Can Rabbits Eat Mums? – Health Risks and Prevention

Mums are a popular autumn flower that can be seen in gardens and yards across the country. Many people may wonder if rabbits can eat mums, and if so, what are the consequences?

In this post, we will explore whether or not rabbits can eat mums and whether or not it is good for them. We will also provide some tips on how to care for your mums so that they stay healthy and beautiful all season long!

Can rabbits eat mums?

No! Rabbits should not eat mums because they contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) which can be poisonous to the rabbit.

PAs are chemicals that can cause liver and kidney damage in rabbits if they eat too much of them. Some types of mums, like ornamental pepper leaf mums, contain very high levels of PAs.

Rabbits that eat mums can suffer from liver damage, including fatty liver disease. PA poisoning in rabbits is usually diagnosed by finding high levels of certain enzymes (AST and ALT) in the blood, indicating liver damage.

Rabbits will also show signs of anorexia (not wanting to eat), lethargy , jaundice (yellowing of the skin especially noticeable in white or light colored rabbits), elevated heart rate, dehydration, and sometimes seizures.

Do rabbits like to eat mums?

Some rabbits don’t mind eating a mum or two, but most will eat too many and get sick. Some people give their rabbits mums to “bunny-proof” them from other plants in the garden, but this isn’t a good idea because mums are poisonous for rabbits.

If you’re concerned that your rabbit may have eaten one of these flowers, try to take him/her to the vet as soon as possible so they can be checked for signs of poisoning.

How do I stop rabbits from eating my mums?

Unfortunately, there is no sure-fire way to keep rabbits away from your plants. Even if you use a fence, they may still try to dig under it or jump over it. Some people have had success with using plastic plant protectors , which could be cut and made so that the mum has some “breathing room” under them while still being covered by the protector. There are many ways that you can try such as:

• stopping them from digging in certain areas (if they like to dig up mums)
• putting up a fence around your garden
• placing sharp objects near where rabbits are eating so they won’t eat there again.
• It might seem silly but scaring them off with some loud noise can help, such as banging on pots and pans or using bird scares .

You could also try making the area less inviting by putting down some pine needles or some other type of mulch that you know rabbits don’t like the smell of. This will stop them from wanting to come into that area anymore.

Repellents like “Rabbit Scram” can be used, but they shouldn’t be necessary if you try other alternatives first!

What do mums look like?

Mums look a lot like daisies, but the centers of mums have a yellow-orange color instead of white. The leaves of mums are longer and thinner than regular daisies, too, although both flowers have lacy-type leaves.

They are available in many different colors including white, yellow, orange, purple and pink. When mums are grown as indoor plants they stay small (about 12 inches) but outdoor varieties can grow to be up to three feet tall.

Are all types of mum poisonous for rabbits?

In general, all types of mum are bad for rabbits because they contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs). However, ornamental pepper leaf mums , blackberry leaf mums , and snapdragon mum s will contain the highest levels of PAs.

But do you need to worry about your bunny getting sick?

Not usually, as long as your rabbit does not eat a lot of these plants. Rabbits will show signs of toxicity after eating too much pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) over a short time period. Treatment for PA poisoning in rabbits is a bit costly and might not be worth the cost .

If your bun has been diagnosed with liver or kidney damage from PA poisoning, then drug treatments are available that may help his health improve gradually over time. In some cases, it might be beneficial to put your rabbit on a low protein diet if he/ she seems to have problems processing too much protein at once. *Please note: these treatments are for rabbits that have been diagnosed and treated by a veterinarian.

If you see your rabbit eat any part of a mum plant, please shelter him/her in a safe environment away from other plants and try to get them to the vet as soon as possible. Try to remember what type of mum it was so you can let your vet know.

Health problems caused by eating mums

Symptoms you may see in your rabbit if he/she has eaten a mum:

anorexia: anorexia is a disease in which your rabbit will not eat. This disease is dangerous because without treatment, your rabbit might die .

lethargy: lethargy is a term that means that your rabbit shows no interest in playing or doing anything. It could also mean that your rabbit may be drowsy and less active than normal.

jaundice: jaundice happens when the skin of an animal takes on a yellowish tinge and becomes darker than normal. If you see this symptom in your bunny it means he/she is unwell and needs to go to the vet as soon as possible for treatment .

elevated heart rate: if you do not know what a rabbits regular heart rate should be but notice that its heart rate has gone up then you should see your rabbit’s vet as soon as possible.

How many mums can a rabbit eat safely?

A single mum flower is not poisonous to a rabbit. But it should be noted that if your rabbit eats many mums flowers, and the toxic dose of PAs, then he/she will become unwell and need veterinary attention as soon as possible.

What Rabbits Really Need In Their Diet ?

Rabbits need fresh water and quality hay, which should be the main part of their diet. Rabbits also need fresh vegetables, high-quality pellets, fresh fruit, and good quality garden herbs to provide them with all the nutrients they need to be healthy.

Healthy alternatives to mums for outdoor rabbits

If you have a hutch or run, try planting some safe types of marigolds like the african marigold. This type of flower is safe for rabbits to eat. If you have an outdoor bunny who provides his/her own food, then plant some carrots , kale , parsley , cilantro and dandelions. These are all healthy treats that can be part of your rabbit’s diet without any worry about whether he/she will become sick from eating them.

Another option is to plant some catnip plants . Catnip is not only safe for rabbits to eat, it also helps them relax and feel happy.

You can also try planting some rosemary . This type of herb is safe for rabbits, but you should never let your rabbit chew on the stems because it could cause digestive problems.

Apart from these, you can also plant basil, mint, and sage. You can grow these herbs in your garden as long as they are not close to the mums plant.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q. What animals eat mums flowers?

A. Rabbits, hedgehogs, groundhogs, and deer eat mums flowers so don’t plant them in your garden if you have any of these creatures nearby.

Q. Will a mum plant poison my rabbit?

A. If your rabbit eats part of a mum flower then it will not poison him/ her. But if your rabbit eats lots of mums flowers then he/she will become unwell and might need treatment from a veterinarian.

Q. Can rabbits eat chrysanthemums?

A. Chrysanthemums are not poisonous to rabbits but they may upset their stomach if eaten in high quantities .

Conclusion

The conclusion of the question “Can rabbits eat mums?” is that if your rabbit eats a mum plant then it will not poison him/her.

But if your rabbit eats lots of mums flowers then he/she might become unwell and have to be seen by a vet.

The best alternative for outdoor rabbits are marigolds because they are safe for them to eat, carrots, kale, parsley, dandelions, catnip plants, rosemary, basil , mint , or sage . You can grow these herbs in your garden as long as they are not close to the mum’s plant.