8/7/2019 Nibble Nursery - Rabbit Care - Herbs

1/5

Herbal Bunnies

- Comfrey - Dandelion - Echinacea - Fennel -- Groundsel - Lavender- Mint - - Nettles - Oregano -

- Parsley - Raspberry Leaf - Red Clover- Sage - Thyme - Yarrow -

Excerpts by Author Joshua Benbrook from

Green Patch Rabbits

Caution: Extreme care should be taken when feeding your animals herbs and weeds. Only serve healthy and appetisingherbs & weeds. Do not feed your rabbits mouldy or rotten plants. Do not feed your rabbits poisoned or sprayed plants. If your

rabbit develops diarrhoea discontinue use of suspect plant. A veterinarian is the only one qualified to diagnose and treat arabbit for any illness. Take your rabbit to a vet immediately if you have any health concerns.

Our New Herb Garden

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

ComfreyLatin Name: Symphytum officinale

Family: Rubiaceae

Height: 100 - 150cm

8/7/2019 Nibble Nursery - Rabbit Care - Herbs

2/5

8/7/2019 Nibble Nursery - Rabbit Care - Herbs

3/5

Height: 50cm

Lavender is an extremely useful herb for breeders. It is a uterine stimulant, and can be used tostimulate labour. When given to a late birthing doe, it helps to expel uterus contents, dead oralive. It can be used to bring on a natural abortion early on in pregnancy. Lavender is also a

natural mild tranquilizer, it acts upon the heart to reduce blood pressure.

Warning: NOT to be fed in large amounts, can cause diarrhea.Can bring about an abortion early into a pregnancy.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

MintLatin Name: Herba Menthae

Family: LamiaceaeHeight: 45cm

Mint is used to reduce milk production in does towards the end of weaning. Mint also relaxesmuscles in the digestive tract, and stimulates bile. This help with indigestion, flatulence and

colic. It is also said to be good for colds. Harvest before flowering.Warning: NOT to be feed to pregnant does or to kittens. Do not feed to lactating doe while kittens are still weaning. Long term

use will irritate mucous membranes.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Nettles (Small)Latin Name: Urtica urens

Family: UrticaceaHeight: 20 - 60cm

It is important to firstly dry the nettles; this will make them loose their sting. Nettles are anexcellent feed for rabbits, especially any rabbit recovering from an illness. They also help to

keep rabbits fur and bones in good condition. Nettles contain calcium, iron, phosphorus and

protein as well as being high in vitamin D.

Warning: Must be well dried and free from mould. Where gloves while handling as Nettles stings.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

OreganoLatin Name: Origanum vulgare

Family: LamiaceaeHeight: 20 - 80cm

Recent research in Germany indicates that this herb may be useful as a preventative andcure for Coccidiosis. Researchers suggest feeding the plant, leaves, and woody stems directlyas the oregano oil has an antibacterial effect on the intestinal tract and is not broken downduring normal digestive processes. Natural oregano extract can be added to the drinking

water and used for general hygiene purposes, or oregano oil, which can be mixed with

vegetable oil to a suitable dilution and used on food.

Warning: NOT to be fed in large amounts, can cause diarrhoea.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

ParsleyLatin Name: Petroselinum crispum

Family: Umbelliferea

8/7/2019 Nibble Nursery - Rabbit Care - Herbs

4/5

Height: 60cm

Parsley is rich source of many vitamins and minerals most notably vitamins A, and C alongsidehigh amounts of vitamins B, D, & E. Parsley is a sexual stimulant for both Bucks and Does.

Feeding for ten day before mating is said to increase the egg and sperm count.

Warning: NOT to be fed in large amounts, can cause diarrhoea. NOT to be feed early during pregnancy as it is a womb

stimulant. Side on caution if rabbit suffers from urinary tract problems.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Raspberry LeafLatin Name: Rubus Ideaus

Family: RosaceaeHeight: 60cm

As well as strengthening and toning the tissue of the womb and its astringent action, (likebramble, blackberry or strawberry leaves) in cases of diarrhoea, raspberry leaf is also good for

mouth and throat problems. Raspberry leaf is typically taken during the last third of thepregnancy's duration to help ease labour. It also supports lactation.

Raspberry leaves have an extremely high calcium level and a very high Ca:P ratio. Raspberryleaves also contain high levels of vitamins A and C.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Red CloverLatin Name: Trifolium pratense

Family: LeguminoseaeHeight: 30-50cm

Rabbits and guinea pigs enjoy all clovers. One of the most useful internal remedies for eczemaand other chronic skin conditions such as psoriasis. Possible anti-neoplastic action in animals.

Red Clover Flowers have an extremely high calcium level and a very high Ca:P ratio. They alsocontain high levels of vitamins A and C. Clover hay is a valuable feed to help animals through

the moult.

Warning: Must be must be kept dry and in good condition.

Mould in plants of the clover family can be particularly toxic.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

SageLatin Name: Salvia officinalis

Family: LamiaceaeHeight: 60cm

Sage is used to reduce milk production in does, should be used at the end of weaning.

Warning: Feed with caution. NOT to be feed to pregnant does or to kittens. Do not feed to lactating doe while kittens are still

weaning. Thujone in sage can trigger epileptic fits.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

ThymeLatin Name: Thymus Vulgaris

Family: LamiaceaeHeight: 40cm

8/7/2019 Nibble Nursery - Rabbit Care - Herbs

5/5

Feed the leaves and stems to aid with chest infections; heavy infections are often markedwith thick yellow phlegm. Harvest before flowering. Thyme is also used to reduce milk

production in does, should be used at the end of weaning.

Warning: Feed with caution. NOT to be feed to pregnant does or to kittens. Do not feed to lactating doe while kittens are still

weaning.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

YarrowLatin Name: Achillae millefolium

Family: CompositaeHeight: 100cm

Used as a urinary antiseptic and to heal external wounds. Said to be useful against bloatingand intestinal problems. Is good food for rabbits while young and tender.

Warning: Fresh plant juice may cause allergic skin reaction. Excessive use can also lead to a photosensitive response.

-----------------------------------------------------------

Kirsten Smit

www.nibblenursery.com.au

Copyr ight 2008 Nibble Nursery