Worried i've fed something poisonous to Winston, please help :(

ImoT said:

So I went foraging today and picked some things and I felt like I was bombarding this forum with forage ID posts so decided to do my own research and go with my own instincts. I fed what I thought was plantain, but Winston's reaction has panicked me. I only fed a small amount of one leaf. He was 'mouthing' it a lot (like it was really chewy or tasted bad), then he started running in circles and thumping/kicking out, and then he was getting his front paws and sort of wiping his mouth (almost like he was grooming his face). It just didn't look right and has worried me. He seems ok now and has eaten some dandelion leaf and sow thistle since.

Can anyone confirm this is plantain;

If not I think i'll be taking a trip to the vets just in case

Also I think this is coltsfoot but now i'm too nervous to give it to him in case i'm wrong;

Click to expand...

ImoT said:

I've just found this link; http://www.medirabbit.com/EN/GI_diseases/Food/Toxic_plants_en.pdf and it says groundsel is toxic for rabbits and i've also been feeding him that from advice on here that it was safe I feel awful! I'll pm parsnipbun and phone the vets.

Click to expand...

MightyMax said:

No, it's not plantain.

It could be he reacted that way because it was strongly flavoured, or very bitter tasting. If he only had a tiny bit (and it sounds like he didn't like it) then I would try not to worry too much until you have more info on what it was.

Good luck xx

Click to expand...

MightyMax said:

There are often grey areas where edible wild plants are concerned.

I queried bindweed with Parsnipbun, as in her book it's safe for rabbits but RWAF says it's toxic.

Parsnipbun has good experience of feeding her rabbits the plants she recommends, and great back up info. I'm sure she will reply on groundsel too and I'd be interested in the reply :thumb:

Click to expand...

Babsie said:

(From Parsnipbun's book)
So looks as though you shouldn't feed too much/often

Click to expand...

fionaw said:

I think it might be wild arum/lords and ladies/cuckoo pint, which I don't think is good for rabbits..

Click to expand...

ImoT said:

I've pm'd parsnipbun, fingers crossed she replies soon!

I phoned the vet, and actually got to speak to the vet rather than a receptionist. She was really good. She said that if it had been toxic he would have had a reaction by now as toxins are fairly fast acting, and because I fed a very small amount he should be fine. She said that he might have a bit of an upset tummy and said I could go and pick up some gut stimulant to get it out of him quicker but as she said it would have to be syringe fed directly into his mouth I honestly think this would just stress him out and make things worse. His emergency vet (the one I phoned) is a vet hospital so open all weekend 24 hours a day so she said if I have any concerns or if he gets worse then I can take him straight in.

I feel like an awful rabbit mother

Click to expand...

SJH said:

Also from Parsnipbun's book. Is this it? If so, it's safe.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Click to expand...

MightyMax said:

Noooooo!!

We are all only doing our best! The fact he knew he didn't like it means he knows what's good for him, which is often the case with our lovely buns.

I think your vet is right. A tiny bit of something toxic isn't gong to harm him. Numerous times people tell me of the poisonous stuff their rabbits ate, and they've all been fine :thumb:

You are a *good* bunny Mum xx

Click to expand...

Babsie said:

I recommend Dk Pocket Nature -
RSPB Wild Flowers

And Parsnipbun's book - Foraging for Rabbits by Twigs Way
which I only received yesterday from RWAF.

I did take pics of the covers . . . But Photobucket has stuck (as per)

Click to expand...

ImoT said:

Thank you, I am certainly planning on getting the Twigs (who I believe is parsnipbun?!) book!!! Although I have been put off foraging a bit considering one thing I gave to Winston is toxic and the other (groundsel) isn't good in large quantities (which I didn't know!!). I am struggling to find things to pick which are safe/good in any quantity!

Click to expand...

ImoT said:

I've pm'd parsnipbun, fingers crossed she replies soon!

I phoned the vet, and actually got to speak to the vet rather than a receptionist. She was really good. She said that if it had been toxic he would have had a reaction by now as toxins are fairly fast acting, and because I fed a very small amount he should be fine. She said that he might have a bit of an upset tummy and said I could go and pick up some gut stimulant to get it out of him quicker but as she said it would have to be syringe fed directly into his mouth I honestly think this would just stress him out and make things worse. His emergency vet (the one I phoned) is a vet hospital so open all weekend 24 hours a day so she said if I have any concerns or if he gets worse then I can take him straight in.

I feel like an awful rabbit mother

Click to expand...