They look cute, but wild rabbits can wreak havoc in your garden. Rabbits do not have an instinct for what plants are safe to eat and which aren't. See more Common Poisonous Plants for Dogs and Cats. Grow geraniums in hanging pots or tall containers. Iris and gladioli: (Iridaceae) All parts of these are toxic, but the bulb is most dangerous as it contains a higher concentration of chemicals. Read the complete listing of the plant to get details regarding which parts to avoid. Both annual (Pelargonium x hortorum) and perennial geranium (Geranium spp. They are utilized for teas, cakes, astrigents and compresses. Geraniums are not poisonous to humans or pets, and they have a variety of uses. Geranium's Toxins. Rabbits Preference for Geraniums Both annual (Pelargonium x hortorum) and perennial geranium (Geranium spp. In fact, your rabbit probably is proof of this because she ate so many of them and died from an … The larger "grandiflora" petunias, many of which are trailing types, offer 5-inch heads of succulent petals. © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. The rabbit's intestinal tract is unable to remove these gases through flatulence. Because rabbits are opportunistic by nature, it's almost impossible to predict which petunia varieties might be more likely to tempt them. However, many things you can grow in the garden are fine to share! So Cal/Vegas/AZ 818.639.2039. It's toxic to humans, too. Julie Christensen is a food writer, caterer, and mom-chef. Fortunately, rabbits are easier to deter than deer simply because of their size. Poison is not an efficient method of control, especially when there is a dumpster full of delicious fare available nearby. If no parts are listed, assume that the whole plant is poisonous and should not be in fed to your rabbit. She's the creator of MarmaladeMom.org, dedicated to family fun and delicious food, and released a book titled "More Than Pot Roast: Fast, Fresh Slow Cooker Recipes. Geraniol is a monoterpenoid and an alcohol.It is the primary component of rose oil, palmarosa oil, and citronella oil.It is a colorless oil, although commercial samples can appear yellow. 5) Both perennial geraniums and Pelargoniums (annual geraniums) are extremely pest resistant. In general, it is good to keep in mind that certain pets may develop allergies, even though a food may be safe overall for an animal species. Some baits that gardeners have used to lure rabbits and groundhogs: carrots (with the tops), lettuce, apples and cantaloupe rinds. Rabbits tend to avoid plants with fragrant or thick, leathery leaves. Resources used were House Rabbit Journal, and The San Diego Turtle and Tortoise Society. Geraniums are harmless to humans. Geraniums are annual, biennial and perennial plants that are also known as the cranesbills. Your rabbit should be eating a diet made up of at least 75% hay. The only slight concern is for slugs, but only on plants that are in too much shade or getting too much water. Most processed foods for humans will not be accepted by a rabbit’s digestive system. Apple is a good example: the seeds are poisonous, but the fruit is perfectly fine for rabbits. One of the simplest ways to deter rabbits from your geraniums is to grow them out of reach. Opt for chicken wire with holes that are less than 1 inch wide and bury the chicken wire at least 3 inches deep under the soil. Unfortunately, they can’t eat them at all. Are geranium flowers ok for rabbits to eat? ... Not all deer and rabbit resistant plants are toxic, but Lenten Rose definitely is. Rabbits eat throughout the day and are happier and healthier when they have a variety of foods to eat. Adverse effects from geraniums are typically mild; individual sensitivity could make the symptoms more severe in some animals. Some of the flowers rabbits should never eat include: Azaleas; Bluebells; Buttercups; Carnations; Chrysanthemums; Daffodils; Foxgloves; Geraniums; Hydrangeas; Irises; Lilies; Poppies; Rhododendrons; Tulips It’s equally poisonous in both forms and must be strictly avoided. The rabbits ate the geraniums down to the ground and I lost quite a few. List of Flowers Poisonous to Rabbits. Repellents might offer some protection for your geraniums, but read the package directions carefully. Northwest US 503.479.8579 My bunny Yohio has nibbled on some but I can’t find any solid info on their appropriateness as rabbit-food. Some are toxic cause they contain poisonous elements, whilst others are not poisonous but cause gases. There are 422 species in the genus and they are found throughout the temperate regions of the world, mostly in the eastern part of Mediterranean region. After a season or two of destruction, you might have more sympathy for Mr. McGregor in Beatrix Potter's classic tale, "Peter Rabbit." There are some flowers that are poisonous to rabbits or that aren’t safe for bunnies to eat. Products That Contain Geraniums Also present in summer. The different geranium groups Geraniums are unbelievably complex and offer a lot of variety in growth form, leaf and flower. The toxicity of the plant is due to chemical linalool and the alcohol geraniol, both prominent presences in geraniums. Although … There are many plants and foods that are toxic to rabbits or extremely unhealthy to the point of where they just shouldn’t be offered. If in doubt - don't let them eat it. Before I get down to some useful tips and thoughts on the subject, I shall hit the mainthing by giving you the list of those plants. The University of Georgia suggests dried blood meal, used cat litter or even human hair as possible repellents against rabbits. Annual geranium has both these qualities. If no parts are listed, assume that the whole plant is poisonous and should not be in reach of your rabbit. There are two types of nightshade, Woody Nightshade – more attractive, small purple flowers and bright red berries, and Deadly Nightshade, red flowers, orange berries. Required fields are marked *. Safe Foods to Feed Rabbits. In 2006, geraniums were voted the herb of the year. Oil of geranium is an essential oil which concentrates the more toxic elements of the plant, so exposure to this substance can be much more dangerous for animals. Your email address will not be published. Not everything growing in a garden is good for your rabbit