My rabbits and "outdoor" treats

[whatever4andnomore]

My daughter and I have two mini rex rabbits that we are harness training. We enjoy taking them outside to the park for romps and visiting with curious people who think seeing rabbits on a leash quite the site. My concern is, with being outside, it can seem like quite a bunny buffet. Is it safe for the buns to eat the grass and dried leaves. So far, they have not had any adverse reactions to their snacking while playing.

 

[JBun]

Spring and fall new growth grass can be a bit rich, which can sometimes lead to digestive upset if too much too quickly is suddenly introduced into the diet, instead of gradually introduced in small amounts over a week or so. More mature grass is usually better tolerated. Depending on if the leaves are rabbit safe, they should be relatively well tolerated too. Though it is always best to slowly introduce new foods into a rabbits diet, keeping an eye out for signs of digestive upset or mushy poop.

if your rabbits have been eating these things for several days without any digestive upset or mushy poop, then they are probably ok to continue, though I would still try and limit the grass if it is new growth, so they aren't getting too much at a time.

 

[missyscove]

When you're leaving your own yard with them you also have to consider what else is on the grass. For example are there fertilizers or pesticides used? Litter? Other animals in the area that might have parasites your rabbits could get? It's all sort of a cost benefit analysis situation, but those are definitely things to think about. If they're going outdoors in public frequently you might consider using a flea product more regularly than most rabbit owners who apply flea preventatives only once they've seen fleas.