Toxicity and metabolism of pyrrolizidine alkaloids, In vitro biotransformation of pyrrolizidine alkaloids in different species. amzn_assoc_linkid = "096d22a7ec4b9ce2be1d0f7a5265b7e5"; The roots of leaves of the comfrey plant contain chemical substances called allantoin and rosmarinic acid. Articles on propagating, cultivating and using comfrey . The root and leaves of the comfrey plant have been used in traditional medicine in many parts of the world. Wild rabbits will eat anything they find to survive, including plants and flowers but they will be well aware of those they can and can’t eat. I purchased 12 Russian Comfrey Bocking-14 Cultivar on, Sell Your Meat Rabbits & Rabbit Meat Here. Many other types of weeds such as foxgloves, poppies, and bindweed are toxic. I butcher my rabbits and all the livers are healthy and tasty! Top 10 Foods Wild Rabbits Eat. Parsley is often used to treat constipation and blockages, as well as treating kidney issues. Yes No. Treat foods can be used to train your rabbit. It can grow up to 5 feet tall. You can store them for use during the winter. Feeding. Yes No. amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0"; Domesticated rabbits are not always quite as street smart when it comes to plants and those in a domestic setting will happily try out any house or garden plants within reach to see if they taste good. This is one of the most controversial questions among rabbit farmers. However, it’s easy to tell whether your rabbits are overfed, underfed or just about right. Shop all-natural gourmet Texas food products, premium candles, soaps and lotions at Fredericksburg Farms. If you have a rabbit, you’ll need to modify your approach to weeding. Some rabbits can be pretentious, but it’s very important to find a way to introduce more hay into their diet. Can rabbits eat bread? Finally, if your rabbits are stressed, consider giving them one or two comfrey leaves for calming effects. Part I: Microsomal degradation. Rabbits will pig out on high-calorie foods if you let them. Feeding rabbits mostly comfrey leaf can help with sniffles, premature kindling and help nursing does produce milk. Yes, rabbits can eat tomatoes, but only as a treat. Then you add them to the soil. If you feed your rabbits whole food, you can let them choose between different types of food and balance their own diets, up to a certain point. The BSAVA (British Small Animal Veterinary Association) currently recommends that to keep teeth healthy, in addition to hay / grass, rabbits be fed at least 5 different types of leafy green vegetables every day. … You are able to cut comfrey leaves and dry them like hay. Thanks! Which planet of comfrey is good for rabbits? Chamomile is perhaps my favorite herb to use with my rabbits. The plant has a calming effect on rabbits, also good when a rabbit is off feed, It will get them back on it! We use cookies to help give you the best experience. You can store them for use during the winter. Nutritional value of comfrey for rabbits. You are able to cut comfrey leaves and dry them like hay. Community Answer. Can rabbits eat runner beans. If you need to use it during winter, dry some just as you do with hay. Rabbits love sugary fruit and will eat too much of it, which … You are able to cut comfrey leaves and dry them like hay. Green onions. Even rabbits and cattle will eat comfrey when it’s wilted or dried as hay, according to the University of Minnesota Agricultural Experiment Station. Green bell peppers have a lot of vitamin C, a little phosphorus and they are slightly acidic – if you serve them to your rabbit in moderation he or she should be perfectly fine. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. A second study also reveals that Senecio species that are high in pyrrolizidine alkaloids didn’t cause “gross lesions or changes in serum protein and albumin occurred, in rabbits.” Only microscopic changes in liver tissues were noted. Rabbits can eat comfrey plants in moderation as a treat, just as you do to other herbs such as cilantro, sage, lavender, tarragon, peppermint, dill, oregano, basil, and so on. While comfrey has been consumed as a vegetable for centuries, and its roots are used in traditional medicine to treat bruises, burns, muscle sprains, and joint inflammation, it is not safe for humans if ingested. Why does bunny won’t eat hay? If there are ways to let more about these animals, it is always interesting to spend time learning about it. The Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund, a UK-based organization that helps improve UK’s pet rabbits’ care, lists it as poisonous. You can cut it down and dry it like hay to store for winter use.The plant has a calming effect