Nettle has a bad reputation for its sting, but once dried it stops stinging altogether and becomes a forage that's long been valued. In a rabbit's diet, it's one of the most interesting green plants for its mineral content.
The difference between fresh and dried nettle is essential. Fresh, its stinging hairs irritate; dried, those hairs become harmless and the plant keeps its leaves, which is what matters. That's why nettle is always offered dried to a rabbit.
What it offers
Dried nettle is rich in minerals like iron and calcium, and adds fiber and variety to the ration. It has traditionally been used as a supplementary forage for its nutritional value. Even so, like any calcium-rich plant, it should be offered in moderation: for a rabbit, the base should remain grass hay, which is lower in calcium.
How much to offer
A small handful of dried nettle leaf mixed into the hay, a few times a week, is a good reference for a healthy adult rabbit. There's no need to give it daily, and it shouldn't become the main part of the feeder, because of its calcium content.
How to introduce it
Start with a small amount and watch the droppings and appetite for a few days before giving it again. If your rabbit has a history of urinary problems or excess calcium, check with your vet before introducing it, since in those cases mineral intake needs to be watched closely.
Nettle in our hay
Our blend of Pyrenees hay with nettle makes the most of exactly that: the dried, sting-free leaf, sprinkled over a mountain meadow hay. A convenient way to add variety without having to handle the plant at home.
