Wild rabbits are common, leading to questions about their diet, especially regarding crops like corn. Understanding what wild rabbits eat, and what is safe for them, helps in coexisting and protecting gardens. This article explores if corn is part of a rabbit’s diet and its safety implications.
Do Wild Rabbits Eat Corn?
Wild rabbits eat corn, including kernels, stalks, and leaves, when readily available in fields or gardens. These animals are opportunistic feeders, consuming what is accessible, especially if natural food sources are scarce. They can quickly decimate young corn plants, often eating them to the ground.
Is Corn Safe for Wild Rabbits?
Despite their willingness to eat it, corn is not safe for wild rabbits. The primary issue lies in corn’s high starch content and the indigestible nature of its kernel hulls. Rabbits have sensitive digestive systems designed for a high-fiber, low-starch diet. Consuming corn can disrupt the delicate balance of gut bacteria, leading to conditions like gastrointestinal stasis (GI stasis).
GI stasis is a serious, potentially fatal condition where the digestive system slows or stops, causing painful gas buildup and harmful bacteria proliferation. The tough outer hulls of corn kernels, composed of cellulose, are problematic as rabbits cannot efficiently break them down. These indigestible hulls can cause blockages in the gastrointestinal tract, while high starch content leads to abnormal fermentation in the hindgut. This can result in bloating, diarrhea, and even liver damage.
What Wild Rabbits Should Eat
Wild rabbits primarily eat grasses, which provide the high fiber necessary for their digestive health. Their diet also includes clover, dandelions, and other leafy greens. These plants offer essential nutrients and promote proper gut motility. In winter, when green vegetation is scarce, rabbits may nibble on bark and twigs for fiber. This diverse diet ensures they receive necessary vitamins and minerals.
Protecting Your Corn from Wild Rabbits
Protecting corn crops from wild rabbits often requires physical barriers and deterrents. Fencing is a highly effective method, with chicken wire or hardware cloth being suitable materials. The fence should be at least 2 to 3 feet tall, as rabbits can jump up to 2 feet, and the mesh size needs to be 1 inch or smaller to prevent them from squeezing through. To deter digging, the bottom of the fence should be buried 6 to 12 inches deep or bent outwards on the surface and pinned down.
Various repellents can also be used, though their effectiveness may vary and require reapplication, especially after rain. Sprinkling substances like blood meal, bone meal, or strong-smelling spices like cayenne pepper around plants may deter rabbits due to their scent. Some gardeners also report success with homemade sprays containing ingredients like garlic or hot pepper. Removing nearby overgrown areas or brush piles can reduce hiding spots, making the area less attractive to rabbits.