Cottontail rabbits are herbivores , eating different plants based on the season and the environment. They prefer grasses, wheat, clover, timothy, sedges and plants cultivated by humans. In winter, cottontail rabbits may consume twigs, buds and sprouts.
What does a cottontail rabbit eat?
In summer cottontails eat grasses, sedges, clovers, and the shoots, stems, leaves, flowers, and seeds of many different plants . Their favorites include goldenrod, plantain, chickweed, sheep sorrel, buttercup, smartweed, wild strawberry, cinquefoil, and violet.
Do cottontail rabbits eat hay?
Whether wild or domesticated, grass and hay are staples of a rabbit’s diet. ... Alfalfa hay should only be given to older rabbits. Avoid giving adult rabbits alfalfa, as it is too high in protein, calcium, and sugar. Visit your local pet store or feed store to purchase the hay.
What does a rabbit eat?
Fresh, clean drinking water and good quality hay and grass should make up the majority of your rabbits’ diet. A rabbit’s digestive system needs hay or grass to function properly so a healthy supply is extremely important. You can supplement with leafy greens and a small amount of pellets.
What is the difference between a cottontail and a rabbit?
Cottontails (Sylvilagus spp.) are considered true rabbits while jackrabbits (Lepus spp.) are actually hares. ... Rabbits, overall, are smaller in size, have shorter ears, smaller hind feet and are shorter in length than hares.
How do you befriend a wild rabbit?
When you are trying to get the rabbit to trust you, leave a trail of tasty food the rabbit will like to lead it towards you. This includes leafy green like arugula, dandelion leaves, and carrot slices. This will help it trust you and go towards taming it.
Will wild rabbits eat carrots?
Planting herbs and some vegetables, such as carrots and leafy lettuces, are also a great way to help feed wild rabbits in a natural and nutritious way. You just have to accept that the wild rabbits in the neighborhood might eat these plants when they are still growing, before you have a chance to use them.
Are bananas good for rabbits?
Rabbits can safely eat bananas , and they seem to love the flavor! You can also feed them small amounts of banana peel, as long as you wash it first. You’ll want to keep in mind a few simple rules, though. ... Too much sugar can cause health problems and may discourage your rabbit from eating hay or grass.
What foods are toxic to rabbits?
- Yogurt Drops. ...
- Bread, Pasta, Cookies, and Crackers. ...
- Avocado. ...
- Cereal. ...
- Iceberg Lettuce. ...
- Silverbeet. ...
- Hamster Food. ...
- Walnuts.
Can bunnies eat cucumbers?
Similarly, most vegetables are safe for rabbits to eat. ... Rabbits are not cats and therefore are not afraid of cucumbers, so these make perfectly good snacks. Romaine lettuce, curly kale, asparagus, celery – just about any of your standard greens will make fine rabbit food.
Can cottontail rabbits be pets?
Unfortunately, cottontail rabbits are not the right candidates for a lavish pet lifestyle. These beautiful animals have lived in the wild for eons, and that is where they should continue to stay. Keeping a cottontail might sound appealing, but they won’t do well in captivity .
What is the lifespan of a cottontail rabbit?
Research conducted on eastern cottontails suggests that only about 25 percent of individuals survive for two years, with the average lifespan about 15 months .
Is keeping a wild rabbit illegal?
In most US states, it’s actually illegal to keep a wild baby rabbit as a pet . In most places, you cannot legally tame a wild rabbit unless you have a license with your state’s Department of Environmental Protection. Unless you see a wild baby rabbit that’s severely injured or sick, the animal must be left alone.
Do wild rabbits carry diseases?
There are disease concerns with both wild (rats, mice) and pet (rats, mice, hamsters, gerbils, guinea pigs) rodents and rabbits. They can carry many diseases including hantavirus
Is it bad to have rabbits in your yard?
Typically, rabbit damage can create big problems for yards . They gnaw plants down to the root and concentration of urine can create brown spots in lawns. ... Rabbits love to eat grass, and will munch it all the way down to the crown. This puts a lot of stress on the plant.
Can wild rabbits eat apples?
Wild rabbits should not eat sugary fruits , such as apples and tomatoes. Even carrots aren’t considered suitable for wild rabbits. Rabbits in the wild prefer branches, twigs, dry and fresh grasses, and plants.
