Herbivorous rabbits can theoretically eat all the greens that you put in the feeder. Therefore, the beginning krolikovodov often the question arises: is every green useful?
What about grapes? And, of course, information about the real influence of grapes on the productive qualities of rabbits will be far from unnecessary.
Can rabbits grapes
First of all, it should be noted that grapes in modern medicine does not belong to medicinal plants and is primarily in the field of view of nutritionists. But in the medical treatises of ancient civilizations there are references to the healing properties of grapes and how to use it. Therefore, it is possible to consider the issue of utility, dividing the vine into components. At the same time, it should be noted that there were no separate scientific studies that would indicate the targeted effect of the vine on rabbits, including decorative ones.
Did you know? Grapes - one of the oldest plants of the planet. A scientific review, published in Trends in Genetics, states that its age - 65 million years.
Berries
The grapes contain many vitamins, glucose, organic acids, minerals and trace elements. This complex of elements provides the berries with antioxidant and bactericidal properties. Grapes contribute to the normalization of the gastrointestinal tract and the removal of free radicals from the body. 
With regard to the diet of rabbits, glucose as a source of carbohydrates can be used in the absence of other carbohydrates in the diet. If carbohydrates do not enter the body, adipose tissue begins to enter the liver to maintain carbohydrate metabolism. As a result, fatty dystrophy of the liver develops, from which the rabbit can die. Usually carbohydrates in the diet are provided with cereals, potatoes and green fodder. Therefore, the rabbit does not need grape berries, but they can harm the body.
Vine and leaves
On the use for medicinal purposes of grape leaves first mentioned in the writings of Roman scientists. They believed that the skin of grapes cures inflammation, dried grapes cures liver inflammation, and infusions from leaves and vines cure headache, inflammation and diseases of the joints.
We recommend to know whether it is possible to give nettle rabbits, wormwood, peas, corn, as well as which herbs are useful and which are dangerous for the animal.
Grape leaves are rich in vitamins A, C and B. They also contain magnesium, manganese, calcium, iron, fiber, riboflavin and niacin. From this it follows that the leaves can be given to rabbits, as well as all sorts of green food. 
It is important that with a large amount of such food in rabbits diarrhea can begin. You also need to take into account that grapes are plants that are sprayed with various chemicals from pests, which certainly will not be useful for rabbits.
Therefore, if you have untreated leaves and a vine that you would give to pets, then you can give them. But it should be just one of the elements of the pet's green ration, which does not replace the bulk of the green.
Important! Rabbits should not be given vines, leaves or berries of wild grapes. This plant is poisonous to herbivores.
Rules for feeding fresh leaves
There are a number of general rules for green food in the diet:
- greens must be fresh;
- young leaves or grass are better than old ones, as they contain a greater amount of vegetable proteins and have a higher level of nutritional value;
- plants in the diet necessarily change, because a constant set of components causes problems with digestion;
- the composition of the green diet should change daily;
- Before feeding, the stems and leaves must be dried up.
From what age can
Branches and vines are given to rabbits not earlier than they are 3 months old. This is due to the rudeness of such feed for the stomachs of baby rabbits. And green leaves in the diet are present from 18 days. Since the vine is not a necessary component, you can enter it into the diet from 4-5 months.
Read about what vegetables and fruits can be given to rabbits.
How to give
The daily rate of certain types of feed (in g):
| Element of the diet | Ordinary rabbit | Pregnant rabbit | Lactating Little Rabbit |
| Green feed | 800 | 1000 | 200-1500 |
| Deciduous tree branches | 300 | 400 | 450-600 |
Grape leaves can be given freshly harvested. Their weight together with the vine should not exceed 20% of the norm of greens. Try starting with some leaves. If your pets like them and they will not have abnormalities in the digestion, the dosage can be increased.
Important! Hunting dogs can instinctively attack rabbits. If you have a dog, then in its presence the rabbit is better to be in a cage.
Dry grape leaves for rabbits in winter
If you decide to prepare dry leaves for the winter, then it is better to make it from the shoots collected during grazing the vineyard. The collected shoots are dried in a dry place.
Drying rules
Raw materials should not be exposed to direct sunlight - this will reduce the amount of nutrients in dry raw materials. During drying, the leaves lose 70% of their weight due to a decrease in moisture, but retain all their beneficial properties. 
Dry raw materials are ground into grass meal and stored in a separate package. Store the product in a dry place protected from direct sunlight.
How to give dry leaves
The contents of herbal packages are mixed in the winter with dry mixes that you give to pets. Herbal supplements need to be alternated. The rate of grass meal in winter is 40% of the total diet. Of these, grape leaves may be 10-15%.
Did you know? The well-known name of the country of Spain is derived from the Phoenician phrase, which means "the coast of rabbits" (gi spanih).
What else can you give from fruit trees
In the wild, lagomorphs with pleasure eat the bark and young shoots of all fruit trees:
- apple trees;
- pears;
- cherries;
- drain;
- apricot.
Find out whether cherry branches are useful for the body of the rabbit and which branches are better to add to the diet of the animal.
This allows them not only to get a more diverse set of trace elements and vitamins, but also to grind down their teeth and normalize the digestive process. Therefore, the branches of fruit trees - an essential element of food of these animals. 
It is important to remember that young branches and shoots are healthier, tastier and richer than old ones. The most popular branches of apple trees, plums, cherries. The branches of the berries give peeled fruit. Stocks of branches can be created until June, that is, as long as they contain the most nutrients.
Any changes in nutrition should be carried out consistently. If you enter a new feed, its dose should be increased gradually. And it is imperative to monitor how the pet's body reacted to the new component. With the right approach to the diet and monitoring its impact on health, you can choose the most proper nutrition for your rabbits.
Reviews
