Doesn’t Celery Need To Be Cut?

[GrammyB]

I have been cutting celery into about 1 in. pieces. I heard, somewhere, that the strings can get wound up in their gut & cause trouble.

People at our shelter will put a whole stock in the cage. Which is best? Does it even matter? 

[Beka27]

evry reputable source i’ve seen says it has to be cut into 1 inch pieces.

[Lisa_43]

My bunnies love celery, I have always cut mine into small pieces just incase those long threads get caught in their little throats.

[Scarlet_Rose]

Hi grammyb, they definately need to be cut into pieces, the strings can bind up in the stomach and get stuck in between thier teeth. I would ask that your volunteers that mean well, to please cut them up.

[GrammyB]

Thanks you guys. I thought so. At least I’m doing the right thing.

What would help is if I had it in writing. Where did you find it? I’ve looked on BB & HRS, but nothing.
I’m new to volunteering, 7 weeks, I come in pointing out things I see that are wrong. It doesn’t go over well with people that have years more bunny experience than I do. I’ve only been at this, research, for 9 mo. & had rabbits for 7mo. I have learned so much from this site & reading everything I can get my hands on.

Could BB add this info to the safe veggie list. Celery (cut into 1 in. pieces)

Also, shouldn’t there be a note by carrots too, that they need to be limited like a fruit?

[osprey]

From Dana Krempel’s article about rabbit diet:

Fresh, moist greens are about as important as hay in maintaining a healthy intestine. Try broccoli, dark leaf lettuces, kale, parsley, carrots (with tops!), endive, escarole, dill, basil, mint, cilantro, cilantro, spinach, tomato, celery (cut up into 1″ pieces, to avoid problems with the tough strings getting stuck on the molars!). Almost any green, leafy vegetable that’s good for you (including fresh-grown garden herbs such as tarragon and various mints, with the exception of Pennyroyal) are good for a rabbit. Experiment and see which types your rabbit likes best! Rabbits love fresh, fragrant herbs fresh from the garden.

From Brably Hedge’s rabbit care packet:

Celery (leaves are good) – cut celery into small pieces to prevent choking on strings

From carrotcafe:

Celery and rhubarb stalks contain strings that should be removed before feeding. Alternatively, cut the stalks into small pieces.

 

[GrammyB]

Thanks osprey, good info.

[Scarlet_Rose]

My local HRS has a care info sheet here that says it specifically: http://www.coloradohrs.com/articles/diet_veggies_generic.asp

Here is another link to where it specifically says small pieces:

http://www.adoptarabbit.org/articles/packet/abcvegi.html

 

Osprey I always chuckle when I see the heart next to Dana Krempels.  She’s my heroine too.

[GrammyB]

Thank you Scarlet Rose,
Your HRS has a very good list.

[MooBunnay]

I know that sometimes it is difficult when you are new to point out things that are wrong, something I do is rather than approach it by telling them it is wrong, I ask a question like “I read in my rabbit chat forums online that celery should be cut up – to prevent strings from getting stuck in their molars – have you heard that before?” That way, it gives them an opportunity to share with you if they have some information, or reason behind what they are doing.

[Scarlet_Rose]

You’re welcome grammyb! Thanks, I’ll be sure to let them know!

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

Good luck passing the info on!

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