dandelions!

[~BunBuns~]

I heard that its safe to feed your bunny dandelions. I wasn't sure which part of it. Like the top of it (where the flower is) Or the stem where the white stuff is inside. Do they eat only 1 part of it or both? In what month do dandelions come out?

Thanks

-April and BunBuns

 

[Runestonez]

All of the dandelion is safe for buns, the flowers as well as the leafy parts. Make sure that the dandelions have not come in contact with fertilizers and/or weed sprays. Our dandelions are out now...though not in flower. If you want go to the plant nurseries and pick up some seeds for Italian Dandelion...also called Chicory. These are the big long dandelions you find in the grocery stores...you can plant them in a small flowerbed and harvest them for your buns. We are planting some this year too!

 

[~BunBuns~]

chicory.. ill ask my mom for the seeds! thanks a lot

 

[SOOOSKA]

Runestonez, I am so glad you mentioned that Dandelions are also called chicory because for years now I have been looking for dandelion seeds but have never found. Now I know so I will plant some this year.

Susan and the Gang:bunnydance::apollo::bunny19:bunnyheart

 

[jil101ca]

I never knew dandelions were so hard to findI have 1000 growing on my lawn, anybody is welcome to come and pick some but please take the roots as well

 

[polly]

Snap i am always trying to get my buns to eat mine i keep pulling them up by the root but they seem to double every year, never mind its another good reason to have bunnies!! I got a couple of chicory plants as well but Saffy keeps eating them quicker than they can grow!!!

 

[maherwoman]

WARNING: Dandelion andItalian Dandelion are completely separate plants.Italian Dandelion (as you mentioned, also called chicory) is high in calcium and is recommended to be given to buns sparingly.

Check out this thread I posted about it a while back. My husband had picked up Italian Dandelion from a Farmer's Market, and I was trying to figure out exactly what it was. I did some research and found that they were completely different plants, and that Italian Dandelion isn't something that should be given regularly to buns.

Here's my thread:
http://rabbitsonline.net/view_topic.php?id=18797&forum_id=1

And here's where I found my information about chicory AKA Italian Dandelion:
http://mybunny.org/info/rabbit_nutrition.htm#veg_fruit

 

[monklover]

0.o :bunnydance:Thanks maherwoman!:bunnydance:

 

[Runestonez]

Thanks Maherwoman!

The woman I talked to assured us they were the same thing. I called her back last night to talk to her again...(she is a "gardening expert) and should know that there is a difference!:? Any who...I guess we aren't planting the dandelions now...

What about the ones we have been buying in the grocery stores labeled as dandelion??? They are a foot to a foot and a half long...they aren't labeled as chicory, are they regular dandelions do you think? Perhaps I'll call the company today to ask...just in case!!

 

[rabb1tmad]

It's good in the UK. It looks like this. You shouldn't give too much though as it is a known natural laxative.

 

[bluebird]

I feed the flowers and the leaves straight out of my yard.we never use weed killers on our yard.bluebird

 

[SOOOSKA]

Thanks Rosie for that info. I was planning on planting some this weekend, now I will only plant carrots for them.

Susan and the Gang:bunnydance::apollo::bunny19:bunnyheart

 

[maherwoman]

You're so welcome, guys! Just glad I could help!

It's funny how one finds information on something right before someone asks about it.

Hugs all around!

Rosie*

 

[Hazel-Mom]

Yes, the ones in the grocery stores are most likely the Italian Dandelion. I wouldn't worry about it that much, if you've already been feeding them those, why not just go ahead and plant some? I am, at least. You can just feed your buns the same amount you've been feeding them already.
Also, if you go to
Runestonez wrote: [/b]

Thanks Maherwoman!

The woman I talked to assured us they were the same thing. Icalled her back last night to talk to her again...(she is a "gardeningexpert) and should know that there is a difference!:? Anywho...I guess we aren't planting the dandelions now...

What about the ones we have been buying in the grocery stores labelledas dandelion??? They are a foot to a foot and a halflong...they aren't labelled as chicorey, are they regular dandelions doyou think? Perhaps I'll call the company today to ask...justin case!!

 

[jcottonl02]

My Benji ADORREESSS dandelions!!!!!!!!! I pick one or two every day for him; he eats the leaves, the stalk, but loves the top best. I only have to show it to him and he runs for it and gobbles it up.
They are a lovely treat for rabbits
NEVER feed your rabbit tomatoes or onions however (random but some people dont know)
Jenny