, acacia are excellent for feeding. They are found everywhere, so there should be no problems with searches and harvesting. Ash and hazel twigs can be added to the list. They can be fed to pets, practically without limiting. But variety and correctselection with thoughtful combination of feeds is a guarantee of the right balanced nutrition, which is necessary at any time of the year.

Useful properties and the correct dosage of some plants when feeding

On the one hand, summer is a great time. There are no problems with feeding, and a wide selection of different plants, gives many options for providing an optimal diet for fluffy. But this is only at first glance. The risks of various diseases are increasing: from diarrhea to worms. In this regard, it is necessary to highlight such a moment: what tree branches can be given to rabbits in summer? In this case, it all depends on the situation. The following will be a small list of plants recommended for use for treatment and prevention in a dosed amount.

Branches of rowan, chestnut, mulberry get here. Carefully use birch, which has a colossal diuretic effect. It is used infrequently, in small proportions, to cure kidney disease. If you do not follow these rules, then it is likely that rabbits may die from dehydration. An abundance of feed can lead to indigestion. Oak, alder and maple branches act as a preventive measure. After drinking for a few days, they are recommended to be mixed with other breeds. Walnut - destroys parasites. Coniferous twigs are also useful on the farm. The needles themselves are an excellent antiseptic and, moreover, they are rich in phytoncides and essential oils.

Which plants should be wary of?

Lilac, wolf's bast falls under this category. These plants are so toxic that they will be fatal. Elder and wild rosemary are added to the list. All of the above are deadly poisons.

What kind of tree branches can be given to rabbits? Opinions are divided over stone fruit trees. The bones are definitely poisonous, due to the presence of hydrocyanic acid in them. Although in general, you can include cherries, cherries, peaches in the diet, but with the proviso that they should be consumed by pets in small doses. There is one more point when feeding rabbits with food: the correct dosage is required. If pets are kept in a cage by a large friendly gang, then there is always a chance that there will be a daredevil who can eat treats on his own, for three, so this must be taken into account when distributing.

A few words about decorative rabbits

Such beautiful creatures become full members of the family. Branches of what trees can be given to decorative rabbits? They are suitable for the same complementary foods as ordinary breeds. Branches are an excellent tool for grinding rabbit teeth. By giving them to your pets, you will protect the furniture in your home. The only point in which opinions are divided is from what period they need to be accustomed to this type of food. It is recommended from about 6 months, but sometimes there are cases that already from 4 months they begin to stubbornly gnaw on branches. Deciding which tree branches can be given to rabbits is the business of every owner, but it is advisable not to risk it again.

Some points about harvesting branches for the winter

Harvesting takes place in the summer. This is the end of June and until about 10-12 July. Preferably small branches are collected - large ones can remain. Before drying, it is desirable to compact such bunches or brooms. Any sheet of plywood or board that is placed on top with a load on such bundles will do. Compacted brooms do not take up much space during storage. Store in a dark and well ventilated area. A week before the planned feeding, brooms are taken out into the street and allowed to collect some moisture on the street. This is to make the leaf on the branches softer and more appetizing for domestic rodents.

In closing

Taking into account the facts, recommendations and warnings described in the article, it is possible to unequivocally decide which tree branches can be given to rabbits. Photos of pets eating juicy foods are presented above. For rabbits to be he althy, you need to carefully monitor the cleanliness of the cages and what the animals eat. Their diet should contain all the necessary vitamins and minerals.