Cute baby rabbit gobbling up my perennials. What to do?

Discussion in 'Wildlife in the Garden' started by Cayuga Morning, May 25, 2012.

  1. Cayuga Morning

    Cayuga Morning Strong Ash Plants Contributor

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    I have been noticing that some of my treasured perennials keep getting haircuts just as they were about to bloom. I had been blaming the deer that traipse through our yard, but these haircuts look different from the typical deer damage. Then yesterday, I saw the culprit. A very cute baby rabbit. Any suggestions? I have sprayed with a deer/rabbit product that is vile smelling, and I am crossing my fingers. But what have others found helpful?
     
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  3. Netty

    Netty Chaotic Gardener Plants Contributor

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    I'm having the same problem! I planted some Salvia and went inside for 15 minutes. By the time I came back, the Salvia was only an inch tall and the pieces were sticking out of the hedge! Little bunnies everywhere this year I don't know what to do about them. I'll be watching this thread with interest (until the fox kitts are big enough to hunt bunny ;) )
     
  4. Cayuga Morning

    Cayuga Morning Strong Ash Plants Contributor

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    Ah!! Fox kits! That is hopeful. In past years, I have seen a fox (or more than one, how does one know?) that frequented our yard. Maybe nature will take care of the problem....
     
  5. Carol Blue-Garcia

    Carol Blue-Garcia Seedling

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    Unfortunately, you are planting flowers and the rabbits are seeing food. When you put out the buffet all the freeloaders come for a meal. Rabbit proof fencing, Terriers, Vile smelling stuff. Try whatever works and stick with it.
     



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  6. marlingardener

    marlingardener Happy

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    For a modest amount of hard cash, I will ship you a live coyote--best bunnie repellent in the world!
    Seriously, if you can get your flower beds to smell of predator, it will make the bunnies think twice before eating a flower. There are coyote and fox urines on the market--intended for hunters, so probably at a sporting goods store or section of a department store.
    You can try dog fur--take the toe of a nylon stocking, stuff it with dog fur and tie it to a stake. Place the stakes around your plants to repel rabbits (also squirrels). It needs to be replenished after a heavy rain or six weeks or so.
    We have two bunnies (RR, resident rabbit, and BB, bodacious bunny)but so far they are grass eaters.
     
  7. Henry Johnson

    Henry Johnson In Flower

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    This note, possible solution is somewhat 'tongue-in-cheek' but only a little.. For me it is a very valid response to the problem..
    Rabbit meat is a wonderful ingredient in a cajun/creole gumbo! !
    Hank
     

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