Silver Maple Questions

[Desert Rose Rabbits]

I know Silver Maple (Acer saccharinum) is safe rabbits, but was curious about the quantity. We have a Silver Maple on our property and it would most likely end up being their primary 'chew wood'. Is there a problem with this? I know 'everything in moderation' but want to make sure that if they're getting branches from this year round (fresh and dried) isn't an issue. Also, with the leaves, does it matter if they're green/red/orange (seasonal changes)?

 

[MaggieJ]

Good question... and I wish I knew the answer. I feed Silver Maple occasionally but the rabbits don't like it much and I wonder now if there is a reason for their lack of enthusiasm. I'll look into this again. In the meantime, I suggest you feed it in moderation.

What other trees do you have on your property?<br /><br />__________ Thu Jul 11, 2013 2:14 pm __________<br /><br />I googled silver maple foliage toxicity and then added the word rabbits. It seems that although horses are at risk from maples, particularly red maple (Acer rubrum), it seems maples are not toxic to dogs, cats or humans. I found little information about rabbits, except for this one.
http://suite101.com/article/safe-foods- ... ts-a317975

A couple more links:
http://www.ansci.cornell.edu/plants/maple.html
http://homeguides.sfgate.com/varieties- ... 63160.html

Finally, I came up with this old thread on Homesteading Today:
http://www.homesteadingtoday.com/livest ... -food.html

Hope this helps!

 

[Andrei]

"the large rounded buds are one of the primary food sources for squirrels during the spring"
"The bark can be eaten by beaver and deer."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acer_saccharinum

 

[MaggieJ]

That is reassuring, Andrei!

 

[Desert Rose Rabbits]

Good question... and I wish I knew the answer. I feed Silver Maple occasionally but the rabbits don't like it much and I wonder now if there is a reason for their lack of enthusiasm. I'll look into this again. In the meantime, I suggest you feed it in moderation.

What other trees do you have on your property?

__________ Thu Jul 11, 2013 2:14 pm __________

I googled silver maple foliage toxicity and then added the word rabbits. It seems that although horses are at risk from maples, particularly red maple (Acer rubrum), it seems maples are not toxic to dogs, cats or humans. I found little information about rabbits, except for this one.
http://suite101.com/article/safe-foods- ... ts-a317975

A couple more links:
http://www.ansci.cornell.edu/plants/maple.html
http://homeguides.sfgate.com/varieties- ... 63160.html

Finally, I came up with this old thread on Homesteading Today:
http://www.homesteadingtoday.com/livest ... -food.html

Hope this helps!

Big help! I know I found all this last night, but must have been too tired to really take it in. I'll continue to go through it. Thank you!

In answer to your question... That's the only tree we have right now. The new place we'll be moving to has a few different types but don't remember them right off the top of my head.


EDIT: Talked to the landlord (father in law) and he says that at least two of the trees are White Aspen... looking for the latin name.

 

[Frosted Rabbits]

People with horses are cautious about feeding WILTED maple leaves of ANY sort My Rabbits have munched the dried fall leaves- after the color has gone-- and very fresh ;eaves- they have ignored the wilted leaves-- but then, when feeding fresh, I put on large quantities of ;safe; foods-- Nature then tends to kick in and the rabbits nibble responsibly and safely...

 

[Marinea]

I feed my rabbits fresh silver maple leaves. It is not one of their favorites.

 

[MaggieJ]

Gotta love those common names.

Good chance that it is this one.
http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/orna ... loides.htm

It has a smooth white bark that would lend itself to the name white aspen and it seems to be the only aspen listed. It also shows up listed with the poplars as does Eastern Cottonwood or Eastern Poplar. Again, so many common names, one species.
http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/orna ... ardelt.htm

Both the aspen and cottonwood listed are excellent rabbit forage.

You will want to bookmark this site for future reference. It really is a help when trying to sort out all those common names!
http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/orna ... common.htm