Nettle, as a multi-vitamin plant, is often added to feed to various pets. Therefore, it is not surprising that the rabbit breeders have a question whether the rabbits eat nettles and whether they can be given as a supplement to the main feed, as an independent element of the diet.
With these questions and understand further.
Is it possible to nettle rabbits
Rabbits eat this grass, and very willingly, already from 20-30 days from birth. Any breeder will say that it is useful not only for adults, but also for young animals, even for bunnies after giving birth. It is useful rich in vitamin composition, as well as a special nettle protein. It is digested better than an animal, but it also helps build muscle mass in rabbits. 
Therefore, the question of whether rabbits eat nettle has an unequivocal answer: it is possible and even necessary. It is worth starting to give it to the three-week-old rabbits, but in a specially prepared form. It is also useful for rabbits during pregnancy, as well as during feeding, because it stimulates the production of milk. In addition, the plant has high antibacterial properties.
Important! Medicinal properties are only those leaves of nettle, which are collected from the second half of June to July.
How to give a plant
Nettle rabbits can be given in different forms: by itself, as part of the feed, fresh, dried. The highest concentration of nutritional properties of the plant is observed in the period before flowering.
Important! When collecting nettles, one must be careful not to accidentally seize grasses that are dangerous for rabbits: celandine, spurge, backache, hellebore, zhivost and others.
Fresh
A fresh plant is very useful for rabbits, as it retains the maximum amount of useful substances. 
But before giving it to animals, burning grass must be specially prepared so as not to harm the pets. After collecting the plant along with the stems, it should be well washed under running water. Then, to remove the burning sensation, pour boiling water. When the treated nettle dries well, it is crushed and given to animals as such or in combination with other foods or herbs.
Did you know? The scorching effect of nettle is due to formic acid, which is contained in special microfibers on its leaves and leaves a chemical burn on it upon contact with skin.
Dried nettle
As already mentioned, grass can be given to rabbits only one that has not yet bloomed. And what to do after the onset of flowering or in winter, when the lack of vitamins is felt particularly acute? For these periods, it is recommended to dry up the plant beforehand in the right quantity.
Learn all about feeding rabbits.Nettle grass that has been harvested before flowering begins to be tied up and dried in a dark and well-ventilated place. You can grind it before drying and dry it on sheets unfolded.
Preparations are usually carried out from June to early July. The dried plant is put in boxes, because the leaves, the most valuable part of it, crumble easily and rub off into dust. When it comes time to use dried grass, it is enough to brew it. 
Breeders claim that rabbits, in the diet of which nettle is included, grow faster, have better quality meat and fur. In addition, they are less likely to get sick, they cost less to care.
Did you know? In New Zealand, the species of nettle grows under the name of ongaonga, or the nettle tree is a giant, growing up to 5 meters in height and capable of burning to death.
What kind of grass can be given to rabbits
As already mentioned, you can collect grass with unblown buds, and it is better even before their formation. At this time, it is not only rich in vitamins, but has the highest rate of antibacterial, anti-inflammatory properties.
Important! Rabbits should not be given nettle, brought directly from the garden, especially wet. It should be collected after the dew dries on it. Otherwise, animals develop diarrhea and bloating.After collecting and washing the stems with leaves can be bathed whole with boiling water, and you can prepare a mixture of them. To do this, cut the dried plant into pieces the size of 2-3 cm, put in a saucepan and pour over boiling water.
Loan add a little bran or feed, you can mix with pounded boiled potatoes and sprinkle with salt water. After cooling the mixture, it can be given to rabbits. From her rabbit milk flow increases, the young grows faster, and adult rabbits gain weight well.Rabbits have a very sensitive stomach, so you need to carefully choose a place to collect the plant. Tear nettles away from industrial areas, factories, roads. It is better to take it in the woods, in your own garden or garden.
You will be interested to learn about the rules of keeping and feeding the rabbit black-brown breed.Also do not overdo it with the inclusion of plants in the diet. It can be given to animals no more than three times a week. Often allowed only in cases where rabbits have problems with bowel movement.