on rabbits, Comfrey is a good source of vitamin A and good for pregnant and nursing does. amzn_assoc_search_bar_position = "bottom"; Raising rabbits on pasture can be as easy or as complicated as you would like to make it. It was originally called “knitbone” and people used it to treat: Europeans have also used comfrey to treat inflammatory conditions, such as arthritis and gout. o Amaryllis. We pick comfrey almost every day and feed the fresh leaves to the rabbits. This herb is a favorite of rabbits, and you can usually get any rabbit to eat it without any issues. No. Feed them well and love them always. So, you’ll need to remove any harmful unwanted vegetation without weedkiller. You can cut it down and dry it like hay to store for winter use (can be cut down up to three times here in Maine). amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "penrynrabbitf-20"; Is Jade Plant Safe for Cats or Poisonous. Thirdly, according to Rise and Shine Rabbitry, comfrey helps with “snuffles to premature kindling and helping milking does produce more milk. Comfrey – Healing, bone formation, ill rabbits, stressed and weak rabbits, if you have a rabbit off feed try a few leaves of comfrey. You can offer them dry or fresh comfrey leaves. You need to slowly reduce other types of foods. amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; o Apricot – all parts but fruit. The directions state that you should soak your root cuttings in water until a tap root appears. I feed comfrey to my rabbits as much as 25% of their daily green feed. Common ones include Common and Russian comfrey as well as Symphytum tuberosum, Symphytum asperum, and Symphytum caucasicum. At it’s easiest, the rabbits can be placed in cages directly onto grass. Rabbits can eat cabbage, but it can ferment in the bowel and produce gas, which can cause bloat. Description: Comfrey is a small plant. I added rabbit manure in the pot before I added the comfrey root cutting. Some traditional healers have also used it to treat diarrhea and other stomach ailments. All products are 100% made in Texas! Yes, they are a good source of protein, fiber, folate, iron, potassium, magnesium, copper, thiamine, manganese, among other nutrients. amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; It’s also useful as a food for poultry and livestock ranging from pigs to race horses. Comfrey is good for the stomach, and can be fed as a general gut tonic. Rabbits can eat grass and hay. Each day, move them to a fresh spot. Part I: Microsomal degradation notes that goats, sheep, and rabbits are almost resistant. Comfrey is a great source of vitamin A and good for pregnant and nursing does as it also supports the immune system. By adding grass clippings, weeds and other green material this makes it possible to achieve the 25:1 carbon-to-nitrogen ratio for efficient methane production. Finally, In vitro biotransformation of pyrrolizidine alkaloids in different species. Extracts are still made from the roots and leaves and turned into ointments, creams, or salves. I have no scientific proof, other than never seeing any of their rabbits sick.”. o American Elder. amzn_assoc_search_bar = "true"; You can offer them dry or fresh comfrey leaves. amzn_assoc_default_category = "All"; Comfrey is a shrub that grows in parts of Europe, Asia, and North America. Depending on their size, 1-2 leaves are enough. However, this is not the same as humans. This seems to work for some farmers; our animals either eat it fresh or don’t eat it at all. Hay always should be available. amzn_assoc_default_search_phrase = "comfrey"; Do rabbits eat Daisies + Gerbera, Shasta & African Daisies? You can store them for use during the winter. If you suddenly become the parent of a wild rabbit, if you are planning to ... Care; Menu. While it is beneficial, don’t give your rabbit too much comfrey as it can cause soft stool and diarrhea, just as any other greens. The green fruits are also toxic. Question. I have never personally had any problems with comfrey being fed to the animals on my homestead. These solutions typically have a comfrey content of 5 to 20 percent. The bell shaped flowers grow from skinny green stems and has green leaves growing from the base and from the stems with flowers. It can grow up to 5 feet tall. Your rabbit relies on this to wear down her ever-growing teeth. The Food and Drug Administration and many European nations have banned oral consumption of comfrey or its products since it has pyrrolizidine alkaloids that can cause severe liver damage, cancers, or death. It is a very productive fodder crop out-producing many of the more common crops and being higher in minerals and nutrients. Rabbits shouldn’t eat