What plants are bad for rabbits?
It's important to note that the following list is not exhaustive, but it does include several plants that are toxic to rabbits. Always conduct thorough research and consult with a veterinarian if you're unsure about a specific plant.Here's a list of some poisonous plants for rabbits:
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Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea)
- Contains cardiac glycosides which can affect the heart.
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Rhubarb (Rheum rhabarbarum)
- High levels of oxalic acid, especially in the leaves.
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Oleander (Nerium oleander)
- All parts are toxic and can cause heart failure and death.
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Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis)
- Contains toxins that can affect the heart.
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Hemlock (Conium maculatum)
- All parts, especially seeds, contain neurotoxins.
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Yew (Taxus spp.)
- Contains taxine alkaloids which can lead to sudden death.
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Laburnum (Laburnum anagyroides)
- Seeds and other parts contain a toxin called cytisine.
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Tulip (Tulipa spp.)
- Bulbs are particularly toxic.
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Daffodil (Narcissus spp.)
- Bulbs contain lycorine which causes digestive upset.
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Nightshade (Atropa belladonna)
- Contains atropine which affects the nervous system.
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Azalea (Rhododendron spp.)
- Contains grayanotoxins which affect the heart and nervous system.
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Buttercup (Ranunculus spp.)
- Contains ranunculin, which breaks down into protoanemonin when the plant is chewed or crushed.
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Autumn Crocus (Colchicum autumnale)
- Contains colchicine which affects cell division and can cause multi-organ failure.
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Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla)
- Contains cyanogenic glycosides which release cyanide when ingested.
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Philodendron (Philodendron spp.)
- Contains calcium oxalate crystals which cause irritation to the mouth and digestive tract.
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Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima)
- Causes irritation to the mouth and stomach.
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Ivy (Hedera spp.)
- Contains triterpenoid saponins which cause digestive upset.
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Poppy (Papaver spp.)
- Contains a variety of alkaloids, depending on the species.
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Oak (Quercus spp.)
- Acorns and young leaves contain tannins which can cause kidney damage.
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Castor Bean (Ricinus communis)
- Seeds contain ricin, which is extremely toxic.
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Mistletoe (Viscum album)
- Contains viscotoxin and can cause digestive and respiratory problems.
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Bracken Fern (Pteridium aquilinum)
- Contains carcinogens and can also cause vitamin B1 deficiency.
If you have any of these plants in or around your living area and are concerned about your pet rabbit's safety, it's advisable to remove or secure them. Always be vigilant about what your rabbit has access to, and when in doubt, consult with your veterinarian.