", 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. Some are toxic cause they contain poisonous elements, whilst others are not poisonous but cause gases. The rabbit's intestinal tract is unable to remove these gases through flatulence. So Cal/Vegas/AZ 818.639.2039. Geraniums are not on their top-favorite list, but they might occasionally eat them. After a season or two of destruction, you might have more sympathy for Mr. McGregor in Beatrix Potter's classic tale, "Peter Rabbit." Two substances in geraniums -- geraniol and linalool -- are toxic to dogs, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. However, animals such as hares, rabbits, guinea pigs and hamsters should not come into contact with these plants. The toxicity of the plant is due to chemical linalool and the alcohol geraniol, both prominent presences in geraniums. Rabbits should never be fed avocado, fruit pips, or rhubarb. Iris and gladioli: (Iridaceae) All parts of these are toxic, but the bulb is most dangerous as it contains a higher concentration of chemicals. Resources used were House Rabbit Journal, and The San Diego Turtle and Tortoise Society. Rabbits are less likely to jump into raised beds than gardens at ground level. According to the ASPCA, geraniums are fully and totally toxic in dogs and cats. 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. 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. Rabbits don't know what is bad for them. Rabbits tend to avoid plants with fragrant or thick, leathery leaves. Adverse effects from geraniums are typically mild; individual sensitivity could make the symptoms more severe in some animals. Rabbits Preference for Geraniums Both annual (Pelargonium x hortorum) and perennial geranium (Geranium spp. Both annual (Pelargonium x hortorum) and perennial geranium (Geranium spp. Poisonous plants and your rabbit. Your email address will not be published. There are two types of nightshade, Woody Nightshade – more attractive, small purple flowers and bright red berries, and Deadly Nightshade, red flowers, orange berries. 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. Rabbits have strong tastebuds and will try anything even if it's poisonous - it's up to you to protect them! Clinical signs of ingestion or exposure are vomiting, anorexia, depression, and dermatitis. Products That Contain Geraniums Geraniums are not poisonous to humans or pets, and they have a variety of uses. Julie Christensen is a food writer, caterer, and mom-chef. ... Not all deer and rabbit resistant plants are toxic, but Lenten Rose definitely is. Geraniums are poisonous to rabbits and will harm them if they are eaten. Not everything growing in a garden is good for your rabbit though, some common plants can be quite dangerous! A red-tailed hawk took care of my rabbit problem, so I had blooms all summer. ), also known as cranesbill, are listed as rabbit resistant by the Iowa State University Extension website. 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. Rabbits love to gaze on a juicy patch of grass while they're absentmindedly wandering around. You can make a chicken wire enclosure around plants to keep rabbits out. Hardy Geranium. This is great, grazing on grass is good for your rabbit's digestive system and to keep their teeth in check. The ASPCA says geraniums are fully and totally toxic in all dogs, not to mention cats, too. Grow geraniums in hanging pots or tall containers. Unfortunately, they can’t eat them at all. 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. Deer , rabbits, and other furry pests leave them alone completely. If in doubt - don't let them eat it. Also toxic and not to be fed to rabbits are arum, bryony and hemlock. It’s equally poisonous in both forms and must be strictly avoided. Are geranium flowers ok for rabbits to eat? The flowers have five petals and are coloured white, pink, purple or blue, often with distinctive veining. Fortunately, rabbits are easier to deter than deer simply because of their size. There are some flowers that are poisonous to rabbits or that aren’t safe for bunnies to eat. The University of Georgia suggests dried blood meal, used cat litter or even human hair as possible repellents against rabbits. It is in the late fall, winter, and spring that rabbits cause the most damage in my garden. Northwest US 503.479.8579 Read the complete listing of the plant to get details regarding which parts to avoid. Lantana. 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. Rabbits are most likely to eat your plants in the early spring. My bunny Yohio has nibbled on some but I can’t find any solid info on their appropriateness as rabbit-food. The vast majority of ornamental plants that you have at home are toxic for rabbits. They are utilized for teas, cakes, astrigents and compresses. Your rabbit should be eating a diet made up of at least 75% hay. If no parts are listed, assume that the whole plant is poisonous and should not be in reach of your rabbit. Unfortunately, lists of rabbit-repellent plants can't take into account the individual circumstances in your garden. When food is scarce or rabbit populations run high, rabbits, like deer, will eat almost anything, including your prized geraniums. Some of the flowers rabbits should never eat include: Azaleas; Bluebells; Buttercups; Carnations; Chrysanthemums; Daffodils; Foxgloves; Geraniums; Hydrangeas; Irises; Lilies; Poppies; Rhododendrons; Tulips Although … Use common sense when it comes to your rabbit's well being; it is better to be safe than sorry. Acokanthera (Acokanthera)-fruit, flowers very poisonous Safe Foods to Feed Rabbits. Required fields are marked *. Unfortunately hemlock is easily confused with cow parsley, which rabbits enjoy very much. 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. I find the most contradicting info, ranging from VERY poinsonous, one leaf can kill to absolutely harmless. Geraniums are harmless to humans. The rabbits ate the geraniums down to the ground and I lost quite a few. Because rabbits are opportunistic by nature, it's almost impossible to predict which petunia varieties might be more likely to tempt them. 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. Sometimes, just adding a dog to your family is enough to encourage rabbits to move elsewhere. Apple is a good example: the seeds are poisonous, but the fruit is perfectly fine for rabbits. In fact, your rabbit probably is proof of this because she ate so many of them and died from an … Rabbits eat throughout the day and are happier and healthier when they have a variety of foods to eat. Assume all houseplants are likely toxic, so keep them out of reach of your bunny. Are geranium flowers ok for rabbits to eat? 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. Most processed foods for humans will not be accepted by a rabbit’s digestive system. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. In some areas, you can legally trap or hunt rabbits, but check with your department of fish and game first. Rabbits are indiscriminate eaters and will eat vegetables, perennials and annuals. Repellents might offer some protection for your geraniums, but read the package directions carefully. Rabbits do not have an instinct for what plants are safe to eat and which aren't. So can rabbits eat Geraniums at all? If no parts are listed, assume that the whole plant is poisonous and should not be in fed to your rabbit. Also present in summer. Above all, we need to know which foods are poisonous to rabbits. A-The common geranium plants in most homes are not toxic. Both are toxic but the second more so. Since the plants are 100 percent toxic in dogs, it's important to … However, many things you can grow in the garden are fine to share! 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. In 2006, geraniums were voted the herb of the year. They have long, palmetely cleft leaves that are circular in form. The larger "grandiflora" petunias, many of which are trailing types, offer 5-inch heads of succulent petals. Nor Cal/UT/CO 916.899.1515. If that fails, try Havahart cage traps to capture marauding pests. 5) Both perennial geraniums and Pelargoniums (annual geraniums) are extremely pest resistant. Geranium: (Pelargonium spp) All parts of geraniums are poisonous to both dogs and cats. I used I MUST GARDEN Rabbit Repellent (I have no affiliation with the product) to keep them away. See more Common Poisonous Plants for Dogs and Cats. The different geranium groups Geraniums are unbelievably complex and offer a lot of variety in growth form, leaf and flower.