Is it possible to give dandelion to rabbits, in what form, and in what quantities

Rabbits can get dandelion as soon as green grass appears. According to experienced rabbit breeders, the bright leaves, flowers and stems of the plant must be introduced into the diet of animals, as they have useful properties. Although there is another argument. Some believe that this plant is harmful to rabbits.

Can rabbits have dandelions?

There are different rabbits: ordinary, thoroughbred and decorative. Beginning rabbit breeders are interested in the rules for feeding animals, in particular, what kind of greens and in what quantities can be given to animals at different times of life.

It should be noted that dandelion for all these pets is considered the best food. The fact is that greens appear very early and are an excellent vitamin help after winter vitamin starvation. Only give grass and flowers carefully, in small portions, so as not to harm the animals.

Ordinary and thoroughbred

There are different breeds of rabbits. You can give dandelions to both ordinary and thoroughbred rabbits.

Dandelion is an amazing plant, each part of which can be called a storehouse of useful qualities:

• calcium, iron and phosphorus;
• vitamins A, B2, B4, C, E;
• terpenoids, glycosides and carotenoids.

Thanks to these substances, young animals grow faster, and adults do not get sick.

As already noted, the leaves, flowers, stems and roots of the plant are useful. But the stems and leaves are considered the most nutritious. Dandelions are given to ordinary and thoroughbred rabbits from the moment the greenery appears. At this time, the females have cubs, they need a large amount of milk. It is this flower that promotes lactation. Leaves or stems can be given to small animals when they are 3 weeks old.

Rabbits, ordinary and thoroughbred, are given first 1-2 leaves or flowers. After the animals have adapted to the new food and there are no consequences, the amount of food can be gradually increased.

decorative

Ordinary and thoroughbred rabbits are grown in private farmsteads or on farms. But many people like exotic or decorative animals that are kept at home in cages. For these small animals, greens, flowers and dandelion roots are also a necessary part of the diet, because they differ in size and color from ordinary and thoroughbred rabbits.

The only condition is to choose the right amount of food. The fact is that the excess of this greenery can adversely affect the health of decorative rabbits:

1. The animals stop growing.
2. Urinary retention is possible, which can cause cystitis.

Feeding rules

Dandelion is not only fodder, but also medicinal wild crop. That is why you need to know the features of feeding, at what time and in what quantities greens are given.

Feeding features:

1. In spring and summer, dandelions are given to rabbits 3 times a day: at 6 o’clock in the morning, at 3 o’clock in the afternoon and at 7 o’clock in the evening. As for the norm, in the morning they give half the daily portion, then the third part, and in the evening the remaining norm.
2. In winter, rabbits are fed at 8, 12, 17 hours with dried dandelion grass. Norms of feeding do not change.

Can rabbits eat dandelion flowers?

Dandelions bloom for a very long time. There are 2 phases of flowers – yellow and white – when parachute achenes are formed. For feeding use baskets with bright yellow petals. They are very useful for rabbits, but produce flowers in a limited way. Indeed, at the place of separation, a liquid similar to milk appears. It tastes bitter, so not all animals like it.

For feed choose baskets that have just blossomed. During harvesting, you need to be careful not to shake off the pollen, it is in it that the beneficial properties are stored. Pollen contains calcium and mineral salts, which have a beneficial effect on the formation of teeth.

Dandelion flowers can and should be given to rabbits at all stages of life. Adult animals will need 100 g of inflorescences per day.

Can rabbits eat dandelion root?

Dandelion roots are excellent food. They contribute:

• increased appetite;
• digestion normalization;
• prevention of coccidiosis;
• saturation of the body of rabbits with glycosides, carotenoids and terpenoids.

Dandelion roots have a choleretic property, increase the amount of milk in lactating females, especially since rabbits chew dandelions with pleasure.

Can rabbits eat dandelion leaves and stems?

