do rabbits eat bougainvillea
No, bougainvillea is not poisonous to rabbits. With this in mind, its essential to know exactly what flowers are growing in your yard before letting your bunny loose in your garden. To keep mice out of the garden, do not plant corn or sunflowers. You should also make sure that the plant does not contain any pesticides before feeding it to your rabbit. Cottontail rabbits eat a wide variety of plant foods including grasses, sedges, sprouts, leaves, fruits, buds, and bark. Should I supplement my rabbits diet with bougainvillea? } Finally, please note that you should never give your bunny flowers that have been treated with pesticides as the nasty chemicals they contain can be harmful to bunnies. This is the best protection for your garden, according to the University of Illinois. Pinch off the ends of vines that are about to bloom. What happens if a rabbit eats too much bougainvillea? Is bougainvillea a good source of nutrition for rabbits? } So if you catch your bunny munching on a daisy or two while exploring your yard, theres nothing to worry about. Would these common houseplants be poisonous to my pet rabbit? Around Phoenix, they are all over (dozens on every block) and they have growth all the way down to the ground with no signs of munching. Though diminishing the beauty of this lovely plant is tough, some pests do a good job by eating its tender green leaves. display: block; @media screen and (min-width: 1201px) { Caring for Bougainvillea. Why do rabbits eat plants from garden? In difficult conditions, rabbits will eat almost any plants, but in normal circumstances, there are some plants that rabbits find so tasty that they are drawn to landscapes containing them. Bleeding hearts: Dicentra spectabilis may be popular with . Bougainvillea are fast-growing plants that can reach up to 30 feet in length. Who can I ask for advice? Why Rabbits Cant Eat Nuts (Peanuts, Almonds, Pistachios,)? A variety of delicious, young, green plants that we commonly plant to beautify our yards and streetscapes. If a rabbit eats too much bougainvillea, they may experience an upset stomach or diarrhea. During the summer months, cottontails primarily eat grasses, legumes, succulent annuals, weeds, as well as the occasional garden vegetable. Lastly, add some color and interest to your yard by planting the appetizing Gardenia shrub, Ti Cordyline, or bromeliads in tall colorful containers. Vet Rec Open, vol. In general, the bougainvillea plant or the flowers of the plant are very much harmless for your cat. Happily, petunias are perfectly safe for rabbits to eat. Do all rabbits like to eat bougainvillea? You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. The begonias are also toxic and cause different health problems to them. 24 Can't-Kill Flowers for Beginners 25 Photos Butterfly Garden Flowers 26 Photos And if you insist on planting some carnations in your garden, make sure to keep your pet well away from the area. ". While rabbits make cute and cuddly pets, their wild cousins hopping through your garden quickly become a nuisance. As always, follow the instructions on the label and treat your plants in the early morning or evening for the best results. So let's categorize some plants as "Favorite Food" and "Usually Won't Eat." Favorite Foods: beans ( Fabaceae spp.) Your email address will not be published. Selecting 7 or 10-gallon plants over 3-gallon plants can be enough to raise the height of the new shoots out of rabbits reach to ensure the plants survival. It is hardy in USDA zone 7 and grows up to 10 inches tall, producing pink, mauve, purple, white, apricot or red flowers. And with new content being added every day, there's always something new to discover. They love the kernels. Tomato. .lmyqt63de13cdea00c { They are typically propagated from cuttings, and they can be grown in pots or in the ground. } McCallion & McCallion Realty In general, the bougainvillea plant or the flowers of the plant are very much harmless for your cat. The leaves are dark green and leathery. No part of the plant is exactly toxic for . Some flowers, such as daisies and sunflowers, are perfectly safe for rabbits to eat. Why are marsh rabbits descending upon our manicured landscapes!?? Top 8 Giant Rabbit Breeds That Make Great Pets, How to Keep Your Rabbits Warm This Winter. Environmentally Responsible They do have their favorite foods and those they tend to. Try interplanting planting highly fragrant herbs and flowers, plants with prickly, hairy leaves, and toxic plants with your vegetables and ornamentals to help confuse and repel rabbits. Use bougainvillea as a groundcover to keep rabbits away during the hot summer months. display: block; It is rare for a small wild predator to attack a domestic pet, and virtually unheard of for any human to ever be threatened by one. Repeat weekly until pest is under control. display: block; The thorns and the taste should be enough to have it survive deer and the occasional rabbit attacks but the damage will be minimal and your plant should spring back more vigorously than before. They do have their favorite foods and those they tend to. You may be able to find bougainvillea leaves and flowers at a local nursery or garden center. