Rabbits are herbivores, adapted to diets rich in fibrous plant material. Their digestive systems are designed to process grasses and leafy greens, which form their main diet. Understanding which plants are safe and beneficial for them is important.
Do Rabbits Eat Green Onions?
Rabbits should not eat green onions. Green onions, also known as scallions or spring onions, belong to the Allium family, which includes other toxic plants like garlic, chives, and leeks. While some animals might instinctively avoid them due to their strong scent, green onions are harmful to rabbits.
Why Green Onions Are Harmful to Rabbits
Green onions are toxic to rabbits because they contain compounds that can damage their red blood cells. These compounds, primarily sulfur molecules, lead to hemolytic anemia. This condition destroys red blood cells, impairing the rabbit’s ability to transport oxygen throughout its body.
Ingestion can also cause gastrointestinal upset, including bloating, gas, and stomach pain. Symptoms of onion toxicity in rabbits can include lethargy, weakness, pale gums (a sign of anemia), loss of appetite, dizziness, and dark-colored urine. If a rabbit consumes green onions, immediate veterinary attention is necessary.
Safe Alternatives and Rabbit Diet Basics
A rabbit’s daily diet should primarily consist of grass hay, such as timothy, orchard, or brome hay, which provides fiber for digestive health and dental wear. Fresh leafy greens are also an important part of their diet, with examples including romaine lettuce, bok choy, mustard greens, and cilantro. These should be offered in moderation, about 1-2 cups per 2 pounds of body weight daily.
Pellets can supplement their diet but should be given in limited quantities, as overfeeding can lead to obesity and digestive issues. Small amounts of non-leafy vegetables like bell peppers or cucumber, and occasional fruit treats, can be offered. Always introduce new foods slowly to monitor for any digestive upset.
Protecting Your Garden from Rabbits
To protect garden plants from rabbits, physical barriers are effective. Installing a fence made of chicken wire or hardware cloth, at least 2-3 feet tall and buried 6-12 inches deep, can deter digging and jumping. Protecting individual plants with wire cages or covers is another option.
Rabbits are often deterred by strong scents, so incorporating companion plants can be beneficial. Plants like lavender, rosemary, marigolds, and some alliums (though toxic if ingested, their scent can repel) are unappealing to rabbits. Homemade repellent sprays using ingredients like cayenne pepper or garlic can also be applied to plants, but these require reapplication, especially after rain.