Keep your rabbit safe outdoors in Purleigh
March 14, 2019
Garden safety for rabbits this spring
With the weather warming up your rabbit will love to roam free in the garden and outdoor exercise is highly recommended to keep it healthy – but be aware of possible hazards.
For example, some plants can be poisonous to small animals. There may also be spots where predators could enter, or your rabbit could wander off into the great unknown.
And, of course, there are invisible dangers – like life-threatening viral diseases, which is why it’s important to keep your pet’s vaccinations up to date. So, before you let your rabbit hop out of its cage, check out our garden safety tips here, and if you have any more questions feel free to ask our team at Edgewood Vets.
Making your garden risk-free for your rabbit
Some simple precautions can make your garden safer and keep predators like foxes, cats and dogs at bay. And you want to make sure your rabbit can’t run off, of course.
- Set aside a specific area of the garden for your rabbit, as it’ll be easier to monitor
- Make sure your fence is at least four feet high
- Put wire mesh underneath fences to a depth of 30cm (to prevent digging)
- Check regularly for escape holes
- Never use weed killers, pesticides, insecticides, particle fertilisers or slug pellets anywhere near your rabbit’s grazing area
- Never leave your rabbit unsheltered from the weather
Plants that are poisonous for rabbits
Sadly, some of the prettiest plants are the most damaging if eaten by a rabbit. If you suspect your pet has eaten a poisonous plant, contact us immediately for advice.
Common plants that are toxic to rabbits include:
- Geranium
- Privet
- Horsetail
- Ivy
- Bulb plants (most including daffodils)
- Yew tree
- Deadly nightshade
Plus, if you’re unsure about identifying a risky plant, contact us with your photographs and we’ll be happy to help.