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); But the following are rabbit favorites: Vegetables, Herbs, and Fruits Tender, young leaves are the most susceptible, 1 although they will sample many plants in the vegetable garden: Beans Beets Broccoli Rather than react with alarm and panic when a hawk, eagle, fox, or even a coyote shows up in your neighborhood, you can accept this sign of natural diversity. document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "ad0e9deb4298cc7e2e2b547c2f5cdae4" );document.getElementById("c5d3bdb794").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); SmallPetJournal is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.ca. Bougainvillea is a popular ornamental plant, and is often used as a decoration in gardens or public spaces. Bougainvillea is a genus of flowering plants native to South America from Brazil west to Peru and south to southern Argentina. The answer is yes, rabbits can eat bougainvillea. While rabbits may be able to eat small amounts without it being fatal, these plants are still poisonous to rabbits. To stop animals from eating bougainvillea leaves you can set up an artificial barrier such as a fence or wires so it would be more difficult to enter. The Benefits of a Healthy Diet for Rabbits, The Dangers of an Unhealthy Diet for Rabbits, How to Choose the Right Food for Your Rabbit, The Importance of a Balanced Diet for Rabbits, Tips for Feeding Your Rabbit a Healthy Diet. Bury the fence's bottom 6 inches, bent at a 90-degree angle, to keep the pests from digging under the fence. Why Is My Rabbit Not Pooping In Litter Box, How Long Is The Gestation Period For A Rabbit. Alternatively, you can use neem oil especially if your bougainvillea leaves have a white substance that comes from the whitefly. @media screen and (min-width: 993px) and (max-width: 1200px) { Source Field mice eat nuts, berries, seeds, and small insects. The begonias are also toxic and cause different health problems to them. Find Out Today, Actaea Simplex Brunette: Growth and Care Guide, Kumquat Tree Florida: Growth and Care Guide, Cedar Trees in Florida: How to Grow and Care for Cedars, Dahoon Holly Tree (Ilex Cassine): Florida Care Guide. link to Can you cook mince 1 day out of date? Many people grow deer-resistant plants in their gardens so that deer can't eat them. .mukws63de13cdea057 { Rabbits ate bottom of Bougainvillea, but not native Cocoplum What are they after? Bougainvillea is hardy in USDA zones 9 and up. Michelle Wishhart is a writer based in Portland, Ore. She has been writing professionally since 2005, starting with her position as a staff arts writer for City on a Hill Press, an alternative weekly newspaper in Santa Cruz, Calif. An avid gardener, Wishhart worked as a Wholesale Nursery Grower at Encinal Nursery for two years. .ibmks63de13cde9f74 { Mammals, but not birds, can taste the hot pepper and after one taste, they will stay away. That said, its better to be safe than sorry, so dont hesitate to take your bun to the vet if youre concerned. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); But despite popular depiction in animated cartoons, carrots are not a principal food for rabbits. To this end they're not considered pests at all. Rabbits can devastate a flower bed or vegetable garden in days, and they often find a way around fencing or raised beds. Big periwinkle (Vinca major) is a flowering evergreen groundcover that rabbits avoid, and it thrives in almost any soil condition. Over time, showerheads can become clogged with deposits of calcium, magnesium, lime, silica, and other minerals. What is eating my bougainvillea leaves: Insects, What Animals are the most likely to Eat Bougainvillea, How to Stop Animals from Eating Bougainvillea, What is eating my bougainvillea leaves: Final thoughts, What is Eating My Broccoli Leaves? Well tackle the concern, what is eating my bougainvillea leaves? by listing possible insects, pests and animals. @media screen and (max-width: 767px) { Find your Sanibel Home and Learn About Life on Our Island, Rememberour recent article, Why, You Wascally Wabbit!? However, we do our best to select alternative plants with similar characteristics of the desired look, shape, and size, that have proven less-appetizing to the pesky rabbits. Although they leave your plant looking unsightly they typically wont cause its death. @media screen and (max-width: 767px) { Rabbits ate bottom of bougainvillea, but not native cocoplum what are they after? Many keen gardeners will attest that sunflowers are a common target for wild rabbits, so it should come as no surprise to find out that these gorgeous yellow flowers are safe for your pet to eat. Well, we received lots of feedback from island residents who have the same issue with marsh rabbits mauling their beautiful landscapes. What other plants can rabbits eat? The type of hay you feed your rabbit is important because it provides the fiber that is essential to their digestive health. