Croton plants have gone from being a simple favorite among houseplant growers to being used for medicinal purposes.
This obvious usefulness of its medicinal benefits has caused a dilemma regarding the toxicity of crotons to humans and especially pets. Some indoor plants have been identified as toxic to pets and humans. Although toxicity differs between houseplants, it is recommended to study the nature of your houseplant before propagating it.
Can my pets eat croutons? Is croton poisonous? What if my pets eat crotons? These are common questions that arise when deciding whether to propagate croton plants, especially when keeping pets.
Do Rabbits Eat Croton Plants?
Rabbits are notorious for nibbling on leaves they find around them, so chances are that if you’re growing crotons while raising rabbits simultaneously, they’ll likely eat them. Yes, rabbits eat croutons because they have the ability to nibble on the leaves, but they shouldn’t be allowed to do so as croutons can be very toxic when ingested.
Research has shown that rabbits cannot vomit, so signs are easily detectable after ingestion.
Since rabbits are unable to vomit, it can be very dangerous for rabbits to ingest poisonous plants. How to raise crotons and raise rabbits at the same time? What happens when your croutons ingest croutons? What to do when your rabbits eat croutons?
This article covers the information you need to grow crotons and raise rabbits simultaneously, and what to do if something goes wrong.
What happens if your pet rabbit ingests croton leaves?
Some rabbits may not be affected when eating croton leaves, although it depends on how much they ate. This is what can happen when rabbits consume large amounts of croton plants
1. Change in appetite
Rabbits are known to chew on anything they come across. A change in appetite is the first sign you should be aware of when your rabbit ingests croutons.
Gastrointestinal issues can cause a change in appetite in rabbits. This often leads the rabbit not to eat. However, you can improve your appetite with fresh parsley, freshly cut grass and dandelions, milk thistle or brambles.
Rabbits are known to expel dry fecal pellets that are hard and round with visible bits of hay. Diarrhea occurs when there is a change in the stool.
Rabbits are easily prone to intestinal inflammation which can manifest as diarrhea. Watch for changes in the rabbit’s stool. An indication of this is a change in stool texture and the stool becomes watery. It could be life threatening if not handled properly.
It is caused by a blockage in the gastrointestinal tract and can be fatal if not treated immediately. A sign that your rabbit is bloated is that it would stop eating, pooping and slouching and appear very tired.
As the disease persists, signs of abdominal pain may be seen, such as a hunched posture and reluctance to move. As the stomach grows, it can compress several vessels, which could be dangerous for the rabbit. It could also reach a point of eruption.
What to do when your rabbit eats croton leaves?
When detecting ingestion, the following steps should be followed:
- Rinse the rabbit’s mouth to remove any remaining croton leaves.
- It is very important to measure the amount of croton plants that the rabbit has ingested.
- Keep a close eye on the rabbit for up to 48 hours. During this time, expect to be on the lookout for significant changes in the rabbit’s bowel movements and appetite. In case of stomach upset, the rabbit can be treated with activated charcoal and an appropriate dose should be added to the rabbit’s food and water. This helps reduce the effect of toxins.
- In case of loss of appetite, give the rabbit a mixture of vegetables using a syringe. If the rabbit starves for a long time, the intestine will fill with gas which can be painful. Avoid giving your rabbit pellets during this time.
- Provide the rabbit with a sufficient amount of water.
- In severe situations, if the rabbit has convulsions, move it to a cool, dark environment.
- If serious changes occur and mild treatments do not seem to be effective, it is recommended to consult a veterinarian immediately.
How do you stop rabbits from eating croton plants?
- Rabbit repellent spray. Use insect repellent garden sprays that contain a garlic scent to prevent rabbits from biting your croton. Spraying after rain keeps the spray smell longer. Make sure the spray used is suitable for the croton.
- Utilizing the use of motion sensor lights, water sprinklers are effective.
- Installation of a rabbit proof fence. Installing a fence keeps your rabbit away from your croton garden. Driving in stakes and wire fences would do a perfect job of keeping rabbits out. Block underground passages for rabbits while they dig and don’t jump.
Liquid Fence for Deer and Rabbit Pellets, 2.3 kg
- DEER AND RABBIT REPELLENT: Deer and rabbits do not need to eat vegetation for the repellent to be effective. They have a natural aversion to smells.
- RAIN RESISTANT: the granules start working immediately
- SAFE FOR PLANTS AND ANIMALS: Will not harm plants or animals when used and stored as directed.
Pricing pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
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It is important that you are well equipped with information on how to propagate crotons and raise any pet of your choice. As much as protective measures are taken to protect your croutons from rabbits, so be sure to receive emergency care in the event of ingestion.
It is recommended that activated carbon be available in the environment where you are growing your croton plants and raising your rabbits.
Learn more about croutons:
- How Often Should You Fertilize Croton Plants?
- Croton Plant: The Complete Guide to Growing and Care (2021)
- How to Make Croton Plants More Colorful
- How to Revive a Dying Croton Plant (Steps to Follow)
- How to Prevent Croton Plants from Getting Long