Do Rabbits Eat Mums or Not?

Mums, otherwise known as chrysanths or chrysanthemums is a name given to several species of flowering plants that belong to the genus Chrysanthemum. They are native to Asia and northeastern Europe and their florets that come in various colors including yellow, pink, red, white, orange and so on make them very popular cut flower and ornamental plants.

Additionally, some cultivars have other uses including making tea and some are used to extract pyrethrins, a natural insecticide. Finally, if kept indoors as pot flowers, they can help minimize air pollution.

Is it ok rabbits eating mums?

No. Rabbits should not eat mums. Besides being one of the dear and bunny resistant plants due to their not only strong fragrance but also taste, some varieties or types have poisonous stems and leaves, i.e., those that are used to extract pyrethrins.

Therefore, you should not give these pets chrysanthemums even for those that are not used to extract pyrethrins. You do not want to risk the health of your furry friend.

However, whether rabbits will eat mums or not is a different issue altogether. You should know these animals nibble almost any plant they come across. Therefore, their fuzzy texture or strong smell may not entirely deter bunnies or even the deer.

It is normal to find some nibbled mum flowers especially while they are still tender. However, leaves and stems are unlikely to be eaten but this does happen too.

Protecting your mums

Waking up and noticing any of your garden or landscape plants eaten by house or wild rabbits is nothing anyone will want to be seen or be happy about, including your chrysanthemums. In case you have this problem, you should consider various ways to keep this pet away.

Some of the strategies often employed in keeping rabbits out of your garden, farm or away from your landscaping plants including the following exclusion by fencing, use of repellents, traps, and placing them high on tables, balconies, or hanging them.

There are many other ways to prevent bunnies from damaging your plants and crops. Ensure you always go for a means that is safe not only to these animals but also for other pets you may be having in your home.

Conclusion

Although they are some of the least favored plants and some are unsafe for your bunnies, it is possible for these pets to nibble them, especially their young flowers. However, you should avoid giving them stems, leaves or flowers of this plant, even if they like it.