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); But did you know that rabbits also enjoy eating flowers? Bacillus thuringiensis has a short shelf life and degrades in sunlight, so store it in a cool, dry place inaccessible to pets and children, and use within two years. "What can I plant that rabbits won't eat?". .lmyqt63de13cdea00c { Many annual bedding plants are favored by rabbits, including: These perennial plants, in particular, are attractive to rabbits: A great many shrubs are at great danger from rabbits eating the tender spring shoots. Some of the flowers rabbits should never eat include: However, please note that this is not a complete list of flowers that are not safe for rabbits to eat. Alternatively, supervise them closely whenever theyre allowed out to explore, and redirect them towards safer chewing options if they start targeting your much-loved flowers. Bougainvilleas are mainstays in landscape gardens because theyre tough, drought tolerant and produce prolific blooms year round. Cottontail rabbits eat a wide variety of plant foods including grasses, sedges, sprouts, leaves, fruits, buds, and bark. display: block; Bougainvillea is not toxic to rabbits, so they can eat it if they like the taste. It seems like the little buggers only attack young plants, established bougainvilleas do not seem to be affected for some reason. Rabbits also like pellets, but they should only eat a small amount because they are high in calories. Yes, rabbits will eat bougainvillea leaves and flowers. Combine perennial and annual rabbit-repelling plants with flowering shrubs like rhododendrons and camellias for extra protection. Water frequently to keep the soil moist, but not water logged or flooded. Deer certainly can leave their mark in your garden. Where can I find it? One fragrant perennial option to keep rabbits away is echinacea. One is to plant your garden with varieties commonly classed as being rabbit-repellent; however, these wont necessarily repel all wild rabbits. Cocoplum (, Unfortunately, there are a few natives on the rabbits dinner menu, which they turn to as a secondary preference after first devouring their favorite exotics. Consult your landscape maintenance contractor, or experienced professional for recommendations. Goatweed grows to about 3 feet tall and is hardy to U.S. Department of Agriculture zone 9. If there are particular flowers in your garden you dont want your pet to get to, build a fence to keep them out. Cats tend to eat and chew on plants and. About the Author: Leigh A. Gevelinger, ASLA, LEED-AP, Landscape Architect and President of Coastal Vista Design, Inc. CoastalVistaDesign@gmail.com, Tagged With: environment, landscaping, nature, wildlife Filed Under: Environment & Wildlife, Island Living. Still, there are some plants that are so tasty to rabbits that merely to plant them is to risk inviting rabbits to take up residence in your yard. Rabbits grazing in your flower beds will simply eat around the less enticing plants. .ibmks63de13cde9f74 { Fuzzy or thorny plants: Deer do not like plants that are fuzzy, such as lamb's ear, or prickly such as spirea or roses, unless they are desperate. link to How Do You Get Rid Of Hard Calcium Deposits In The Shower? Well, your bunnys teeth grow continuously throughout the course of his life. Instead, remove debris from around the base of the plant, as larva and eggs can overwinter there. Spray juice from a mister after filtering out chunks with cheese cloth or a coffee filter. Tammy Slater is the founder of arew.org, a home and garden blog that provides inspiration and resources for homeowners and renters alike. } However this list must be caveated like others I have seen; deer can't read and when they are hungry, they will eat almost anything. The bougainvillea looper is a species of green or brown caterpillar about 1 inch long that thrives on all species of bougainvilleas, leaving behind heavily scalloped leaf margins. With thousands of articles covering everything from do-it-yourself repairs to tips on parenting, Arew has something for everyone. Potato greens. The flowers range in color from white to