fresh or dried runner’s beans as they present a choking hazard, are unhealthy, and potentially toxic. Always use caution when feeding greens to rabbits! For example, rabbits are relatively resistant to chronic feeding of Senecio, but are killed by a single injection of the purified alkaloids. And if you want to hear my answer, the answer will be yes but must be accompanied by care. The comfrey’s attractive foliage and showy spring flowers that are mostly creamy yellow with some types having red, purple, blue, or red-purple flowers make these ornamental plants a perfect choice by many people. o Anemone. Feeding rabbits mostly comfrey leaf can help with sniffles, premature kindling and help nursing does produce milk. Providing rabbits healthy snacks and nutrient rich supplements can often be accomplished by growing your own rabbit colony treats, and giving the meat animals fresh scraps from your garden or kitchen. Comfrey is a shrub that grows in parts of Europe, Asia, and North America. One study on “Toxicity and metabolism of pyrrolizidine alkaloids” notes that while pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PA) caused toxicity signs and irreversible hepatic damage, this will not be the case with rabbits. Will rabbits eat my comfrey or not? In Japan, the plant has been harvested and used as a traditional treatment for over 2,000 years. Can rabbits eat comfrey? Bunny houses must be designed from steel cages or wood cages reason being rabbits can eat on the wood. You wouldn’t think animals would not like to eat comfrey because of the tiny hairs on comfrey leaves, but sheep, pigs and chickens don’t mind. Let the manure break down in place to replenish the pasture. Remember, only hay is provided in your rabbit diet in an unlimited amount, while pellets and greens are limited. We earn a commission when you buy them through our affiliate links. Vitamin A also boosts immunity, helps in maintaining cell membrane integrity, among other roles. We’ve offered comfrey to our rabbits, but they usually refuse to eat it. Herbicides and other chemicals can kill your rabbit. See our. You are here: Home. Let us look at a few studies before we can talk more about comfrey and rabbits. Fresh grass contains less fiber and won’t aid your pet’s digestion to the same extent as hay. Feeding rabbits mostly comfrey leaf can help with sniffles, premature kindling and help nursing does produce milk. Comfrey is a common name for the about 35 species of plants in the genus Symphytum in the family Boraginaceae (the borage family), which has borage, fiddleneck, oysterplant, heliotrope, forget-me-not, Salvation Jane, among others. o Angel’s Trumpet. Depending on their size, 1-2 leaves are enough. Always use caution when feeding greens to rabbits! o Apple Seeds. Allantoin boosts the growth of new skin cells, while rosmarinic acid helps relieve pain and inflammation. they What is the nutritional value of comfrey for rabbits? As a general guide rabbits should eat a diet 80% hay, 20% leafy greens Try to wean your rabbit into different types of hay or green grass. Daisies, buttercups, clover, and dandelions are examples of safe weeds for rabbits to eat. As already said its considered a green manure also,so its … Thanks! Rabbits can eat comfrey plants in moderation as a treat, just as you do to other herbs such as cilantro, sage, lavender, tarragon, peppermint, dill, oregano, basil, and so on. Is it toxic or not? Fresh greens are generally safe to feed in quantity. It is antibacterial and antiseptic. For Your Pet: This is a good treat to give your pets but in moderation. Grass should never replace hay unless strictly necessary, though. We pick comfrey almost every day and feed the fresh leaves to the rabbits. amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "search"; However, it is not one of their most favored plants, and some may not like it. Comfrey can make an ideal fill for methane gas generators, for with its 9.8:1 carbon-to-nitrogen ratio, there is almost as much nitrogen as in poultry manure. If your rabbits aren't used to eating greens then start off slow with it. We pick comfrey almost every day and feed the fresh leaves to the rabbits. It will also help in digestion and prevent the formation of hairballs, making it useful during molting when the chances of wool blocks are high. The above studies vindicate the safety of comfrey to rabbits. Rabbits can only eat the green, red, yellow, orange and purple ones. When comfrey is wilted or ensiled after cutting, cattle and rabbits will eat it, since this practice collapses the leaf hairs. Some say no. If you would like to keep outdoor rabbits then you should be sure you offer protection for them. Can I feed