Is it possible to introduce horseradish leaves and stalks into the diet of rabbits
Rabbit owners have repeatedly faced the challenge of providing their pets with a complete and balanced diet. It doesn't matter if it is a farm animal or a representative of an ornamental breed: the food should consist of the lion's share of greenery and herbs. In connection with this circumstance, many rabbit breeders are interested in the question of whether it is possible for rabbits to horseradish. In the warm season, this plant is easily accessible - it can be grown in areas, but is it possible to give horseradish leaves to rabbits? Will this plant harm your pet? No, if you follow the rules for processing and introducing this greens into complementary foods.
Is it possible to feed rabbits with horseradish
This culture, like any other tops, is not given in its pure form, but with an admixture of other varieties. Can rabbits eat pure horseradish leaves? With the correct dosage, this will not harm the pet, but here you need to be extremely careful: in addition to the unique healing properties, the culture also has components that are contraindicated in large quantities for rodents. In addition, in its pure form, this plant has a too tart smell and a heavy taste, the pet may simply not like this treat.
What is horseradish and how is it good for rabbits
Horseradish, or village, is a type of perennial deciduous crops with a branched stem and large leaves. The culture grows mainly in the Eurasian zone. Most often found in places with high humidity. This plant is famous primarily for the amount of vitamins and nutrients it contains. Among them, it is especially possible to highlight:
- vitamins B, C and E, which improve blood circulation, color and texture of the coat, ensure good absorption of proteins, fats and carbohydrates;
- folic acid - a component necessary for the proper growth and development of a pet;
- fiber;
- useful essential oils, etc.
The animal organism is not able to independently replenish all these vitamins, therefore it needs additional feeding. Also, the leaves and stem of the culture contain ascorbic acid and mustard oil. In small doses, this plant increases the appetite and improves the functioning of the stomach in the rabbit. The culture contains bactericidal substances, so the leaves can help cleanse the rabbit's body of toxins and toxins. Sometimes a few drops of essential oil from the stems of this plant, added to the water, noticeably help the pet to cope with complex poisoning.
Fresh horseradish contains much more nutrients and vitamins. But it is important to remember that fresh herbs in the rabbit's diet should be dosed, depending on the weight and age of the animal.
Optimal locations for collecting horseradish leaves and stalks
The easiest way to get green food in the summer is to grow it on your site. Then you can be sure that horseradish is useful and has not been treated with chemicals. Horseradish is freely available to buy at any market or farm.
Near rivers and swamps, you can find wild horseradish, which is also suitable for feeding rabbits. In this case, a number of simple collection rules should be followed:
- it is best to harvest the plant away from the road or dusty places;
- it is important to carefully examine the stems and leaves for insects and diseases;
- the tops should be green and voluminous, while the root should be light brown on the outside and off-white on the inside.
At first, horseradish should be given in dosage, no more than a leaf edge per day. When feeding young rabbits with horseradish, it is important to monitor the behavior of the eared ears. It is required to carefully observe the pet: if after eating the rabbit did not show signs of indigestion, then the rodent liked the greens. Now you can gradually increase the daily horseradish requirement in the rabbit menu. For an adult, a quarter of one leaf per day will be enough. Best to mix with clover or nettle before use.
Horseradish can be given to a rabbit both fresh and dried, but before that, the plant should be properly processed.
Fresh horseradish processing methods
Can I give rabbits fresh horseradish leaves? Yes, if you grow the plant yourself in your garden.
In this case, it is enough just to rinse the tops with boiled water to remove pollen and dirt, wipe with a cloth, and then cut off the required amount from the leaf. To reduce the pungency of horseradish, you can make a mixture of different tops. Horseradish is in perfect harmony with nettles, clover, carrot or beet stalks. Before starting to feed, the beet tops should be treated with crushed chalk: this will prevent an upset stomach in the animal, as the beets can have a laxative effect.
We must not forget to carefully examine the leaves and stems of horseradish: the plant should not be sick or rotten. Wild horseradish is also suitable for feeding, but only the one that grows away from highways.
Store vegetables and fruits are best not given to your pet: they are often treated with various means to preserve the goods during long-term transportation. These chemicals cause minor harm to humans, but can severely compromise the health of the little furry.
Dried horseradish leaves
During the winter, the rabbit, whose monthly diet is 30% green, needs additional vitamins. To do this, it is enough to prepare horseradish leaves from the summer. The best time to harvest this plant for drying is August or early September. Horseradish leaves and stems store enough vitamins and minerals at this point and are great for cutting. The tops should be sorted out, washed thoroughly with warm water and dried with a clean sheet of paper or linen cloth.
When the water is dry, the plants should be moved to a location with good fresh air circulation. Hay from the leaves of this culture contains a large amount of nutrients and will serve as a good addition to conventional feed. Horseradish green food should be given to rabbits no more than 2-3 times a week. The herbs should be alternated and fed in small portions, otherwise you can rip your pet's stomach out.
What conclusion can be drawn? Rabbits can be given horseradish, in case of poisoning it is even necessary. But if the rabbits are decorative, you can give the rabbits horseradish leaves very carefully. In small quantities, this plant increases immunity and improves the functioning of the rabbit's gastrointestinal tract. A good collection point, proper processing and a sustained daily rate - all this will help to usefully introduce horseradish into the animal's complementary food.