deep pink, purple, and red. Marie's garden writing has been featured in newspapers and magazines nationwide and she has been interviewed for Martha Stewart Radio, National Public Radio, and numerous articles. Wash infested plants with a soap/oil mixture if scraping alone doesn't do the job. Rabbits also like to eat fresh vegetables, such as carrots, broccoli, and cabbage. } Bougainvilleas do best in bright, sunny situations with rich, loamy and well-draining soil. @media screen and (min-width: 1201px) { Fresh vegetables should make up about 5% of a rabbits diet by weight. Moshobane, Claude Moshobane et al. Rhododendrons are hardy in USDA zones 4 through 8, and grow to between 4 and 10 feet tall in an upright clump. display: block; NOTE: This information taken from an article originally published in The Horticulture Communicator, Spring 1996. These tend to be either aromatic, thorny, or members of the nightshade family: Rabbits. If you want to prevent your bunny or wild rabbits from eating your flowers, there are a few different strategies to try. The good news is that in many cases, if your bunny has a small nibble on some of the flowers listed as unsafe for rabbits, its unlikely to do them any major harm. Severe feeding may even kill the plants. .lmyqt63de13cdea00c { For a low-maintenance annual that deters rabbits, try verbena, recommends Texas A&M University Extension. Annual Flowers Many annual bedding plants are favored by rabbits, including: Bachelor's Button ( Centaurea cyanus) Cockscomb ( Celosia argenta cristata) Choose larger size plants with tougher stems that are more fibrous or woody at the base. Im not sure if I should give my rabbit bougainvillea. .mukws63de13cdea057 { Rabbits are herbivores and their diet should consist mostly of hay. In the wild, rabbits will eat a variety of different plants to get the nutrients they need. There are plenty of common flowers that taste delicious to rabbits, so dont be surprised if your bunny tries to forage for a tasty snack in your garden. A member of the four-o'clock family, bougainvillea (Bougainvillea spp.) } Bunnies can eat rose petals and all parts of the rose bush, so if youve got a rose garden youd like to keep pristine, keep your rabbit well away from it. If you notice signs of digging and bulbs or roots removed from the ground, this is usually not rabbit damage. Gardening & Landscaping in the Low Desert. Copyright Leaf Group Ltd. // Leaf Group Lifestyle. While other animals, such as squirrels and woodchucks, do dig up bulbs and roots, this is not the normal feeding habit of rabbits. They do have their favorite foods and those they tend to. Rabbits Like deer, most rabbits will try to get a taste of the bougainvillea leaves but they'll likely move on to something else. The plant is very much non-toxic and is safe to be kept around pet animals. : Pest Control! In general, the bougainvillea plant or the flowers of the plant are very much harmless for your cat. If it is a new,. So whether you're looking for guidance on how to make your home more energy efficient or just want some inspiration for dinner tonight, be sure to check out Arew! There are no known risks associated with rabbits eating bougainvillea. There are many species of wild rabbit found in the Leporidae family, and virtually all of them will readily feast on garden plants, ranging from herbs and vegetables to shrubs and even the bark of trees. Carnations are toxic to rabbits, so dont ever let your bunny nibble on any of these beautiful flowers. Herbs such as sages, ornamental salvias, lavenders, peonies, and bearded irises are among these "stinky" plants that deer tend to avoid. Generally, a deer-resistant plant has properties that keep deer away from eating the plant. We Recommend What's Your Birth Month Flower? The stems and leaves of the plant contain a compound called saponin, which is toxic to rabbits and can cause gastrointestinal upset. .ibmks63de13cde9f74 { The teeth marks are often evident in the wood of the shrub or tree. He currently lives with his wife & three guinea pigs in Texas. Plants Less Attractive to Rabbits in the Low Desert, http://ag.