though, some common plants can be quite dangerous! Not to be confused with the red annual Geraniums (Pelargonium), the foliage on Geraniums have a slight scent that smells nice to us but not to deer and rabbits. It's important to make sure your geraniums are kept far out of your pet’s reach. I used I MUST GARDEN Rabbit Repellent (I have no affiliation with the product) to keep them away. Pet rabbits eat up to 30 times per day, so they need a steady supply of food. Use common sense when it comes to your rabbit's well being; it is better to be safe than sorry. They have long, palmetely cleft leaves that are circular in form. There is less native food available at this time of year, and rabbits prefer tender, young shoots over older plants, which have thicker leaves and tougher stems. Hyacinth: (Hyacinthus orientalis) The bulbs are poisonous to both cats and dogs. While some plants are outright toxic to anyone who eats or comes in contact with the plant (Jimson Weed, nightshade), others … Geraniums are not on their top-favorite list, but they might occasionally eat them. For them they are poisonous and skin-damaging. Rabbits are indiscriminate eaters and will eat vegetables, perennials and annuals. However, animals such as hares, rabbits, guinea pigs and hamsters should not come into contact with these plants. Sun-loving lantana bears flower clusters that look like brightly-colored confetti. The vast majority of ornamental plants that you have at home are toxic for rabbits. Rabbits are most likely to eat your plants in the early spring. If you let your rabbit out in your garden, chances are it will try a nibble at most things it can get its teeth on so when in doubt protect your plants with fencing or confine your rabbit to a safe area. If that fails, try Havahart cage traps to capture marauding pests. Attention poisonous! Poisonous plants and your rabbit. Unfortunately, they can’t eat them at all. As seen, the answer to “are geraniums toxic to dogs and cats” is that they are, but luckily only mildly, so best to keep the plant out of reach to prevent problems. Central/East US 512.730.0130. ASPCA’s Toxic Plant List Wisconsin House Rabbit Society’s poisonous plant list ; It is difficult to create a list of poisonous plants. According to the ASPCA, geraniums are fully and totally toxic in dogs and cats. It is in the late fall, winter, and spring that rabbits cause the most damage in my garden. Nor Cal/UT/CO 916.899.1515. Deer , rabbits, and other furry pests leave them alone completely. When food is scarce or rabbit populations run high, rabbits, like deer, will eat almost anything, including your prized geraniums. Rats will choose the dumpster over bait every time. You can make a chicken wire enclosure around plants to keep rabbits out. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Two substances in geraniums -- geraniol and linalool -- are toxic to dogs, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. ", How to Protect Hostas From Rabbits & Deer, Iowa State University Extension: Susceptibility of Plants to Rabbit Damage, Colorado State University Extension: Rabbit/Ground Squirrel/ Deer Resistant Plants, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension: Discouraging Rabbits in the Garden, How to Keep Rabbits Away From Strawberries. The ASPCA says geraniums are fully and totally toxic in all dogs, not to mention cats, too. Acokanthera (Acokanthera)-fruit, flowers very poisonous The flowers have five petals and are coloured white, pink, purple or blue, often with distinctive veining. I find the most contradicting info, ranging from VERY poinsonous, one leaf can kill to absolutely harmless. Hardy Geranium. A red-tailed hawk took care of my rabbit problem, so I had blooms all summer. Rabbits do not have the same dietary requirements as most other domesticated animals, so we need to be aware of what they can and can’t eat. Also toxic and not to be fed to rabbits are arum, bryony and hemlock. A-The common geranium plants in most homes are not toxic. Lantana. Unfortunately, lists of rabbit-repellent plants can't take into account the individual circumstances in your garden. Above all, we need to know which foods are poisonous to rabbits. Geraniums are poisonous to rabbits and will harm them if they are eaten. Clinical signs of ingestion or exposure are vomiting, anorexia, depression, and dermatitis. Rabbits are less likely to jump into raised beds than gardens at ground level. within 12 hours; it isn’t clear if it affects cats, but better to stay away. Plastic cloches offer protection from rabbits and also shield small geranium plants from late spring chills. ), also known as cranesbill, are listed as rabbit resistant by the Iowa State University Extension website. Both are toxic but the second more so. Your email address will not be published. In some areas, you can legally trap or hunt rabbits, but check with your department of fish and game first. So can rabbits eat Geraniums at all? As to nuts, the ASPCA especially lists macadamia nuts as not good for dogs, as it can cause weakness, tremors, vomiting, hyperthermia, etc. Geraniums are poisonous to rabbits and will harm them if they are eaten. Are geranium flowers ok for rabbits to eat? Since the plants are 100 percent toxic in dogs, it's important to … This is great, grazing on grass is good for your rabbit's digestive system and to keep their teeth in check. Rabbits should never be fed avocado, fruit pips, or rhubarb. Sometimes, just adding a dog to your family is enough to encourage rabbits to move elsewhere. Assume all houseplants are likely toxic, so keep them out of reach of your bunny. Rabbits don't know what is bad for them. Many repellents are labeled for deer, but are ineffective against rabbits, according to the Colorado State University Extension. Here are some examples of toxic plants to avoid. Rabbits have strong tastebuds and will try anything even if it's poisonous - it's up to you to protect them! Lettuce is bad. Geranium: (Pelargonium spp) All parts of geraniums are poisonous to both dogs and cats. Unfortunately hemlock is easily confused with cow parsley, which rabbits enjoy very much. Rabbits love to gaze on a juicy patch of grass while they're absentmindedly wandering around. 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