A garden of woe...

[ian_g]

Hi all,

We have two Lop-eared Rabbits (not entirely sure of exact species) in our garden. They are owned by my partner's daughter and are adorable little things, Timmy and Milo are their names

Anyway, Timmy and Milo get on, as long as there is some form of barrier between them, otherwise Timmy sexually terrorises Milo and frequently gives him a good hiding too, which isn't good to watch. Since all this commotion, Milo now has his own hutch along with a stainless steel Rabbit run which he's more than happy about. Timmy also had the same but became disturbed that he couldn't be near Milo and started to freak out somewhat.

With this in mind, we decided it would be easier to let Timmy have the run of the garden and he's much happier now, it's almost as though he were a dog at times... he hops up to greet you in the morning, sits on your lap to be stroked, nudges your leg with his nose when you stop stroking him, that kind of thing

Anyway, since having the run of the garden, Timmy has eaten virtually everything in sight (the only thing that hasn't seemed to suit his palate is Hydrangea!) What species of plant do Rabbits not like or is it just a case of fighting a losing battle?

Ian G

[May]

From my experience Rabbits will have a taste of pretty much everything but there are many plants which are poisonous to them. The hydrangea is one of those ..

We have a house Rabbit, her name is Miss Grace and we have no choice put to put her in a run as if she'll eat the carpet, the flowers will be no problem

Here's the list anyway .. http://www.ukcompanion.rabbits.org.uk/plants.html

[ian_g]

Blimey, that's quite a list there! It's slightly worrying though for some plants are named poisonous, others potentially deadly. I'd hate to be in a position where we planted something that killed them

Am I right in assuming that a Rabbit can 'sniff out' whether the said plant is poisonous or is it a case of having a harmless nibble to find that the plant is potentially dangerous?

I know very little about Rabbits (apart from that they are very endearing) so I don't want to be in a position where I'm having to dig a small grave

Ian G

[Marvin Africa]

I would not allow a domestic Rabbit to roam free-range in a garden. I would be more concerned about cats, Stoats, Weasels etc than the Rabbits diet.

Is your garden secure Ian? Some Rabbits like to dig their way out and this is why you often see frantic middle aged people running down the street with an empty laundry basket raking through all the undergrowth!

[May]

The list is daunting isn't it .. it's also such a worry, this is why we keep Gracie away from the flowers .. but then we're just starting our garden so we can choose what goes in.

I don't know about the sniff and see method I'm afraid .. Gracie just goes for the grass and the dandelions and we chase her away from the flowers when she does get too close.

The only safe way is to make an area just for Timmy where he can run about with lots of flowers or herbs he is allowed to eat safely. Though I don't know how the contain a Rabbit as they will easily jump over things without hesitation once they know they're not allowed to do so.
Could you fence off an area (I don't know how big your garden is) that he can't get through or over, with a safe area to hide and fill it with a lovely bunny buffet? Grace loves to eat herbs from a pot!

[ian_g]

LOL Marvin!

Yes, the garden is secure.

Timmy doesn't dig particularly, except when wanting to eat grass roots. He can jump a fair old height but he just wouldn't leave Milo's side (seriously!) Next-door have a cat but it just isn't interested in them for they are around the same size as it! I actually think the cat would come worse off if it were to confront them.

I can't believe that at 38 years old I've started a thread about pet Rabbits!! Maybe I should put the laundry basket over my head, just in case anyone recognises me

Ian G

[May]

You're never too old to start a pet Rabbit thread!

Our cat is terrified of Gracie!

Do you have a picture of Milo and Timmy?

[ian_g]

No, but I shall sort one

Milo is very wary of everything whereas Timmy would welcome a career as a Rabbit model

Ian G

[May]

Hehe .. I look forward to seeing pictures!

[Alan]

Originally Posted by Marvin Africa

Some Rabbits like to dig their way out and this is why you often see frantic middle aged people running down the street with an empty laundry basket raking through all the undergrowth!

So it's not just me that does this then! and I haven't a Rabbit

[May]

Heh .. that conjures up quite a picture!