Safe wood and bushes for bunnies:

 A lot of these can be found right here in BC. This may not be a complete list, especially if you have different indigenous trees native to the area you live.

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The leaves and fruits of these trees are full of vitamins and minerals which are beneficial to your rabbit. Fruits are high in sugar and should only be given as a sweet treat on occasion. Fruits can be given fresh while the branches and leaves can be given fresh or dried.

Willow, hazelnut, oak, ash-tree, fruit trees, and pines are rich in tannins. Tannins are a phytochemical and phytochemicals can be beneficial. They are anti-inflammatory, antiviral, anti-bacterial, have astringent properties and can help neutralize poisons. Tannins keep digestion healthy and can help solve diarrhea and chronic indigestion problems. They also can help prevent coccidia.”

Benefits of safe wood chews:

Providing fresh or dried twigs, branches and leaves come with some great benefits: dental care, aiding in digestion, mental stimulation and all around good health. They can also be a great form of enrichment.

Rabbits teeth continuously grow at a rate of about 1cm/month. Providing clean fresh hay as well as safe woods to chew on are great ways to help wear down their teeth and keep up their dental health.

Twigs and branches are very fibrous which means it takes your bun a while to meticulously chew them down. This triggers salivation which in turn can help aid in digestion.

It is also very important to provide your rabbit with enrichment items in their environments. Enrichment provides mental and physical stimulation, prevents boredom and stress, and encourages natural behaviors. Rabbits are intelligent, social, and active animals, and without sufficient enrichment, they can become bored, lonely, or even depressed. Enrichment also helps prevent health issues like obesity and digestive problems.

Toxic Woods

Due to the fact that their pits/core contain cyanide stone fruits such as apricot, cherry, peaches and plums are on most toxic wood lists. Both the flesh of the fruit (minus the stone) and branches are safe to feed especially after having been dried for a month or longer.

If you are still concerned about these types of wood, you should avoid them all together.

Bamboo: While true bamboo (Bambusoideae) is a giant grass and generally safe for rabbits, it's crucial to avoid look-alikes like "Lucky Bamboo" or "Heavenly Bamboo," which are toxic. Some fresh bamboo shoots may also contain cyanogenic glycosides. Rabbits can eat bamboo leaves and shoots, but excessive consumption can lead to digestive issues. It's best to offer bamboo as a treat, limiting the amount. If you are unsure, avoid giving your rabbit bamboo.

Alder, European Beech, Common Hornbeam, Oak and Walnut are listed as having medicinal properties yet appeared mainly on “Toxic Lists”. Use caution when it comes to these, or avoid all together.

This is not an complete list of toxic trees. If you are unable to safely and correctly identify a plant or tree do not give it to your rabbit.

Always err on the side of caution. When foraging and only pick what you know to be 100% safe and free of pesticides and other chemicals.

References:

• The Domesticated rabbit ( https://www.thedomesticatedrabbit.com/blog/bunnies-branches/ )

• Oxbow

• Zoe Tulip ( https://www.bunnymeadow.co.uk/.../safe-branches-list-for... )

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