Mary Allen
Small animals such as rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, or chinchillas that are kept as pets are now often given dry food. And there is absolutely nothing wrong with that because the complete feed for these animal species is very high-quality today and is made from natural ingredients. In addition, the pet owner can and should regularly offer his housemates fresh feed. This is usually particularly rich in vitamins and aids digestion. Wild plants, vegetable greens, and culinary herbs are on their menu. You can take most of these forage plants from your own garden or even grow them there. Fresh forage can also be grown and harvested in the flower box on the balcony. We’ll tell you what to look out for.
The wild relatives of our small animals only feed on what nature offers them. These are primarily grasses, meadow flowers, leaf plants, and wild herbs. They like to take tree bark and branches in between, which is especially good for their teeth, which will continue to grow for a lifetime. The incisors and molars are kept short and sharp thanks to the natural abrasion of the teeth. Field and tree crops are also a welcome change if they can reach them. But this is also a great danger for the rodents living in the wild because they also eat the pesticides that farmers use to protect their crops.
Get Small Animals Used to Green Fodder Slowly
Our pets have it better because apples or carrots from our own garden are usually not sprayed and are non-toxic for the fur noses. For some animal species, however, the administration of fresh fruit is not recommended. Degus, for example, are prone to diabetes and most types of fruit contain too much fructose for the exotic ones who prefer a meager diet. You should also note that guinea pigs and the like have to slowly get used to green fodder if they have previously received a dry feed. The most complicated digestive system of small animals first has to gradually adjust to the juicy stems, tubers, and leaves. Changing the food too quickly usually results in diarrhea. And not every animal can tolerate all the green that grows in the garden or is available in the vegetable department.
The Ideal Meadow Green for Small Animals
Much of what grows in our gardens is commonly thought of as weeds. For many small animals, such as rabbits, these plants are real delicacies. From spring to autumn, dandelions grow in the meadow. It is easy to recognize by the serrated leaves. Its yellow flowers shine from afar. Later the well-known dandelions are made from it. The juicy leaves and flowers are very popular with rabbits and many other small animals. Daisies, clover, ribwort, sheep gift, nettle, or vetch can be fed without hesitation. Of course, most small animals also like fresh grass. A mixture that is as varied as possible is ideal.
Many of these meadow herbs naturally also grow in public green spaces or along the wayside. No matter how good they look, it is better not to feed them to your own animals. Where there are cars, the green is often polluted by pollutants or other environmental toxins. In addition, other animals can have left their traces and also germs. Many diseases are transmitted through saliva. For example, if a sick wild rabbit has nibbled on a leaf, the green can pass the disease on to pets.
Kitchen Herbs: a Tasty Change
Herbs such as basil, parsley, dill, mint, chervil, or sage can be planted in almost every garden. Most of these herbs also do well in pots on the balcony or even in the kitchen. Small animals love these herbs, they are usually plastered in no time. They also promote your health, because they stimulate the appetite, have antispasmodic, digestive, anti-inflammatory, and have calming effects. There is nothing wrong with giving it daily or several days a week. Herbs can also be fed in winter. They are available all year round in the supermarket as bundled goods or packaged in the vegetable department.
Vegetables, Vegetable Greens and Salads
Many types of vegetables are very well tolerated by small animals and are a good food alternative, especially in winter, when there are no fresh meadow plants available. Of course, fresh vegetables from your own garden are best. Popular varieties are cauliflower, broccoli, savoy cabbage, romanesco, or white cabbage. Many small animals also love fresh kale, which is only available in winter. Guinea pigs would leave their favorite spot for a piece of cucumber, bell pepper, or tomato, while rabbits usually don’t like these varieties. When giving fresh vegetables, you should also make sure that your animals get used to them slowly and that you do not give them too much at once. If the vegetables come from the supermarket, they should be unsprayed if possible (organic vegetables) or washed particularly thoroughly.
In addition, tuber vegetables are ideal as feed: fennel, parsnips, carrots, turnips, kohlrabi, celery, and especially the leafy green of these varieties. Salads are also suitable but should be fed in moderation so that there is no inflation. The ideal is chicory, lamb’s lettuce, iceberg lettuce, endive, or lettuce. Dandelion salad from the weekly market, which is grown as a lettuce plant, is interesting for winter. Although a rocket looks like a dandelion, it is less suitable as a forage crop because it has a high natural flavor.
Wood and Branches for a Healthy Life and Occupation
When cutting back fruit and ornamental trees and bushes, you should always keep the small animals in mind. Branches from the apple tree can be offered with leaves and flowers. In addition, birch, blackberry and raspberry, bamboo, hazelnut, pear, cherry, and plum (without fruit!), Willow, or wine are suitable. You can always make branches available to your small animals. They are needed so that the incisors in particular can always wear off well. In addition, many varieties contain natural ingredients that ensure a healthy life. And by the way, gnawing ensures meaningful activity and stress relief.
Fruit as a Reward or Treat
In addition, it can also be a piece of fruit as a reward or as a treat in between. Once or twice a week you can buy your guinea pigs, chinchillas, rabbits, or rats a piece of apple, banana, pear, or melon. They also like fruits such as rose hips, strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries. Pome fruit such as peach, nectarine, plum, or cherry can also be fed, but basically without pips, as they contain hydrocyanic acid. Lemons, oranges, and limes contain a lot of fruit acid, which is why these fruits can only be recommended to a limited extent and are also rejected by most small animals.
Conclusion: With a little knowledge you can offer your small animals varied green fodder, thereby increasing their well-being and ensuring a healthy diet. You can grow or collect many types of herbs and vegetables in your own garden. These include many delicacies for rabbits, guinea pigs, and the like.