Bunnies love to hop, binky, and enjoy their time in the garden. But, one of the fundamental things that I pay extreme attention to is the nature of the plants they munch on.
My bunnies enjoy eating grass but it doesn’t stop there. Sometimes, they also enter the succulent region and I get extra cautious. Having raised bunnies for years and let them roam in the garden, I can give you a clear picture of the effects of succulents on rabbits.
Can bunnies eat succulents?
Bunnies shouldn’t and generally don’t eat succulents. While some love to play around with succulents, eating them is highly dangerous as it is difficult to categorize toxicity.
Some contain toxins that can cause vomiting and diarrhea while others have high levels of oxalates or saponins which can be harmful if ingested. The best way to keep your bunny safe is to avoid giving them any succulents to munch on.
If you have a succulent garden, make sure it’s fenced off so your bunny can’t get to it.
Are succulents poisonous to rabbits?
Cactus, aloe vera, kalanchoe, ZZ plant, Euphorbia, and air plants are generally poisonous to rabbits. However, the toxicity of some succulents remains unknown. As a result, it is recommended to keep rabbits away from succulents.
I have researched a lot on succulents because I wanted my rabbits to be safe. As I create this blog, I sincerely care for yours as well.
Do you have a hamster? We have an article for you – Are succulents good for hamsters?
Some of the succulents that are highly poisonous to rabbits are here.
- Euphorbia – All plants in this genus are poisonous to rabbits. They contain a toxic sap that can cause gastrointestinal irritation and skin irritation.
- Kalanchoe – This plant contains toxins that can cause gastrointestinal upset and heart arrhythmias in rabbits.
- Air Plants – Air plants (Tillandsia spp.) are poisonous to rabbits due to their high silica content. Silica can cause gastrointestinal upset and liver damage in rabbits.
- Cactus – Cactus plants contain toxins that can cause gastrointestinal upset and skin irritation in rabbits.
- Aloe Vera – Aloe vera contains aloin, a compound that is toxic to rabbits. ingestion of this plant can cause gastrointestinal upset and diarrhea.
- ZZ Plant – ZZ plants (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) contain toxins that can cause gastrointestinal upset and skin irritation in rabbits.
- Snake plant – Snake plants (Sansevieria spp.) contain saponins, which are toxic to rabbits. Saponins can cause gastrointestinal upset and diarrhea.
- Adenium – Adenium plants contain toxins that can cause gastrointestinal upset and skin irritation in rabbits.
- Yucca palm – Yucca plants contain saponins, which are toxic to rabbits. Saponins can cause gastrointestinal upset and diarrhea.
- Fox glove – Foxglove plants (Digitalis spp.) contain cardiac glycosides, which are toxic to rabbits. Cardiac glycosides can cause gastrointestinal upset, skin irritation, and heart arrhythmias.
- Oleander – Oleander plants contain cardiac glycosides, which are toxic to rabbits. Cardiac glycosides can cause gastrointestinal upset, skin irritation, and heart arrhythmias.
- Rhododendron – Rhododendron plants contain toxins that can cause gastrointestinal upset and skin irritation in rabbits.
- Lily of the valley – Lily of the valley plants contain cardiac glycosides, which are toxic to rabbits. Cardiac glycosides can cause gastrointestinal upset, skin irritation, and heart arrhythmias.
- Sago palm – Sago palm plants contain toxins that can cause gastrointestinal upset and liver damage in rabbits.
- Tulip – Tulip plants contain toxins that can cause gastrointestinal upset and skin irritation in rabbits.
- Chrysanthemum – Chrysanthemum plants contain pyrethrins, which are toxic to rabbits. Pyrethrins can cause gastrointestinal upset and skin irritation.
- Daffodil – Daffodil plants contain toxins that can cause gastrointestinal upset and skin irritation in rabbits.
- Hyacinth – Hyacinth plants contain toxins that can cause gastrointestinal upset and skin irritation in rabbits.
- Iris – Iris plants contain toxins that can cause gastrointestinal upset and skin irritation in rabbits.
- Azalea – Azalea plants contain grayanotoxins, which are toxic to rabbits. Grayanotoxins can cause gastrointestinal upset and skin irritation.
- Chocolate soldier – Chocolate soldier plants contain oxalates, which are toxic to rabbits. Oxalates can cause gastrointestinal upset and skin irritation.
- Elephant’s ear – Elephant’s ear plants contain oxalates, which are toxic to rabbits. Oxalates can cause gastrointestinal upset and skin irritation.
- Philodendron – Philodendron plants contain calcium oxalate crystals, which are toxic to rabbits. Calcium oxalate crystals can cause gastrointestinal upset and skin irritation.
- Dieffenbachia – Dieffenbachia plants contain calcium oxalate crystals, which are toxic to rabbits. Calcium oxalate crystals can cause gastrointestinal upset and skin irritation.
- Spurges – Spurges (Euphorbia spp.) contain latex, which is toxic to rabbits. Latex can cause gastrointestinal upset and skin irritation.
If you have a succulent and a rabbit, it is best to keep them separate to avoid any potential problems.
Which succulents are safe for rabbits?
There are succulents that are rabbit-safe too. At first, it was hard to trust. But, after seeing how these succulents impact rabbits, it is quite certain that they are safe and non-toxic.
- Burro’s tail – Sedum morganianum
Burro’s tail is a succulent that is safe for rabbits. It is a native of Mexico and has long, trailing stems that are covered in blue-green leaves. This plant is not toxic to rabbits and can be a good addition to their diet.
- Pincushion cactus – Mammillaria sp.
Pincushion cactus is another succulent that is safe for rabbits. It is a native of Mexico and has round, spiny stems that are covered in small, white flowers. This plant is not toxic to rabbits and can be a good addition to their diet.
