Fast growing bunny safe grass

[Calumski]

Hi, I'm new here but looking for some advice. My daughter has two rabbits which I've built an outdoor run for. What I'm looking to find out is what type of grass I can get that is fast growing but bunny safe that I can seed? The grass that's in there does grow but not quick enough!

Thanks in advance folks, will post a picture of the setup later.

 

[Shimmer]

Grass needs the right conditions to grow well - light, water, decent soil, etc. I don't think there is any variety that will grow particularly faster than another for this scenario. Rabbits kept continuously on a small patch will keep it very short. If you can't move the run onto another area of grass, you could seed a few big pots or window boxes with a general lawn mix and then rotate them in and out as they get eaten, so they get a chance to recover. Using a mix of varieties in a general lawn mix means that the ones best suited to the conditions you have will self select to grow better.

When choosing seed, I would look for one that isn't coated with anything to protect it or make it germinate faster as that could be toxic to rabbits. For the same reasons, mature grass shouldn't be treated with lawn weed and feed type products.

 

[Omi]

Firstly any grass species will be safe for bunnies to nibble. You just need to make sure that any seed hasn't been treated with anything undesirable. Most grass seed will be sold as a mix of species.

Most grass will be slow to establish, but should be fine once growing strongly. Will need frequent watering, especially currently, depending on where in the country you live. No grass will grow quickly if the ground is dry. I would assess the conditions where you intend to seed ie is it full sun, shady etc and then get the appropriate mix.

I would look at getting a mix containing perennial Ryegrass and one of the Fescues, but be guided by the description provided by the seller. Generally it will advise whether it's for an area which will get hard wear and/or an area which needs a fast germination mix. etc

Will be interested to see pics of your new set-up.

 

[Calumski]

Thanks both for the replies. They have about 12 sq m give or take and I move some of the run areas around weekly on the main lawn. They are quite fussy when it comes to grass and seem to prefer some and not other types. They always have hay as a backup in the inside area. I'm in NE Scotland where we've had an amazing summer so far to the point the grass is turning yellow. That's getting watered in the evening just to bring it back to green again. The lawn doesn't get used overly often.

When removing moss, I go for a natural pet friendly fertiliser (think it's chicken **** from memory!) when I'm laying the new seed down.

 

[Calumski]

This is the setup we have. Large run of triangular sections that can move along with a single triangle section that also moves and then the fixed section attached to the shed. Inside the shed there's a hutch where they sleep in the winter. They're great at using the cat flap in the door! They do have all year round access to outside and can regularly be found lying in the runs, in the rain.