Rabbits and chickens are common animals in your garden and you may use feed to feed your pets. To reduce your expenses on feed, you can grow plants in your garden to feed your rabbits and chickens.
(Gray Rabbit)
Although rabbits and chickens like to nibble on most of the plants in your garden, it is recommended that you choose the right plants to provide them with a healthy diet.
Plants for Chickens
Healthy Diet for Chickens
Chickens are omnivores and they cannot rely on a whole grain diet. And chickens' digestive system is not adapted to leafy substances. The six main components of a chicken's diet are protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals, and water. You need to provide your chickens with the right feed and plenty of water.
(chicken in backyard)
Chickens need the right commercial chicken feed at every stage of growth. You can also make your chicken feed if you know the preferences of the chickens in your garden.
Apart from chicken feed, chickens can also eat some plants. You need to choose the right plants for chickens to eat.
The 4 Best Plants for Chickens
- Rosemary
Rosemary is one of the popular plants for chicken. This plant is a natural insecticide that helps to repel pesky insects near the coop. Moreover, rosemary is good for the respiratory tract of chickens.
You can plant rosemary in your garden or near the coop to make it easier for chickens to nibble on the leaves. You can also put chopped rosemary leaves in your chickens' feeders or sprinkle them around the coop.
- Tropaeolum majus
Tropaeolum majus has large and colorful flowers. These flowers are usually red or orange. Tropaeolum majus is rich in vitamins C and A. Vitamin C helps to strengthen the chicken's immune system. Vitamin A contributes to healthy growth and bone development. In addition, Tropaeolum majus contains a variety of trace minerals, including potassium, phosphorus, and iron.
And, Tropaeolum majus is considered a natural insect repellent and also helps to remove fungus.
- Parsley
Parsley is a favorite plant in many households and is commonly used in cooking. Parsley is also one of the favorite plants of chickens. Chickens like to eat the leaves and stems of parsley.
(Herb for chicken)
Parsley is highly nutritious and rich in vitamins and minerals. Parsley is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, and zinc.
- Fennel
Fennel is a common herb used in cooking and is one of the favorite plants of chickens. Fennel has many health benefits and the strong odor also deters pests. Fennel is rich in vitamin C, phytonutrients, and antioxidants, which are good for the reproductive health of chickens and can also prevent parasites.
Plants for rabbits
Healthy Diet for Rabbits
Rabbits are herbivores, so their food is plant-based. A rabbit's diet consists mainly of hay. You can combine licorice with leafy greens, plants, and a small portion of high-quality pellets.
(rabbit in backyard)
The approximate ratio of a rabbit's diet is:
Hay 85%.
Green leafy vegetables and other plants 10%
Quality pellets 5%
Clean drinking water Unlimited
The 6 Best Plants for Rabbits
- Dandelion
Dandelion is a common plant in the garden and is very nutritious for rabbits. Dandelion leaves contain a lot of vitamin A, which is good for rabbits. Dandelion flowers and stems are completely safe for rabbits.
Moreover, dandelion is an easily available plant. If your lawn is full of dandelions, this will be a very popular spot for rabbits. Rabbits will happily eat these dandelions!
- Sunflower
Sunflowers are beautiful flowers that can add color to your garden. And, sunflowers are a safe plant for rabbits to eat. Sunflower flowers, leaves, stems, and even seeds are edible for rabbits.
(sunflower and rabbit)
You need to avoid over-consuming your rabbit with sunflowers, especially the sunflower seeds. Sunflower seeds are high in fat and can cause digestive problems if consumed in large quantities by rabbits.
- Lavender
Lavender can be used both as an ornamental flower to beautify your garden and as food for your rabbit. You can give your rabbit fresh lavender or dried lavender and they will love it. Lavender can also be used as a relaxant for rabbits.
Although lavender is beneficial for rabbits, some rabbits do not like it, which may be due to the strong odor of lavender. Some rabbits that are not picky eaters will still be happy to savor lavender.
- Chamomile
Chamomile is a completely safe plant for rabbits. You can give your rabbit fresh or dried chamomile. Few rabbits hate chamomile and it is a delicious treat. Rabbits can enjoy chamomile every day, as long as the herb does not make up more than 5-10% of their diet.
- Marigold
Marigold is an annual plant that produces bright yellow flowers. This flower is rich in vitamin C and calcium, which can provide your rabbit with extra nutrients. Rabbits can nibble on the leaves and stems in addition to the petals.
- Parsley
You can grow parsley all year round, and it is a great plant for making your rabbit feel good. Parsley is a great herb that is perfect for rabbits. Parsley is a good source of vitamin C, iron, calcium, and antioxidants. Also, parsley is rich in vitamins A, K, and B6 and dietary fiber, which is good for your rabbit's digestive system.
What gardening tools to choose for your rabbits and chickens?
Garden beds
With very little space you can grow plants for your chickens and rabbits. You can grow a variety of plants such as kale, lettuce, cabbage, and beets in smaller-footprint garden beds or raised garden beds. To avoid animals harming your plants, it is recommended that you use raised garden beds.
This covered raised garden bed helps prevent animals from damaging plants. You can observe and care for your plants through the window. This garden bed can be placed anywhere in your garden or balcony.
This oval-raised garden bed is beautifully shaped to add color to your garden. This raised garden bed has no sharp corners and is safe to use.
Greenhouse
If your garden is large enough, try growing plants in the greenhouse for chickens and rabbits. You can also grow other plants that chickens and rabbits cannot eat such as some fruits, herbs, and flowers. A greenhouse will stop rabbits and chickens from damaging your plants and provide good ventilation.
This 20' x 10' x 7' greenhouse is a great greenhouse that you can grow a variety of fruits and vegetables and other plants all year round. With four vents on each side of the greenhouse, this greenhouse is built with sturdy construction to withstand the challenges of rain and snow.
Give your chickens and rabbits the best plants
Give your chickens and rabbits the best plants in your garden! Keep them happy in your garden! There are many plants to choose from, so remember to provide your animals with a nutritionally balanced diet!
