Black berry leaves/stocks/branches

[Spring]

I'm just wondering about blackberry bushes. We have a TON of overgrowth on the side of our property. I've seen the wild rabbits eat the leaves and stems of them fresh. I was just wondering if it would hurt their mouths to eat them? I know the backs of blackberry leaves are have bristle things. I just want to be sure it won't give the buns a cut up mouth? Or do I have to get rid of the thorns?

Thanks!

 

[MyBabyBunnies]

I don't know about blackberries but we grow red and yellow raspberries. I only feed the red raspberry leaves because they are less prickly. I also try to pick the ones that I don't feel and prickles when I run my hand on the under side.

My opinion is that if I wouldn't want to put it in my mouth, then why would I expect my rabbits to eat it?

 

[Spring]

I'll go out and see if I can find some leaves that don't have harsh bristles on the back. Do you think it would be ok if I cut the thorns off so they wouldn't be prickley? The wild rabbits seem to really enjoy the blackberry leaves and stems.

 

[MyBabyBunnies]

It says blackberries (and all their parts) are safe on my list.

 

[tamsin]

Yep, blackberry leaves are okay They are meant to be good for tempting bunnies with GI problems but I've not tried it - none near me. Just make sure they haven't been sprayed with anything

Tam

 

[Spring]

Oh ok, great! I'll have to clip some branches and maybe dethorn them and do something with the leaves. I just went and looked and it only has thorns down the middle of the leafs, so I can just rip it in half adn throw away the thorny middle part. Nope, they aren't sprayed or anything, they are just growing wild out in the back. My neighbors have a field and theyjust live on the side of ours and their property. Blackberry smoothie in late summer- best thing!

Thanks