Rabbits do not eat freesia because it is poisonous to them. Although it won’t kill them, freesia does contain compounds that can make a rabbit sick. This isn’t a huge issue since most rabbits don’t like the taste and smell of freesia.
If you’re a rabbit owner, it’s important to know which plants are safe for your furry friend to consume. While rabbits are notorious for nibbling on everything in sight, not all plants are created equal. Unfortunately, freesia is one of the plants that rabbits should NOT eat.
This article will explain why freesia is bad for rabbits, what will happen if they eat it, and what to do if your rabbit becomes sick.
What You'll Learn
Why Do Rabbits NOT Eat Freesia
Rabbits will eat almost any plant they come across. Freesia is one of the rare exceptions. Although a rabbit may munch on freesia occasionally, it’s not very common.
For the most part, rabbits will avoid freesia because it tastes and smells bad to them. However, there is another reason why rabbits should stay away from this plant.
Freesia is Poisonous to Rabbits
Freesia contains toxic compounds that can make a rabbit sick. If a rabbit eats enough of this plant, it could lead to diarrhea, lethargy, and a general feeling of illness.
You may not notice any signs if your rabbit only ate a small amount of freesia. However, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and not let your rabbit get to the freesia again.
Luckily, freesia is not poisonous enough to kill a rabbit, but it’s definitely not good to have in their system.
Rabbits Don’t Like The Taste or Smell of Freesia
As we mentioned before, most rabbits will avoid eating freesia. This is probably because it smells bad to them.
Rabbits have a very keen sense of smell, so if something doesn’t smell right, they’ll avoid it. This is obviously good news since we don’t want our rabbits eating freesia anyways!
What Would Happen to a Rabbit That Ate Freesia?
Thankfully, it won’t kill them, but it will cause them to feel sick and may lead to the following symptoms:
Diarrhea
This is likely the most common symptom if your rabbit eats freesia. If your rabbit has diarrhea, you’ll notice that its poop is watery and may smell bad. It may also contain bits of undigested food.
Lethargy
If your rabbit isn’t feeling well, it may be less active than usual. This means they’ll spend more time sleeping and less time running around and playing.
General Feeling of Illness
Your rabbit may not eat or drink as much as usual if they feel ill. They may also have a reduced appetite.
You May Not Notice Any Signs
If your rabbit only ate a small amount of freesia, you may not notice any signs at all. However, it’s always better to be safe than sorry and keep an eye out for potential problems.
What to Do If Your Rabbit Ate Freesia
If you think your rabbit has eaten freesia, there are a few things you can do:
Identify How Much They Ate
The first thing you need to do is identify how much freesia your rabbit ate. They’re likely to be fine if they only had a small nibble. However, if they ate a large amount, it’s important to take action.
Watch For Symptoms
As we mentioned, diarrhea, lethargy, and a general feeling of illness are all potential symptoms of freesia poisoning. If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to take your rabbit to the vet as soon as possible.
Relax
Even if your rabbit has eaten a lot of freesias, it’s highly unlikely they will experience any significant side effects. However, it’s still a good idea to keep an eye on them and call the vet if you’re concerned.
Call The Vet If Concerned
If you’re worried about your rabbit, it’s always best to call the vet. They can give you specific advice based on your rabbit’s individual case.
How to Use Freesia to Keep Rabbits Out of Your Garden
Up to this point, we have discussed the concerns with rabbits eating freesia, but what if your goal is to keep rabbits out of your garden? Is freesia a good option? Yes!
Freesia is an excellent option if you’re looking for a way to keep rabbits out of your garden. This is because rabbits don’t like the taste or smell of this plant.
To use freesia to keep rabbits out of your garden, simply plant it around the perimeter. This will create a barrier that rabbits are unlikely to cross.
Freesia is NOT Rabbit Friendly
As we’ve seen, freesia is not a good plant for rabbits. If your rabbit eats freesia, it’s likely to cause them to experience diarrhea, lethargy, and a general feeling of illness.
While freesia is not poisonous enough to kill a rabbit, it’s still best to avoid letting them eat it. If you think your rabbit has eaten freesia, it’s a good idea to call the vet.
Freesia is a great option if you’re looking for a way to keep rabbits out of your garden. This is because rabbits don’t like the taste or smell of this plant. To use it for this purpose, simply plant it around the perimeter of your garden.
