New Guinea Impatiens are popular flowering plants often chosen for their vibrant blooms and ability to flourish in shady garden spots. Gardeners frequently consider these plants for their aesthetic appeal and wonder about their resilience to common garden pests, particularly rabbits. A frequent inquiry revolves around whether these furry visitors are inclined to feed on New Guinea Impatiens.
Do Rabbits Eat New Guinea Impatiens?
New Guinea Impatiens are not a primary food source for rabbits. These plants contain compounds, such as calcium oxalate crystals, that can cause irritation in a rabbit’s mouth and digestive system, making them unpalatable. Rabbits avoid plants that might cause them discomfort or harm.
However, rabbits can consume New Guinea Impatiens if other food options are scarce or if they are particularly hungry. A desperate or curious rabbit might still nibble on these plants. Young rabbits, in particular, may sample plants their parents typically avoid.
Understanding Rabbit Feeding Habits
A rabbit’s diet in the wild primarily consists of hay or fresh grass. This high-fiber diet is crucial for their continuously growing teeth and proper digestive function. They are herbivores that graze continuously, adapting their food choices based on availability and nutritional needs.
Rabbits are opportunistic feeders, meaning their dietary choices can shift based on what is readily available. If preferred grasses and leafy weeds are in short supply, they may turn to less palatable garden plants. Natural deterrents, such as bitter tastes or irritating sap, make a plant less appealing to them.
Signs of Rabbit Activity
Identifying rabbit damage involves looking for specific indicators on your plants and in your garden. Rabbits leave clean, sharp cuts on stems and leaves at a 45-degree angle. This distinct cut differentiates their feeding from the ragged tears left by deer, which lack upper front teeth.
Beyond plant damage, the presence of small, round droppings is a clear sign of rabbit activity. Damage occurs close to the ground, as rabbits can only reach so high, though they might stand on their hind legs for slightly higher foliage.
Strategies for Protecting Your Plants
Physical barriers are effective in deterring rabbits from your garden. A fence made of chicken wire or hardware cloth with 1-inch mesh or smaller is recommended. This barrier should be at least 2-3 feet high, and the bottom 4-6 inches should be buried underground, ideally bent into an L-shape facing away from the garden, to prevent rabbits from digging underneath.
Repellents can also be used, though they require frequent reapplication, especially after rain. Commercial and homemade repellents that use strong odors or tastes, such as those containing garlic, cayenne pepper, or blood meal, can discourage rabbits. Companion planting with plants rabbits dislike, such as rosemary, lavender, or marigolds, may offer some deterrence, but hungry rabbits might still consume them. Maintaining a tidy garden by removing overgrown areas, brush piles, and tall weeds can reduce hiding spots for rabbits, making your garden less inviting.
Are New Guinea Impatiens Poisonous to Rabbits?
While New Guinea Impatiens are not considered highly toxic to rabbits, consuming them can lead to mild digestive upset. Symptoms might include irritation in the mouth or gastrointestinal discomfort.
It is advisable to prevent rabbits from consuming garden plants not specifically intended for their diet. If a rabbit, particularly a pet rabbit, consumes a significant amount of New Guinea Impatiens and shows signs of distress like lethargy, diarrhea, or unusual behavior, consulting a veterinarian is recommended.