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/animals/rabbit1.htm, A commonly asked question by homeowners in Arizona is. A healthy diet for a pet rabbit includes hay, a small amount of fresh vegetables, and a limited number of pellets. The best remedy to keep insects away from your bougainvillea though, is to keep your plant happy. It can provide complete coverage in a single year, requiring full sun to partial shade. display: block; There are some animals, like dogs, who might get an irritated stomach if they consume the flower of the plant. Cocoplum (Chrysobalanus icaco) or Green Buttonwood (Conocarpus erectus) are great alternatives to Green Arboricola. This leaves one remaining option as the safest choice: restricting your rabbits access to certain areas of the garden altogether. Of course most of the common landscape plants we use happen to be favorite delicacies of the marsh rabbits as well, including: Every day, we are seeing signs of damage on new types of plants formerly thought as unappealing to marsh rabbits! Make a bad-tasting rabbit cocktail by grinding together three hot peppers, three large onions, and one whole bunch of garlic. The best vegetables for rabbits are dark leafy greens, such as kale, spinach, collards, and Swiss chard. Some of them only target the leaves, which means your flower will be undisturbed. Meet the Marketing Secret Weapon at McCallion & McCallion. Fresh vegetables are an important part of a rabbits diet because they provide essential nutrients and vitamins. } Almost every local professional has had the unfortunate experience of rabbit damage, and has had to creatively adapt their planting techniques accordingly. Animals wont pose a problem for the bougainvillea as it has a defense mechanism that will keep them at bay. Variegated flax lily ( dianella tasmanica ) and flush annual geraniums. You feed your rabbit a balanced diet of hay, leafy greens and pellets, so why does he feel the need to chew on everything he finds? Plants that are stressed due to improper cultural care are more susceptible to attacks from pests. Always follow label instructions exactly. However, these repellents will need to be re-applied regularly. Copyright 2018 - 2020 SmallPetJournal.com. Hay provides the fiber that is essential to a rabbits digestive system. Bougainvillea (/ b u n v l i. / BOO-gn-VIL-ee-, US also / b o-/ BOH-) is a genus of thorny ornamental vines, bushes, and trees belonging to the four o' clock family, Nyctaginaceae.It is native to eastern South America, found from Brazil, west to Peru, and south to southern Argentina.Different authors accept from 4 to 22 species in the genus. The leaves of the plant are small and oval-shaped, and the stems are thin and delicate. Learn tips for creating your most beautiful home and garden ever. @media screen and (max-width: 767px) { Grass hay is high in fiber, which . A rabbit can eat bougainvillea leaves and flowers as often as they like. The list of insects that feed on bougainvillea include the following: Tiny insects that are usually pale green, aphids are sure to come if your bougainvillea is stressed out or neglected. Unfortunately, there are a few natives on the rabbits dinner menu, which they turn to as a secondary preference after first devouring their favorite exotics. Well, from the tip of South Seas to Lighthouse Point, marsh rabbits are underfoot. Pellets are specially formulated to provide rabbits with the nutrients they need to stay healthy. Slugs and snails nails tend to feed on the middle of leaves, although they sometimes work on the edges as well. The expiration date also labeled Arew is the go-to source for all your home improvement, gardening, cooking, and family needs. The flower is actually a cluster of tiny white flowers surrounded by three large colorful bracts, or leaves. With wild rabbits at epidemic numbers in many suburban and even urban areas, it is no surprise that small natural predators have popped up in areas where it was once unusual to see them. Unfortunately, there are plenty of other popular flowers and plants that are toxic for rabbits, including lilies and rhododendron. display: block; } However, many plants that are toxic to pets and humans are also toxic to rabbitsand they tend to avoid them. A variety of delicious, young, green plants that we commonly plant to beautify our yards and streetscapes. Other good vegetables for rabbits include Brussels sprouts, carrots, celery, and green beans. But it is very common for rodent and rabbit populations to dwindle when a fox or hawk shows up in the neighborhood. Birds love the bougainvillea, but not the leaves. They also enjoy leafy garden vegetables and houseplants if there's nothing more palatable on the menu. You can create a physical barrier around your plant by spreading dry chalk, crushed eggshells or sharp cinders around the stem. Avoid giving your rabbit more than 1/4 cup of pellets per day. University of California Integrated Pest Management Program: Bougainvillea -- Bougainvillea Spp. Indoor potted plants will bloom from May to December. While bougainvillea does not contain any poisonous compounds, it is not particularly nutritious for rabbits. You can make your own hot pepper juice by soaking 1 part hot pepper powder in 1-2 parts water for 24 hours. 