Hibiscus plants are the famous flowering plant present in all the countries. Many people wonder that do rabbits eat hibiscus or if the hibiscus is safe for the rabbits. Yes, hibiscus are safe for the rabbits and they are perfect for the rabbits as a treat. Also, they do not have toxins in them and if your rabbits have consumed them, there is no need to worry about it.
What is hibiscus
Hibiscus is a flowering plant that is mostly present in warm environments. It has different colors of flowers and red color is the most prominent one. They are also known by the name of rose mallow, hardy hibiscus, rose of Sharon, and tropical hibiscus.
Is hibiscus safe for Rabbits?
Hibiscus plants, seeds, and flowers are perfectly safe for rabbits and they do not have any toxins. However, they are not the regular diet of the rabbit, therefore avoid feeding them in excess. Instead, try it in moderation and in a small amount.
What are the nutritional benefits of hibiscus for the rabbits?
Vitamin: it has large amounts of vitamin C and Vitamin K which are beneficial for rabbits
Dietary Fibers: Hibiscus are concentrated in the Dietary fibers and have a good portion of dietary fiber in them. Therefore, it is good for the health
Lack of fat: It does not have any fats which make it perfect as a diet. It helps in the blood flow and does not cause any heart disease
Antioxidants: It has a good amount of anti-oxidants which are good for immune protection. It boosts the germ-fighting abilities of rabbits
Total nutrioon value of habiscus
Per 50g, hibiscus the has following nutrition value
- Calories – 28
- Protein – 5g
- Sugar – 0.1g
- Fiber – 1g
- Carbohydrates – 6g
What are the side effects of Hibiscus?
- Rabbits may be allergic to the flowers of the hibiscus plant. However, it is rare and you should feed it a little to check it before feeding
- Overfeeding of the hibiscus can cause digestive problems due to high fibers and carbohydrate
- It is not a regular diet, therefore, give it as a treat or snack. Use regular hay as food.
Are hibiscus stems and leaves safe for the rabbit?
Hibiscus stems and leaves are perfect for rabbits and have no nutritional side effects. However, some hibiscus plants have thorns which may damage the digestive tract of the rabbit. Therefore, use the precaution before feeding the rabbit.
What are the instructions to feed hibiscus properly
- Clean the hibiscus plant of fertilizers and any kind of pesticide
- Cut the plant’s main stem from the flowers
- Further, trim the pieces to the smaller portion
- Start slowly with a small portion
- Slowly increase the amount of your rabbit likes food
- Observe the attitude of rabbits after feeding them.
Conclusion
Summing up the debate, hibiscus plants, leaves, and flowers are safe for the rabbits but they are not the regular diet of rabbits. Therefore, they should be moderately mixed with other food items. If your rabbit has consumed it already, you do not need to worry about it.
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