Florida twigs and leaves

[Davies]

Hi. I know giving Evie twigs and leaves from outdoors would be a good part of her diet, but all the lists I’ve seen do not specify certain species we have here in Florida. Lists that I have seen show maple (specifically silver and sugar). We don’t have sugar and silver maples in Florida, we have red maples. Are they safe to feed her? Also, one of the most prevalent species here is Elderberries. While the berries are tart, birds like them, but I’m more interested in the leaves and twigs. Does anyone know if these are safe for my bun? I’ve also seen citrus twigs and leaves on both safe and unsafe lists? Which is it? Any help would be appreciated. Evie loves her produce, but I’d like to add some wild foods to it. Thanks!

[Beau Bunny]

Hi fellow Floridian and Bun parent!

I was about to create a post regarding this. Unfortunately there isn’t really a solid resource out there on edible wilds for bunnies, so I start with human safe greens to forage because according to the house rabbit society website: if it’s safe for humans it’s safe for buns.

Here is what I have so far that is safe:

Crespis Japonica: Seasonal potherb also known as Hawksbeard, False Hawsbeard, or Youngia.

Stachys floridana: know as Florida Betony or rattlesnake root. Closely related to Stachys affinis which is considered a delicacy and sells for $150 a pound!

Daucus Carota & Pusillus: Edible Wild Carrots or Queen Anne’s lace

One thing that is edible for humans but not buns is Oxalis, which can be confused with clover. Also known as sorrel. It is too high in oxalic acid.

I don’t think any maple wood is toxic to rabbits to chew, put I’ve never heard of anyone feeding rabbits tree leaves because it’s not a food the would normally forage.

Elder flower leaves and stems to me would be toxic as they are far too high in alkaloids…but there seems to be conflicting information online. Because many fruit bearing shrubs and trees have toxic aspects, I would just avoid completely.

One of the most cost effective and enjoyable things is to start your own garden. Even growing herbs in pots is a great way to give your bunny (and you!) access to yummy things to nibble. When I weed my I make sure to save any edibles to supplement his hay.

Please share anyother wild bun safe edibles you are able to find!

[DanaNM]

Hi Beau Bunny! Since this is a very old thread it would be best to start a new thread. But since the info is already here, I will add that the rescue I volunteer at says citrus twigs are safe. Loquat twigs are also safe (a tropical fruit tree you might have in Florida?). Common edible weeds are narrow and broad leaf plantain, mallow, sow thistle, dandelion, fennel, and blackberry (in smallish amounts, has some astringent properties).

Going to close this thread for now, but feel free to start a new one to keep the convo going.

. . . The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.  

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