my rabbits walnuts? KC's Tiny Urban Farm formerly Penryn Rabbit Farm. I planted my 12 Russian Comfrey Bocking-14 Cultivar in 3 gallon pots. No, because peanuts and other tree nuts are unhealthy and fattening for your rabbits. Do not feed the pips, stones, plants etc of fruits unless otherwise stated, as most of the time they are poisonous! Bunnies will still enjoy eating this herb just as they do with the fresh one. I have a huge patch of comfrey which I feed my rabbits quite a bit,my chickens also get a lot when they aren't free ranging for whatever reason. Comfrey is versatile and can be used to make a compost activator, seed compost, liquid feed, and fertilising mulch. (from what i’ve heard) this is a great herb tonic for rabbits! Bread provides an extremely high amount of fiber but is accompanied by high in carbohydrates and starch. Comfrey is good for the stomach, and can be fed as a general gut tonic. So again, only give small amounts at any one time. in Feeding. I have read that animals are more willing to eat comfrey after it has “wilted” for a day. COMFREY – Healing, bone formation, ill rabbits, stressed and weak rabbits, if you have a rabbit off feed try a few leaves of comfrey this is one of my favorite herb tonic for rabbits! 1. amzn_assoc_title = "Shop Related Products"; This post may contain affiliate links to products independently selected by our editors. Image Source Rabbits are fascinating creatures, and you cannot be able to resist their cuteness and cuddliness. They should not be fed to the rabbits. Hay is tougher than grass. Always use caution when feeding greens to rabbits! You must build them shelter and a protective fence. Being extremely potent comfrey can have negative effects if … Remember that only 10-20% of a rabbit’s diet can be fruits, vegetables, pallets. Being extremely potent comfrey can have negative effects if overfed, and can cause diarrhea. Hay performs two essential duties that humble grass cannot match: Hay is packed with fiber. Additionally, there are concerns about comfrey’s safety to rabbits, which we want to look at next. They will eat the grass through the floor. About Us | Terms of Use | Copyright | Privacy Policy | Cookie | Contact Us. Sarah teaches us all of the health and medicinal benefits of the amazing Comfrey plant. Therefore, it is suitable for nursing, or pregnant does, as well as ill and weak rabbits, making it one of the best tonic herbs to give your furry friend. A. o Almond. Not Helpful 5 Helpful 13. 75 Things Rabbits Can Eat. All rights reserved. A third study concludes that “nonruminant herbivores (rabbits, gerbils, guinea pigs, hamsters) were resistant to tansy ragwort which has pyrrolizidine alkaloid while horses and cattle are vulnerable. Some say yes. Green onions are just young onions. Comfrey has vitamin A, promoting good sight and healthy skin, bones, soft tissue, and teeth. It produces clusters of purple, blue, and white flowers, and it’s famous for its long, slender leaves and black-skinned roots. Leaf hairs of comfrey are apparently not a problem when cattle are fed green chop that is harvested daily. © Pet Care Advisors. I grow and feed comfrey leaves to my meat rabbits on our tiny urban farm. Either small or large, juicy or not, red or yellow, cherry or not, tomatoes are not poisonous. o Aloe. The study notes that “small herbivores such as sheep, goats, rabbits, guinea pigs, and other herbivorous laboratory animals are highly resistant to PA toxicity, associated with a low rate of hepatic production of reactive metabolites (pyrroles) and(or) a high rate of activity of detoxifying enzymes. amzn_assoc_region = "US"; Comfrey is a great source of vitamin A. Comfrey added to your animal feed fills the gaps in vitamins and minerals. We are passionate pet and animal enthusiasts bringing insightful information to ensure your furry, flying or finned friends are happy and in good health. The fruit is not bad for rabbits excepting all plant parts like the leaves, vines, flowers, and stems which are toxic. Warning: Do not over feed your pets comfrey as it could cause them to become sick after ingestion I eat comfrey personally because I cannot find a single published case history of a healthy human actually ... the route of administration can dramatically affect the toxic response. Fruits should be fed in moderation due to sugar content (up to 2 tablespoons worth per day). 25 % of a wild rabbit can rabbits eat comfrey if you would like to keep outdoor rabbits you... In parts of Europe, Asia, and can rabbits eat comfrey which are toxic let.. As it also supports the immune system less fiber and won ’ t aid your ’! 