I can\'t remember .... is it okay to offer twigs from a purple plum tree/bush? It seems to me that the fruit is dangerous, but I\'m not sure about the bark.
And while we are at it, maple leaves and twigs ok?
Tx
Maple leaves and twigs are OK. Plum
seeds are listed as poisonous, but there is no reference to the twigs or bark.
I hope this helps.
Charlcie Gill
Zodiac Rabbitrt
Astoria, OR
http://www.zodiacsatins.com
I used to give my rabbits plum twigs all the time, with no problems. Then I read somewhere that the bark contains trace amounts of cyanide. If you let the twigs dry out first (30 days?) the cyanide dissipates. Cyanide in trace amounts, as found in almonds, is actually good for people and helps the digestive system. In the wild, rabbits do a lot of damage to plum trees and I have never heard of any being poisoned.
Quite often one part of a plant is fine to eat, while another part can be dangerous. For example, rhubarb stalks are great (LOVE Rhubarb Pie!), but the leaves are deadly.
Charlcie Gill
Zodiac Rabbitry
Astoria, OR
http://www.zodiacsatins.com
I wonder if a person could flavor twigs by soaking them over night in apple juice? Perhaps that would make them more appealing to Petey.
I wonder if the soaking would work? I might have to try it. I\'ve heard that rabbits like willow tree twigs too. A neighbor down the street has a lovely willow tree.... I wonder if she would mind sharing a branch or two? Or in the alternative, I could find out when she leaves for work daily..... (just kidding).
Since the purple plum bush is not fruit-bearing, I wonder if that matters? I\'ll stay away from it to be on the safe side. Fortunately, he does enjoy a crab apple in my yard so I\'ll stick to that for now. Tx ladies