Can I give nettle to rabbits?

Nettle, as a multi-vitamin plant, is often added to various pet foods. Therefore, it is not surprising that the rabbit breeders have a question whether the rabbits eat nettles and whether they can be given as a supplement to the main feed, as an independent element of the diet.

With these questions we will understand further.

Is it possible to nettle rabbits

Rabbits eat this grass, and very willingly, already from 20-30 days from birth. Any breeder will say that it is useful not only for adult individuals, but also for young animals, even for little rabbits after giving birth. It is useful rich in vitamin composition, as well as a special nettle protein. It is absorbed better than an animal, but it also helps build muscle mass in rabbits. Therefore, the question of whether rabbits eat nettle has an unequivocal answer: it is possible and even necessary. Starting to give it is worth already a three-week rabbit, but in a specially prepared form. It is also useful for rabbits during pregnancy, as well as during feeding, because it stimulates the production of milk.In addition, the plant has high antibacterial properties.

How to give a plant

Nettle rabbits can be given in different forms: by itself, as part of the feed, fresh, dried. The highest concentration of nutritional properties of the plant is observed in the period before flowering.

Fresh

A fresh plant is very useful for rabbits, as it retains the maximum amount of useful substances. But before giving it to animals, burning grass must be specially prepared so as not to harm the pets. After collecting the plant along with the stems, it must be well washed under running water. Then, to remove the burning sensation, pour boiling water. When the treated nettle dries well, it is crushed and given to animals as such or in combination with other foods or herbs.

Dried nettle

As already mentioned, grass can be given to rabbits only one that has not yet bloomed. And what to do after the onset of flowering or in winter, when the lack of vitamins is felt particularly acute? For these periods it is recommended to dry up the plant in advance in the right quantity.

Nettle grass that has been harvested before flowering begins to be tied up and dried in a dark and well-ventilated place. You can grind it before drying and dry it on sheets in unfolded form.

Preparations are usually carried out from June to early July. The dried plant is put in boxes, because the leaves, the most valuable part of it, easily crumble and rub off into dust. When it comes time to use dried grass, it is enough to brew it. Breeders claim that rabbits, in the diet of which nettle is included, grow faster, have better quality meat and fur. In addition, they are less likely to get sick, they cost less to care.

What kind of grass can be given to rabbits

As already mentioned, you can collect grass with unblown buds, and it is better even before their formation. At this time, it is not only rich in vitamins, but has the highest index of antibacterial, anti-inflammatory properties.

After collecting and washing the stems with leaves, you can pour boiling water whole, and you can prepare a mixture of them. To do this, cut the dried plant into pieces the size of 2-3 cm, put in a saucepan and pour over boiling water. Loan add a little bran or feed, can be mixed with crushed boiled potatoes and sprinkle with salt water. After cooling the mixture, it can be given to rabbits. From her rabbit milk flow increases, the young grows faster, and adult rabbits are gaining weight well.

Rabbits have a very sensitive stomach, so you need to carefully choose a place to collect the plant. Tear nettles away from industrial areas, factories, roads. It is better to take it in the woods, in your own garden or garden.

Also do not overdo it with the inclusion of plants in the diet. It can be given to animals no more than three times a week. Often allowed only in cases where rabbits have problems with bowel movements.