Rabbit problems

**englishcottage1** · 04-26-2009, 01:35 PM

Since starting the vegetable area, I planned ahead of time to make raised beds since there are a lot of rabbits hopping through the yard and that worked well. What I didn't plan on was the rabbits eating my coralbellls, I never even knew they liked those, but I caught one the other night nibbling.

Other than shooting them or putting up wire/fencing etc, does anyone have any idea's how to keep them away from my flowers? I am planning on expanding the flowers but now I wonder if I should?

Thanks in advance to any suggestions with helping me with these bunnies.

**fixer** · 04-26-2009, 10:24 PM

I would try to find something like coyote urine or something else that would make them find somewhere else to have dinner.

**old_lady_in_the_shoe** · 04-26-2009, 11:55 PM

I would install motion detector sprinklers. These will turn on whenever a rabbit approaches your garden area, sprinkling them with water and scaring them away. It is an easy way with no fencing or netting involved.

**IndigoMom** · 04-27-2009, 01:46 AM

I found this -
Rabbits can also be controlled by aroma . Sprinkling dried blood around the border of your garden can be effective, as is fox urine. One suggested method for using the fox urine is to tie cotton balls on the fencing around your garden, then every few days sprinkle the cotton balls with a few drops of the fox urine. Both dried blood and fox urine can be found at Southern States or other garden supply stores and are okay to use around vegetables. I have even used ferret feces around the outside border of my vegetable garden fence. Ferrets are another natural predator of rabbits and this method seemed to help keep them away. Any of these methods will have to reapplied after rain.

Human hair sprinkled around the garden can also be used as a deterrent and when the hair eventually breaks down it serves as a good fertilizer. Local hair salons I am sure would be happy to give you a bag of human hair.

Gardeners have also reported success sprinkling vinegar, hot pepper flakes and liquid chile sprays on and around plants. One method is to soak corn cobs in vinegar for five minutes and then place them throughout the garden. The corn cobs should be resoaked in vinegar after two weeks. I have tried just sprinkling vinegar around the bean plants but without much success
From emmitsburg dot net. Sorry, I was going to just post the link, but I'm still a newbie

**pinetree** · 04-28-2009, 02:14 PM

In my Jerry Baker book he suggests wrapping bunches of dog or cat hair in old nylon stockings, and hang them in and around your garden. ( guess they think the dog or cat is around and stay away) Guess you could try it?

**CrazyHomemaker** · 04-28-2009, 10:51 PM

Search the internet for rabbit-proof plants. They have deer-proof plants. I'd imagine someone out there has suggestions. One thing I know...don't plant ornamental kale. It is edible and the rabbits got mine in two days!

**ladytoysdream** · 04-29-2009, 06:12 AM

The other morning, I looked out the window and there was one hopping down the driveway eyeballing the garden.
I quick opened the window to make some noise to scare him away. I don't mind the bunnies........it's that snake that lives out there.
Haven't seen him yet this year, but we always seem to have a few around.

**MomToTwoBoys** · 04-30-2009, 12:34 AM

I'd definitely try the red pepper flakes and see. Cayenne pepper also gives the same effect.

**militlady** · 04-30-2009, 05:10 AM

Another way to keep the bunnies out of your garden is the sprinkle used kitty litter on the outside of the garden. It works very well and if you don't have a cat or two maybe you could get some from a neighbor or friend!? I have two cats and NO little bunnies or other types of small animals go into my garden or flowers

**Must-Stash** · 05-02-2009, 03:32 AM

I'd hesitate using dried blood. Even if it keeps away rabbits, it will attract other and possibly more undesirable wildlife.

**pop goes the weasel** · 05-03-2009, 06:55 PM

I always planted a little row of lettuce away from the garden just for the bunnies, They ate that instead of mine

**englishcottage1** · 05-03-2009, 08:26 PM

Lots of helpful suggestions, Thanks. I have tried some but not sure if they worked or not because everything has been washing away because of the rains we are getting. I'm going to try more since it should be clear for a few days in a row later this week.

I have been seeking out flowers that rabbits won't like for any new flowers I may plant. Don't want to keep dealing with this problem because I don't think the rabbits will leave, even if I say pretty please