With the onset of spring, when snow descends from the fields and meadows and the sun begins to warm, dandelions appear. Their bright greens pleases not only people who are tired of winter dullness, but also rabbits. Eared little animals adore this plant, but the question is how useful it is - because there is an opinion that dandelions can do more harm than good.
Can I give dandelions
In rabbits, this plant is one of the main delicacies. Experienced farmers to the question whether it is possible to give dandelions to these rodents are answered in the affirmative, but they note that it is necessary to be careful. 
Ordinary rabbits
This flower is the main source of calcium not only for young animals, but also for adults. In addition, it contains a large amount of vitamins A, B2, B4, C, E, iron and phosphorus. Also in the dandelion there are such important substances as terpenoids, glycosides, carotenoids, which contribute to the normal growth of young offspring of rabbits.
Important! In the ration of eared dandelions should be no more than 1/3 of the total volume of green.
The roots of this herb are used:
- to increase your appetite
- to normalize digestion,
- as a prophylactic against coccidiosis.
If for the first time you put this greens in front of the rabbits, they will first treat it curiously, and then with great pleasure they will start to consume it. To begin, the young need to give one or two flowers a day, and then gradually increase the rate by adding leaves and roots. At the same time it is necessary to monitor the general state of health of the animal.Decorative
For exotic breeds of rabbits dandelion is as useful as for ordinary ones. They are very happy to eat both the stems and leaves, and flowers with roots. But it is necessary to strictly monitor the amount of this food. Excessive use of dandelions can lead to stunted rabbit growth. And also - cause irregular urination and the development of cystitis. 
How to feed
Dandelion is primarily a medicinal plant, so it is very important to follow the rules of feeding and the proportions of the diet.
- In spring and summer it can be given 3 times a day, with the most optimal time for feeding - 06:00, 15:00 and 19:00. In the early morning it is necessary to give 1/2 of the daily norm, in the middle of the day 1/3 of the norm, and feed the remaining volume in the evening.
- During the winter period, the feeding time frame is slightly shifted (08:00, 12:00, 17:00), but the requirements on the volume of consumption remain.
Plants should be collected in environmentally friendly areas (away from roads and hazardous production facilities). In addition, before use it must first be prepared. Freshly picked dandelions are thoroughly washed in hot water (but not boiling water), then dried thoroughly. For this, the plant is hung out in a shade where it will be well blown. After all moisture has evaporated from the surface, it can be crushed or given whole.
Important! With frequent eating of such greenery, the urine of an animal may have a red tint, but this is not a cause for panic, but a normal phenomenon.
Flowering tops
Dandelion flowering can be divided into two periods: with yellow and white (seed) flowers. Yellow flowers are the most beneficial for rabbits, but their volume should be minimal. This can be explained by the fact that when disrupting a plant, it releases a milky liquid that has a bitter taste, and not all animals like it. 
For rabbits it is best to choose plants that only bloomed. Tearing them, you must be careful to keep the maximum amount of beneficial pollen. The flowering tip contains a lot of calcium and mineral salts that are good for the teeth.
Did you know? The dandelion is an accurate “clock meter”. Its yellow flower opens at 06:00 and closes at 15:00, the error is plus or minus a couple of minutes.
The rate of consumption of flowering tops in the summer for one adult is not more than 100 g of flowers per day. However, it is advisable not to tear them off, but to give the whole plant to each individual rabbit so that it brings maximum benefit to the body.
Leaves and Stems
For rabbits, this is the most favorite part of a dandelion, and they consume it with a big appetite. You can give such greens both in pure form and in chopped (mixed with other food). 
Nutrients that are contained in the leaves and stems, stimulate the kidneys and liver, thereby removing toxic substances from the body of the animal. The consumption rate in the summer period of this delicacy is 600-800 g per day.
Combination with other feeds
It is best to give a dandelion mixed with other greens. It fits perfectly with plantain, wormwood or tansy. This combination of herbs has a good antiparasitic effect. Giving such a mixture is recommended 1-2 times a week. This will protect the body of your pet from calcium overdose, which is very much contained in this plant.
Also rabbits love plants such as: nettle, sorrel and Jerusalem artichoke.
Mixing with other herbs, it is necessary to observe the proportions: the content of dandelion in such a mixture should not exceed 30%. In addition, do not neglect the coarse fiber, so it is necessary that the hay was constantly available for rabbits. 
Collection and storage rules
Dandelions, like other plants, can be given not only in the period of their abundant growth, but also in winter, when the animal's body needs additional vitamins and nutrients. However, only by following the rules of collection and storage, you can save the maximum benefit of this green.
How to prepare
As already mentioned, it is necessary to collect dandelions in an ecologically clean place. However, for feeding rabbits, you can specially sow a small area - in this case, you can accurately minimize the impact of negative factors. With independent cultivation, it is necessary to remember that it is very difficult to get rid of this weed, as it is able to quickly restore its population.
Did you know? Dandelions, collected before the onset of the color-bearing arrow, have the greatest number of nutrients. Therefore, such a plant must be given first.
Starting to harvest green fodder for the winter should be at the end of summer. This is best done during the day when the dew on the leaves has already dried. When collecting greens, it is necessary to carefully monitor that they are not there:
- dope
- buttercup,
- spurge,
- hellebore,
- celandine and other poisonous plants.
After collecting the principle of harvesting is the same as for freshly harvested plants, which immediately go to feed:
- rinse in hot water;
- dry in a shady place, where there is a small draft;
- grind for easy storage and further feeding.
How to store
Dried dandelions should be stored in a dry room, where there is a constant circulation of fresh air and there is no dampness. The crushed plant can be mixed with other grass, and dried whole - add to the hay. 
Some farmers prefer to chop the greens of this flower to flour. In this form, it is convenient to add to the mash, and at the same time it is quickly digested, without losing its nutritional properties.
Important! If it is bad to dry a dandelion or store it in a damp room, it can become moldy. Mold fungi cause a dangerous disease in rabbits - aspergillosis, which affects the respiratory tract of the animal. Mortality from it in young individuals is very high.
Dandelion for rabbits is not just a tasty delicacy, but also a source of useful vitamins and nutrients. However, introducing it into the diet, it is necessary to closely monitor the health of rabbits, because they are not very picky about food, and a large amount of this grass can slow down the growth of the animal. It is also necessary to follow the rules of its preparation and storage.
