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Your house looks so refreshing with a plethora of who-knows-which plants from all over the world (like mine is!), and suddenly one day you decide to buy a bunny. There comes the moment when you realize that your very own home is quite a battlefield full of dangers and obstacles. That’s why I wanted to investigate a bit and find out about houseplants safe for rabbits. Here’s what I discovered!
The List Of Rabbit-Safe Houseplants
Before I get down to some useful tips and thoughts on the subject, I shall hit the main thing by giving you the list of those rabbit proof plants.
1. Basil
Let’s start with the one us humans also like, because we often use it to flavor pasta or fish dishes. This one is absolutely safe for your bunny to chew on it, as it’s non-toxic at all.
But, do have in mind that not all human-safe plants are harmless for rabbits (or some other pets) as well. When you grow this one at home, it grows about a foot tall, while when planted outside it grows significantly larger, with more leaves.
2. Wheat Grass
To carry on with the list of the “edible” ones, this one is a common ingredient for smoothies and shakes. Many health enthusiasts like to consume this one. Those among them who are bunny parents can be at ease as this bright green plant is also a non-hazardous snack for your furry friend.
3. Catnip
This one with long green stems and leaves that are shaped like triangular and a pastel-colored bloom is also harmless one for furry bundles of joy. In addition to being a safe snack for the bunny, it also works as a mosquito repellent.
4. Jade Plant
This one is ideal for people who are often forgettable when it comes to watering and taking care of plants in general. Being a blooming succulent, it requires a minimum amount of fertilizer and water, and the best part of all- won’t harm your bunny.
This one has thick, barky stems and owners can prune them into various forms and sizes. It sounds similar to growing a bonsai tree. As a matter of fact, a jade plant is a common alternative to bonsai.
5. Orchids
Even though they are harmless, many would agree that it would be an expensive snack to let the bunny chew on it. This gorgeous flower has a long barky stem and that’s where it buds from.
Once they bloom, they can stay in that condition up to several months. You usually plant Orchid in stones, bark or moss so you may find the jumpy furball munch on them.
Even though the list is definitely longer than this, I have picked these five because they are the ones most commonly seen indoors.
Making Your Houseplants Safe For Rabbits
We could even name this one “how to bunny-proof your home” as certain precaution measurements need to be taken. When a rabbit is a new family member, you won’t give up on all the plants you have, that’s for sure. That’s why you need to think of a good way to make them co-exist.
It’s only natural that bunny sees all the plants as food, and with that having said, it’ll most certainly try to eat them. You know how razor-sharp teeth it’s got, so cutting through a leaf, stem or something is a piece of cake for a curious furball. If that happens, there are two consequences:
- Your plant is damaged or even dead.
- Some plants may harm bunnies.
That’s why you need to make a good plan for how to avoid potential harms to each of those two. Generally speaking, the best would be to keep them out of the reach, so that you wouldn’t lure the animal into causing troubles.
Moreover, making a decent distraction is also a good idea. Let’s go through several solutions that might work:
1. Keep the plants out of the reach
The best way to prevent any unintentional issues is to find a safe place to keep plants. So, do not just put them in some corner or whatsoever. You do need to know that it’s not only a plant itself that may be dangerous but the watering tray as well.
It’s usually filled with some liquid that may contain fertilizer, which is definitely harmful to rabbits, and other pets as well.
These jumpy furry friends are very stubborn and extremely resourceful when it comes to getting some food. That’s why you need to double-check all the details, like overhanging branches or falling and overly long leaves.
2. Check on all the plants
As I already mentioned, something that us humans can consume on a regular basis can be toxic for pets. You can divide plants into several groups based on their influence on pets:
- Non-dangerous
- Non-dangerous but can cause them tummy troubles if they consume them too much
- Toxic and deadly
Some of them are more, some less hazardous. But, the best is, if you know that certain plant is not safe for your bunny to remove it completely from your home. As a matter of fact, the best way to do this check-up is prior to rabbit’s arrival.
There is also a group of plants that rabbit won’t eat. I call them rabit resistant plants.
3. Mind the plant pots
It’s a common fact that bunnies like to dig, so even the plant pot is a big no-no for the furry friend. Logic is the same as for watering trays as fertilizer can be found in traces there.
You can make this less attractive by “masking” it discreetly with decorative stones or shells. The other option is to provide some digging alternative that will satisfy the bunny’s natural desire, something like digging box or tunnels.
4. Chewing alternative
The same here as with digging, they will naturally chew anything that looks attractive, let alone plants. Rabbits are curious little animals, so you need to keep them amused by enriching their environment.
You can find wood-based toys such as willow sticks or wicker balls. However, you can opt for some free alternatives as well, as long as you pay attention that they cannot harm the animal.
5. Consider training your bunny
Although it sounds silly, it’s also a way to make the furry one stay away from the plants. The challenge may look almost impossible, and this battle often results in antisocial behavior and aggression, still, you need to put lots of effort in setting the limits. Some deterrents may help you without harming your furry family member.
You can use water mister and a firm „No! “in a combination when you catch the bunny sniffing around the plant. A jar full of coins used as rattle may be used as a signal to indicate undesirable behavior. Have a suitable toy nearby and direct them in that way. As we said, it’s a demanding procedure, but it pays off eventually.
FAQ
1. Where can I find the complete list of poisonous plants for bunnies?
The best is to check the ASPCA toxic plants list where you have an ultimate list of plants that are dangerous for all pets in general.
2. What to do if a rabbit eats a toxic plant?
Never ever wait to see what happens, but take the animal to the vet as soon ass possible. Medicines that work for people are not necessarily safe for pets, therefore only do as professional advises you to.
3. How to tell if a rabbit is poisoned?
If your bunny swallows something and you didn’t notice it, but you see some changes such as changes in appetite, problems with breathing, discharge from nose, gassy and painful abdomen, then you need to take it to the vet ASAP.
4. Is it safe to let the bunny play outside in the garden?
You can do that but only if you are absolutely sure that none of the plants is the hazardous one. You have to double-check it and make sure that the furry friend cannot get in touch with any dangerous plant. Again, pay attention to falling leaves and overhanging branches.
I really hope that my guide was of help on this subject. I know how difficult it can be maintaining a balance between your habits and the ones that your pet has, but it takes lots of compromises to make things work. But it’s worth it.
The list I gave you here is a compilation of the safest plants for your little bunny. As you can see, there are plenty of means you can use to keep the bunny away from plants. In addition to this, you have the most important questions regarding the issue.
All in all, now that you know which houseplants are safe for rabbits, make sure you follow the instructions. Any new member to the family, be it human or animal, brings some changes, but the final goal is to make all of them live in harmony.
Does your bunny like any other plants? How do you keep it away from harmful ones? Share it with us in the comment section below!
