Are these plants OK for rabbits?

[Zass]

Anyone have any experience feeding:

Coltsfoot leaves (Tussilago farfara)
http://www.ediblewildfood.com/coltsfoot.aspx

and hickory nuts? (not sure the exact species, but they are one of the tasty kinds)
http://www.food-skills-for-self-suffici ... -nuts.html

I imagine they must be cracked before being given, and would have about the same use as boss.

 

[Dood]

Anyone have any experience feeding:

Coltsfoot leaves (Tussilago farfara)
http://www.ediblewildfood.com/coltsfoot.aspx

This plant contains mucilage, bitter glycosides, and tannins;

I wouldn't

 

[Zass]

Could I ask why?
I found it listed here as a safe plant:
http://www.thebrc.org/in-the-garden.htm
and here
http://www.twincomics.com/garden.html

The dried plant is also sold by this company as rabbit treats:
http://www.vetuk.co.uk/rabbit-treats-bu ... 00g-p-9020


It does have some alkaloids that make it controversial for extended medicinal use by humans. Not very much tannin, and a whole lot of mucilage.

 

[Dood]

Could I ask why?

Coltsfoot is a know liver toxin and carcinogen, it has been banned in Canada and with all the other "weeds" out there I try to avoid possibly dangerous ones.

Unfortunately the discovery that Coltsfoot contains substances (called pyrrolozidine alkaloids) that can be harmful to the liver mean it has been restricted from public use in most countries.

from http://www.rjwhelan.co.nz/herbs%20A-Z/coltsfoot.html

 

[Zass]

Thanks dood. As always, I find your advice very helpful :bow:

Any thoughts on those hickories? They are quite oily and my understanding is that fats are most useful for lactating does. Not as good for growing fryers or bucks.