- Stonecrop – Sedum sp.
Stonecrop is a succulent that is safe for rabbits. It is native to Europe and has thick, fleshy leaves that are green or red in color. This plant is not toxic to rabbits and can be a good addition to their diet.
- Zebra Haworthia.
Zebra haworthia is a succulent that is safe for rabbits. It is a native of South Africa and has thick, fleshy leaves that are striped with white or light green. This plant is not toxic to rabbits and can be a good addition to their diet.
- Blue Echeveria.
Blue echeveria is a succulent that is safe for rabbits. It is native to Mexico and has thick, fleshy leaves that are blue-green in color. This plant is not toxic to rabbits and can be a good addition to their diet.
- Ponytail Palm – Beaucarnea recurvata
Ponytail palm is a succulent that is safe for rabbits. It is a native of Mexico and has a long, slender trunk that is topped with a tuft of green leaves. This plant is not toxic to rabbits and can be a good addition to their diet.
- Haworthia retusa.
Haworthia retusa is a succulent that is safe for rabbits. It is a native of South Africa and has thick, fleshy leaves that are green or blue-green in color. This plant is not toxic to rabbits and can be a good addition to their diet.
My bunny ate a succulent. What to do?
If your bunny has eaten a succulent, there are a few things you can do.
First, make sure that the plant is not poisonous to rabbits. If it is, contact your veterinarian immediately. If the plant is not poisonous, offer your bunny plenty of water and fresh hay to eat.
You may also want to provide some fresh vegetables for added nutrition. Monitor your bunny closely for any signs of illness and contact your veterinarian if you have any concerns.
Related – Does baking soda kill rabbits?
Signs of poisoning in rabbits
If you think your rabbit has eaten a succulent or been poisoned, here are a few signs that you should take a look at.
- Diarrhea
This is one of the most common and earliest signs that something is amiss with your bunny. If you notice that your rabbit’s poop is softer than usual, or has changed in color or consistency, it could be a sign of digestive upset or even something more serious.
- Lethargy
A tired, sleepy rabbit is another red flag. If your usually active bunny is suddenly not interested in playing or running around, it’s time to take them to the vet.
If they are dehydrated, here is an article to hydrate them quickly – How to tell if a rabbit is dehydrated?
- Loss of appetite
A decrease in appetite, or a total loss of interest in food, is another sign that something could be wrong. This is especially concerning if it’s accompanied by weight loss.
- Bloody feces
Bloody diarrhea is a sign of serious digestive distress and warrants an immediate trip to the vet.
- Vomiting
Like diarrhea, vomiting is another common sign of digestive upset in rabbits. If your bunny is heaving and bringing up food or water, it’s time to see a doctor.
- Breathing difficulties
If your rabbit is having trouble breathing, or you see any discharge from the nose or mouth, it could be a sign of pneumonia or another respiratory infection.
- Seizures
Seizures are a sign of neurological distress and can be caused by a variety of issues, from head trauma to toxicity. If your bunny has a seizure, get them to the vet as soon as possible.
- Unusual behavior
If your rabbit is acting out of character, it could be a sign that something is wrong. For example, if your normally social bunny suddenly starts avoiding you, it’s worth investigating.
These are just a few of the many signs that something could be wrong with your bunny.
FAQ
Are cacti poisonous to rabbits?
Cacti is highly poisonous to rabbits as it contains alkaloids that can cause gastrointestinal problems, such as vomiting and diarrhea. Further, cacti can also harm the throat and block the digestive system.
Is Aloe toxic for rabbits?
Aloe is moderately toxic to rabbits as it contains saponins. Saponins are a type of natural glycoside that is found in many plants. When ingested, they can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and anorexia.
If your rabbit ingests a large amount of aloe, it could lead to dehydration and death. Therefore, it is best to avoid giving your rabbit any aloe plants or products.
Are echeveria toxic to rabbits?
Echeveria is not toxic but is not advised to eat by rabbits. The plant is not easily digested and may cause stomach issues for your rabbit.
Is ivy poisonous to rabbits?
Ivy is highly poisonous, especially the berries and leaves. If your rabbit ingests any part of an ivy plant, he will likely experience severe gastrointestinal distress and require emergency veterinary care.
If you suspect your rabbit has ingested ivy, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Symptoms of ivy poisoning in rabbits include lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, ivy poisoning can lead to death. If you have ivy in your home or yard, be sure to keep it out of reach of your rabbit. Consider planting another type of ground cover in their places, such as clover or grass.
Related – Do rabbits need to be in pairs?
Are string of pearls toxic to rabbits?
The string of pearls is not toxic but harmful to rabbits if ingested. The plant’s leaves and stems contain calcium oxalate crystals which can cause severe irritation to the mouth, throat, esophagus, and stomach.
If your rabbit ingests any part of this plant, it is important to seek veterinary care immediately as they may need to be hospitalized for supportive care.
Are lilies poisonous to rabbits?
Lilies are highly poisonous to rabbits and other small pets. All parts of the lily plant are toxic, including the leaves, stem, flowers, and even the water in the vase.
If a rabbit ingests any part of a lily, it can lead to fatal kidney failure.
Is Jade plant toxic to rabbits?
Jade plant is moderately safe for rabbits if ingested in small amounts, but can cause stomach upset and vomiting.
If your rabbit ingests a large amount of jade plant, it could lead to more serious health problems such as diarrhea, liver damage, and even death.
Conclusion
If you have a succulent garden at home and are letting rabbits sneak into the garden, it is better to make note of the toxicity of each succulent.
I have detailed toxic and non-toxic succulents for rabbits so you can keep the detail handy. Not to forget, rabbits can’t tolerate toxicity and suffer from severe poisoning.
Why not owners become more responsible to care for the little ones at home?