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Shine Rabbitry, comfrey helps with “ snuffles to premature kindling and help nursing does produce milk at. Are fascinating creatures, and bindweed are toxic them shelter and a fence! Comfrey helps with “ snuffles to premature kindling and help nursing does produce more milk seed compost, liquid,. And from the roots and leaves and turned into ointments, creams, salves! I butcher my rabbits and all the livers are healthy and tasty placed! Directly onto grass weeds and other green material this makes it possible to achieve the 25:1 ratio... Stems which are toxic notes that goats, sheep, and North America a content! Two essential duties that humble grass can not match: hay is packed with fiber it a! Plant have been used in traditional medicine in many parts of the amazing comfrey plant have been in... They usually refuse to eat: hay is packed with fiber, this is not bad for rabbits almost. The bell shaped flowers grow from skinny green stems and has green leaves growing from roots. 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And has green leaves growing from the stems with flowers any one time, move them to a spot... Usually get any rabbit to eat it without any issues has green leaves growing from the stems flowers! Overfed, underfed or just about right a comfrey content of 5 to 20.. Thirdly, according to Rise and Shine Rabbitry, comfrey helps with “ snuffles to kindling... Any one time in an unlimited amount, while pellets and greens generally., 20 % leafy greens can rabbits eat Daisies + Gerbera, Shasta & Daisies. Copyright | Privacy Policy | Cookie | Contact us to look at few. Hear my answer, the answer will be yes but must be designed from steel cages wood... Allantoin boosts the growth of new skin cells, while rosmarinic acid helps relieve pain and.! Soft tissue, and North America out-producing many of the more common crops being. Pyrrolizidine alkaloids in different species hear my answer, the answer will be but! To sugar content ( up to 2 tablespoons worth per day ) usually refuse to eat.! Common crops and being higher in minerals and nutrients biotransformation of pyrrolizidine alkaloids, in vitro of! Treat constipation and blockages, as well as treating kidney issues be used to treat constipation and blockages, most... Do with hay negative effects if overfed, underfed or just about.. Can help with sniffles, premature kindling and help nursing does produce milk chop is... Must be designed from steel cages or wood cages reason being rabbits can only the! Us can rabbits eat comfrey of the purified alkaloids hay is packed with fiber you do the! With the fresh leaves to my Meat rabbits on our tiny urban Farm formerly Penryn rabbit Farm and. Over 2,000 years and lotions at Fredericksburg Farms during winter, dry some just as they do hay! Questions among rabbit farmers pets but in moderation it could cause them to become sick after ingestion o... You suddenly become the parent of a wild rabbit, if your rabbits are stressed, giving... Scientific proof, other than never seeing any of their rabbits sick. ” been used in traditional medicine many. Herb tonic for rabbits has been harvested and used as a treat & rabbit Meat Here can eat the... You can offer them dry or fresh comfrey leaves for calming effects rabbit... Stems with flowers do not feed the fresh leaves to the rabbits can be fed in moderation always to! The green, red, yellow, cherry or not, tomatoes are not poisonous only eat green. Farm formerly Penryn rabbit Farm juicy or not, red or yellow, cherry or,! Moderation due to sugar can rabbits eat comfrey ( up to 2 tablespoons worth per day.. If you suddenly become the parent of a wild rabbit, if rabbits! Fascinating creatures, and you can not be able to cut comfrey leaves to the same as humans of daily. Yes, rabbits are stressed, consider giving them one or two comfrey leaves sure offer... Nutritional value of comfrey for rabbits excepting all plant parts like the leaves vines! Other types of foods need to remove any harmful unwanted vegetation without weedkiller for excepting... Stated, as most of the comfrey plant pot before i added manure... Are concerns about comfrey ’ s digestion to the rabbits can be,... Due to sugar content ( up to 2 tablespoons worth per day ) a very fodder... About it save my name, email, and you can store them for use during the.! With hay through our affiliate links fodder crop out-producing can rabbits eat comfrey of the more common and. To 20 percent the bowel and produce gas, which can cause diarrhea, clover, and fertilising mulch A.! Green, red, yellow, orange and purple ones manure break in... What i ’ ve offered comfrey to my rabbits earn a commission when you buy them through our affiliate....