Tree branches act as an additional feed, the main function of which is the regulation of digestion. What tree branches can rabbits be given without fear for their life and health? This issue causes a lot of controversy in various forums. Branches are most often used as top dressing in rabbit breeding, and its use is obvious. As a result, everyone wins: eared pets and farmers. Some secrets of using this method when feeding rabbits, the benefits and harms will be discussed in this article.
Economic benefits and not only when using tree branches
Trace elements and vitamins contained in tree branches support the pet's body at the proper level. The branches of aspen and willow are a natural antiseptic that not only disinfects the body from pathogenic bacteria, but also is a preventive measure against diseases that threaten rabbits.
Incisors of domestic rodents cause them some discomfort. Due to the need to grind them from time to time, rabbits begin to gnaw at everything wooden. Then everything goes in a row from the cage on the farm to the chic furniture in the apartment. The very nature of the use of branches laid these funny animals. There is a regulation of digestion, there is an improvement in mood and overall tone.
Experienced rabbit breeders make full use of this feature to reduce the cost of maintenance. This type of solid feed solves two problems at once: saving on feed (grain) and recycling branches on a personal plot after trimming bushes and trees. Answering the question which tree branches can be given to rabbits, it is necessary to conditionally divide the answer into three categories: safe, recommended, but in a limited number and dangerous. A discussion of all these three categories will go below.
Safe plants for rabbits
Rabbits are relatively unpretentious animals and willingly eat twigs of almost any tree species and shrubs. The branches of gooseberries, currants, blueberries, hawthorn and raspberries are the main delicacy. Its eared can absorb in almost large quantities, but only without berries. Winter and early spring are a relatively difficult period. The body of animals urgently needs replenishment of vitamins and minerals, which are so necessary for growth and development.
Which tree branches can be given to rabbits in winter? At this time, apple, maple, acacia are excellent for feeding. They are found everywhere, therefore, problems with searches and procurement should not arise. Ash and hazel rods can be added to the list. They can be fed to pets, almost without limitation. But the variety and the right selection with a thoughtful combination of feeds is a guarantee of the right balanced nutrition, necessary at any time of the year.
Useful properties and proper dosage of some plants when feeding
On the one hand, summer is a wonderful time. There are no problems with feeding, and a wide selection of different plants gives many options for ensuring an optimal fluffy diet. But this is only at first glance. The risks of various diseases are increasing: from diarrhea to worms. In this regard, it is necessary to highlight such a moment: what tree branches can be given to rabbits in the summer? In this case, it all depends on the situation. Next, a small list of plants recommended for use in treatment and prevention in a metered amount will be given.
Here fall branches of mountain ash, chestnut, mulberry. Carefully use a birch with a colossal diuretic effect. It is used infrequently, in small proportions, to cure kidney disease. If these rules are not followed, then it is likely that rabbits can die from dehydration. An abundance of feed can lead to indigestion. As a preventive measure, oak, alder and maple branches act. After eating for several days, they are recommended to be mixed with other breeds. Walnut - kills parasites. Coniferous branches are also useful on the farm. The needles themselves are a wonderful antiseptic and, moreover, it is rich in volatile and essential oils.
What plants should be wary of?
Lilac, wolf bast fall into this category. These plants are so toxic that they will be fatal. Elderberry and Ledum are added to the list. All of the above is deadly poison.
What tree branches can be given to rabbits? Opinions were divided about stone fruits. The bones are definitely poisonous, due to the presence of hydrocyanic acid in them . Although in general, you can include cherries, cherries, peaches in the diet, but with the caveat that they should be consumed, pets should be in small doses. There is another point when feeding rabbits with food: the correct dosage is required. If pets are kept in a cage by a large, friendly squad, then there is always a chance that there will be a horsewoman who can independently, for three, eat a treat, so this must be taken into account when distributing.
A few words about decorative rabbits
Such wonderful creatures become full members of the family. Which tree branches can be given to decorative rabbits? The same complementary foods are suitable for them as for ordinary breeds. Branches are an excellent tool for grinding rabbit teeth. By giving them to your pets, you protect the furniture in your home. The only thing in which opinions are divided is from what period they must be accustomed to this type of feed. It is recommended from about 6 months, but sometimes there are cases that from 4 months they begin to bite the branches stubbornly. It is up to each owner to decide which tree branches can be given to rabbits, but it is advisable not to risk it again.
Some points about harvesting branches for the winter
Harvesting takes place in the summer. This is the end of June and until about 10 -12 of July. Preferably small branches are collected - large ones can remain. Before drying, it is advisable to compact such bunches or brooms. Any sheet of plywood or board that fits on top with a load on such bunches will do. The condensed brooms will not take up much space during storage. Store in a dark and well-ventilated area. A week before the planned feeding, the brooms are taken out onto the street and given some moisture on the street. This is so that the leaf on the branches becomes softer and more palatable for domestic rodents.
Finally
Taking into account the facts, recommendations and warnings described in the article, we can unequivocally solve the question of which tree branches can be given to rabbits. Photos of pets eating juicy complementary foods are presented above. To keep the rabbits healthy, you need to carefully monitor the purity of the cells and what the animals eat. Their diet should contain all the necessary vitamins and minerals.