Gardeners often struggle to protect tender crops from local wildlife, especially rabbits seeking an easy meal. This conflict extends to the herb garden, where many popular plants possess strong aromas thought to repel pests. A common concern is whether rabbits will consume dill, a highly aromatic herb. Understanding the factors that make dill appealing, along with general rabbit dietary patterns, is the first step toward effective garden protection. This analysis clarifies dill’s place in a rabbit’s diet and provides reliable methods for securing the garden.
Dill’s Appeal to Garden Rabbits
The short answer is that rabbits often eat dill (Anethum graveolens), despite its strong, distinct flavor. Dill is generally not a top-preference food for wild rabbits because its volatile oils give it a pungent taste that many herbivores avoid. In a garden setting, rabbits prioritize sweeter, more tender greens first, typically leaving the dill untouched.
However, foraging circumstances can override this natural avoidance. If the wild rabbit population is high or a prolonged drought limits preferred foods like clover and grass shoots, they may resort to “desperation feeding.” In these situations, the less palatable dill becomes an acceptable source of nutrition and hydration. Young, inexperienced rabbits may also consume dill simply through exploration.
Domestic rabbits, in contrast, frequently enjoy fresh dill offered as a dietary treat. The herb is nutritious, containing vitamins A and C, and is not toxic to mature rabbits in small quantities. The flowers and green foliage are generally safe, but the seeds should be avoided as they are high in fat and can pose a choking risk. Therefore, while dill is a safe option for a pet, its strong flavor deters wild rabbits only when other, more desirable food sources are plentiful.
Understanding General Rabbit Foraging Habits
Rabbits are obligate herbivores designed to process large quantities of fibrous materials, primarily grass and hay. In the wild, their diet is broad and opportunistic, centering on tender green grasses, clover, weeds, and young garden vegetable shoots. Feeding is typically concentrated during crepuscular hours—dawn and dusk—when low light provides cover from predators.
The primary goal of a wild rabbit is to consume enough high-fiber forage to keep their digestive system functioning correctly. This constant need means they sample a wide variety of plants within their territory. When rabbits encounter a garden, the dense concentration of high-value, low-fiber plants like lettuce, peas, and carrots presents an irresistible target.
The consumption of less-preferred plants, like strongly scented herbs, indicates the scarcity of preferred forage. A mature, healthy rabbit will almost always bypass a tough, strong-smelling herb for a sweet, tender garden vegetable if given the choice. Therefore, rabbit presence in the garden is usually about the abundance of easy, palatable food, not a specific desire for dill.
Practical Strategies for Garden Exclusion
Since rabbits are driven by opportunity and hunger, the most effective protection method is implementing physical barriers. Fencing is the gold standard, as it provides a reliable, long-term solution that does not rely on taste or smell deterrents. The fence material should be galvanized chicken wire or hardware cloth with a mesh size of one inch or smaller to prevent the rabbits from squeezing through.
Fence Height and Depth
For cottontail rabbits, the fence must be at least 24 to 36 inches high to prevent them from jumping over it. Rabbits are natural burrowers, so the barrier must also extend below the soil line to prevent access from underneath. The bottom edge of the wire should be buried at least 3 to 6 inches deep, with the buried portion bent outward in an “L” shape facing away from the garden. This outward bend acts as an apron that discourages digging.
Temporary Protection and Habitat Control
For individual, highly vulnerable plants, such as young seedlings, temporary protection can be provided using protective netting or wire cages. Row covers can also be placed over beds to block access until the plants are mature enough to be less appealing. Beyond barriers, cultural controls help by removing potential habitat. This includes brush piles, low-lying debris, and tall grass bordering the garden, which rabbits use for cover while foraging.