Willow tree question

[kralspace]

I recently got some of the willow balls and treats from Binky Bunny and my 4 went stark crazy! I even got the bag of dried leaves and small twigs and they will run back to the condo when they hear that bag rattle because they know it’s their bedtime treat.

I will still buy the balls and other willow toys (especially after reading the recent posts about injuries caused by some of the other brands), but I was wondering if anyone knew what type of willow is safe? I was planning to plant a couple of trees in the back yard this winter and now with the buns I thought I could plant the kind that they can use, I’ve heard they can chew dried apple sticks.

I found this on rabbit.org:

[Scarlet_Rose]

Hi Kathy!  I would avoid white willow because of its asprin content.  From this source Safewoods, it says that the weeping and bush/reed varieties used for baskets and chewable animal toys. As for the specific variety, you might want to ask someone at your local greenhouse.  They can also be tough to grow in certain areas, so be sure you have just the right spot for them. 

[BinkyBunny]

Thanks Scarlet! If you do grow a weeping willow just be ready to prune prune prune! Also, avoid pesticides.

The bag of willow leaves and brances, along with our window bundles (all out of stock due to season) are from Weeping Willow Trees. I have to check with Busy Bunny to find out the exact variety that their products originate from . So I’ll be back with their answer.

[kralspace]

Thanks to much for checking, both of you! I was considering a weeping willow even before I got the bunnies and they will grow well here. They really loved the bag of dried leaves almost as much as the willow balls.

Apple trees won’t produce much fruit down here I’ve been told, but I may get one just for the branches and see how it does.

thanks for the warning about the other willow.

[Scarlet_Rose]

You’re welcome! Hopefully Busy Bunny will get back to us through BB so we can find out what exact variety it is.

[kralspace]

thanks for the info, with the unusual 70 defree weather here today it makes you want to go outside and plant something!

[BinkyBunny]

update. So Busy Bunny did write back and they said they weren’t exactly sure of the name of tree, but would try to get more information and get back to me. One thing I do know is Busy Bunny is extremely careful products because the owners themselves love bunnies and help so much with rescue organizations. They really are careful, and won’t sell things they know are unsafe.

I’ll keep you updated with what I get back from them.

[Scarlet_Rose]

Cool!

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