Green mass should make up the majority of the diet from spring to autumn. Dandelions begin to grow before other grasses, which means they are the main focus. The leaves and stems of the plant are very popular with animals, they eat them with great appetite. These parts of dandelion are given separately or added to the general mixture, after chopping them.

Leaves and stems should be given to animals, as they contain substances that stimulate the activity of the kidneys and liver, therefore, they quickly remove toxic substances from the body. Adults are given up to 800 g of green dandelion food per day.

Features of feeding

Rabbits are happy to eat dandelions at any time of the year. This plant can feed the animals no more than 3 times a day. But we must remember that these plants should not be more than 30% of the total daily diet.

One adult animal is enough for a day of one plant with a root or 800 g (leaves, stems, flowers and root). As for the flowers, then no more than 100 g per day. The norm of feeding young animals in accordance with age.

Dandelions should be fed to rabbits, but the norm should not be exceeded. A large amount of this herb can provoke the occurrence of cystitis. Therefore, experienced rabbit breeders recommend combining several types of herbs:

• with plantain and wormwood to enhance antiparasitic action;
• with tansy to increase lactation and improve bowel function;
• with oyster and wheatgrass;
• with carrot and cabbage leaves;
• with hay;
• with potato-bran mash.

Feeding rabbits green grass is not only healthy, but also cost-effective, as there is no need to pay for this supplement in the diet.

With adults, everything is clear. Now you need to figure out how to feed rabbits with dandelions:

1. Green top dressing begins to be given on the 21st day from birth.
2. You need to introduce greens carefully, in small portions. The first complementary foods should not exceed 100 g per day.
3. The rabbits are fed with dandelions 3 times a day, like adult rabbits.

How to give dandelions to rabbits

Plucked dandelions are not recommended to be given immediately. Plants are specially prepared. To get rid of the earth and excessive bitterness, dandelions are dipped in hot water and washed well. After that, they are laid out in the shade so that the future food is completely dry. When all the moisture has evaporated, and the leaves, stems, roots and flowers have dried up a little, you can feed them to rabbits.

Beginning rabbit breeders, seeing that the urine becomes reddish after feeding the plants, get scared. There is nothing wrong with such a change, this is normal.

How to prepare and store dandelions for rabbits

Harvesting green mass for food for rabbits should be done in ecologically clean areas: far from the highway and the railway, factories and factories. This is an important condition, since dandelions quickly accumulate harmful substances, and the concentration can be dangerous for animals. The ideal option would be grass from your own garden.

Many rabbit breeders specifically leave these plants in a certain area so that they are always at hand. This is the ideal option.

In the summer, if conditions permit, they put up special fences and arrange free range for animals. Rabbits themselves eat dandelions and other plants. But before you let the animals into the fence, you need to make sure that there are no grasses that are poisonous and harmful to rabbits on the site. When there are no plants left, the paddock is transferred to a new place.

Caged rabbits are fed fresh dandelions daily. Plants are cut in the daytime in dry weather, then washed, dried and dried. Rabbit breeders with experience prepare green mass in the evening.

Dandelions are harvested for the winter from May to September. Dried greens should not have mold, otherwise the rabbits may die. When preparing food, the following rules must be observed:

1. For drying, pluck plants with barely blossoming yellow baskets.
2. Raw materials are harvested in clean places.
3. The grass is washed and dried, then laid out in a well-ventilated area without light for drying.
4. To prevent the grass from becoming moldy, it must be stirred so that the drying takes place evenly.
5. For storage choose a cool place with good air circulation.

If the amount of prepared food is small, you can put it in a cloth bag. Plastic bags are not suitable for this, as dandelions in them will warm and become moldy.

Conclusion

Rabbits can have dandelion, which is now known for sure. This is an important help in the diet of animals, rich in vitamins and nutrients. But the benefits of dandelion can only be if you follow the rules for harvesting, storage, and also adhere to the dosage for rabbits of different ages.