1, 2020. doi:10.1136/vetreco-2020-000402. Prune your plant throughout the year, but especially in the late winter before the new growth cycle. Theyre also a favorite snack for wild rabbits, and another flower your domesticated bunny will love to eat. If youve got buttercups growing in your yard, make sure your bunny doesnt get a chance to eat them. In general, the bougainvillea plant or the flowers of the plant are very much harmless for your cat. There are no health issues if your cat eats the leaves. If you see rolled-up bougainvillea leaves that are webbed up then its likely that leaftier caterpillars have visited. Pot marigolds are considered safe for bunnies to eat, so its OK for your bunny to munch on these vibrantly colored flowers. Rabbits need hay to help wear down their continuously growing teeth. (USDA Plant Hardiness Zones), Why is My Phlox Not Flowering? Steven is the guy behind SmallPetJournal. There are many people who will tell you that rabbits eat any plant if they get hungry or thirsty enough. display: block; Rabbits will not even dig up carrots, though they will eat them if another creature has already uprooted them. In addition to hay, fresh vegetables should be given to your rabbit every day. If you are interested in how to deter rabbits, there are ways to control them from overrunning your garden. However, some sources list French and African marigolds as unsafe for bunnies, so its best to steer clear of these varieties. She has 30+ years of experience with year-round organic gardening; seed starting and saving; growing heirloom plants, perennials, and annuals; and sustainable and urban farming. display: block; There are many people who will tell you that rabbits eat any plant if they get hungry or thirsty enough. Cottontail rabbits eat a wide variety of plant foods including grasses, sedges, sprouts, leaves, fruits, buds, and bark. A variety of delicious, young, green plants that we commonly plant to beautify our yards and streetscapes. Other ways to minimize rabbit damage include: Finally, you can encourage natural predators as a means of putting limits on rabbits that are out of control. Remove scale insects with a twig or scraping tool. Rabbits are notorious for being fussy eaters, and this can sometimes lead to problems if they are not given a varied and nutritionally balanced diet. The difference comes from the rabbit's age. Low-maintenance plants that sport flowers in a huge variety of colors, petunias are much loved by garden enthusiasts the world over. Daisies are regularly listed as safe flowers for bunnies to eat. } Thats right, bunnies love munching on petals and leaves, and one of their favorite flowers to eat is bougainvillea. Buttercups are regularly included on lists of plants that are poisonous to bunnies, so dont let your pet nibble on them. Bougainvillea is an exquisite flowering vine that is most at home in warm, somewhat arid environments. Choose a hay that is high in fiber and low in sugar, such as Timothy hay. 1640 Periwinkle Way, Suite 1 Yes, bougainvillea is a deer-resistant plant. A variety of delicious, young, green plants that we commonly plant to beautify our yards and streetscapes. These vegetables provide essential vitamins and minerals that are not found in hay or pellets. Consider raising the salad bar out of reach by selecting standard plant varieties, such as standard Hibiscus, Bougainvillea, and Gardenia, since the trunks are typically not appetizing to rabbits. Columbine repels rabbits, but attracts hummingbirds, and it requires moist, well-drained soil with full sun to partial shade. Although bougainvillea is not a necessary part of a rabbits diet, it can provide them with some vitamins and minerals. It would be nice if there were plants that are truly rabbit-proof, but as with other animals, rabbits can surprise you. and gophers to do not combine well in the garden. } I have a huge bush that causes rashes. It should be no surprise that plants with a strong fragrance or fuzzy leaves like lavender and black-eyed Susan are less popular with rabbits. Chewing helps trim the teeth down and maintain proper dental health, so its a necessary and very satisfying behavior for your pet. As the McCallion familys Landscape Architect, I couldnt help but respond toJims recent, Why, You Wascally Wabbit!, article with my thoughts on this hot-topic! How much does a 8 week old cocker spaniel weight? A diet of fresh hay, vegetables, and a small amount of pellets is perfect for rabbits. So, we spoke with Leigh Gevelinger, Landscape Architect and President of Coastal Vista Design and heres her thoughts on the topic. Prune away excess stems and leaves to encourage better airflow, and maintain your garden or yard constantly by removing debris such as dead stems and leaves. A diet that is high in fiber and low in sugar helps keep rabbits healthy and prevents obesity. A rabbit can eat a few leaves or flowers at a time.