Rabbits, despite their cute and cuddly reputation, can be garden pests. Every gardener knows the frustration of finding their hard work destroyed by these furry little creatures.
They are herbivores, and their diet consists mainly of grass, hay, and vegetables such as lettuce, broccoli, and cabbage. But what about flowers? Do rabbits eat pansies?
The short answer is yes. They will also munch on flowers, shrubs, and trees. In fact, anything green and leafy is fair game for rabbits. Flowers such as pansies, petunias, impatiens, and marigolds are all on the menu.
If you have a garden full of these beautiful blooms, chances are a rabbit will find their way to it sooner or later. Rabbits, especially the younger ones, are known for their curiosity and will try anything they come across.
What Do Rabbits Eat?
It’s every gardener’s nightmare – finding their beloved flowers chewed to the ground. But before you reach for the nearest rabbit-proof fence, there are a few things you should know about these creatures.
Rabbits are mainly herbivores, which means their diet consists mostly of plants. This could range from anything between grass and trees. A rabbit’s diet would also include things like bark, twigs, and leaves in the wild. However, domesticated rabbits are usually fed a diet of hay, pellets, vegetables, and water.
Pansies are one of the many plants that rabbits enjoy eating. If you have noticed your pansies disappearing, or if they look like they’ve been nibbled on, then it’s likely that a rabbit is the culprit.
Besides pansies, rabbits also enjoy eating lettuce, kale, spinach, and other leafy greens. They may also eat flowers such as daisies, petunias, and impatiens. Literally, anything with leaves or petals is fair game for a rabbit.
Signs There’s a Rabbit in Your Garden
If you’ve ever had the misfortune of finding your garden chewed up and your plants nibbled on, you might suspect that a rabbit is to blame. But how can you be sure? Rabbits typically nibble on your plants during the evening. And even though you may not see them during the day, this doesn’t mean they’re not there.
Here are some telltale signs that a rabbit has been visiting your garden:
Chewed Leaves and Stems
Rabbits love to munch on tender plants, so if you find that your leaves have been nibbled on or your stems are chewed through, a rabbit is likely the culprit.
Footprints
While these bunnies are small, they have relatively large feet. This means that their footprints are easy to spot. If you see footprints in your garden, there’s a good chance that a rabbit has been paying you a visit.
Droppings
Rabbits also leave behind droppings, which look like small pellets. They’re dark, circular, and usually found in groups.
How to Keep Rabbits Out of Your Garden: Stopping Them From Eating Your Pansies
One of the most frustrating things for a gardener is finding their carefully tended plants nibbled on by rabbits. These furry pests can quickly decimate a garden, leaving behind nothing but bare dirt patches.
While many commercial products are available to help keep rabbits away, there are also several simple and effective home remedies.
Setting Up Fences and Nets
One of the most common and effective ways to keep rabbits out of your garden is to erect a fence. A fence should be at least three feet tall and made of wire mesh that is small enough to prevent rabbits from squeezing through.
The bottom of the fence should also be buried several inches into the ground to deter rabbits from digging underneath. Another option is to install a net over your garden. This will help to keep rabbits from being able to reach your plants and will also provide protection from birds and other animals.
Cutting Back Their Food Supply
Simply said, if there are no other food sources available, rabbits will be less likely to visit your garden. This means cutting back any weeds or tall grasses that may be growing around the perimeter of your property.
You should also remove any other potential food sources, such as fallen fruit from trees or vegetables that have been left on the ground. By doing this, you’ll make it less likely for rabbits to visit your garden in search of a meal.
Providing Them With Their Own Food
If you have rabbits in your area, there’s a good chance that they’re already visiting your property. One way to keep them from eating your plants is to provide them with their own food source.
This can be done by setting up a feeding station away from your garden. The station should be stocked with hay, vegetables, and water. By doing this, you’ll help keep rabbits away from your garden and provide them with the nutrients they need to stay healthy.
Using Repellents
Repellents can effectively keep rabbits away from your garden, but you have to be careful about which ones you use. Some chemical repellents can be harmful to plants, and many of them only work for a short period of time before the rabbits get used to them.
One of the most popular rabbit repellents is cayenne pepper. You can sprinkle it around the perimeter of your garden, or If you’re worried about harming your plants, you can mix it with water and put it in a spray bottle. Just be sure to reapply after it rains.
Dried sulfur is another effective repellent. You can purchase it at most garden stores, and it’s safe to use around plants. You can place some of these at the edges of your garden.
Do Rabbits Eat Pansies: Final Thoughts
Pansies aren’t particularly a rabbit’s first choice when it comes to food, but they’re known for being notoriously voracious eaters. This means they’ll eat just about anything if they’re hungry enough.
The best way to keep rabbits away from your garden is to take steps to deter them from coming onto your property in the first place. By following the tips outlined above, you can help to keep these furry pests at bay and protect your pansies and all the other plants you have in your garden.
Related Article: Should I Kill Rabbits in My Yard?