Will Rabbits Eat My Cilantro

Yes, rabbits will eat your cilantro, and they will happily munch on it if given the chance.
 
Cilantro is actually a safe and tasty treat for rabbits.
 
It’s non-toxic to them and can even be a healthy part of their diet in moderation.
 
So if you’ve been wondering, “will rabbits eat my cilantro?” the answer is a resounding yes.
 
If you’ve got a garden full of cilantro and wild rabbits nearby, they’ll definitely help themselves to it.
 
In this post, we’ll take a closer look at why rabbits will eat your cilantro, how much is safe, and what to do if you want to protect your crop.
 
Let’s dig in.
 

Why Rabbits Will Eat Your Cilantro

Rabbits will eat your cilantro for several good reasons.
 

1. Cilantro Is Safe and Non-Toxic

First off, cilantro is not poisonous to rabbits.
 
It’s actually on the safe list for them, which is why rabbits will eat your cilantro without any hesitation.
 
Unlike some plants that can cause digestive upset or worse, cilantro is gentle on a rabbit’s system.
 
That means if a wild rabbit nibbles on your cilantro patch, it’s not going to get sick from it.
 

2. Rabbits Love the Taste and Smell

Rabbits have a keen sense of smell, and cilantro’s fresh, citrusy aroma is irresistible to them.
 
They’ll often seek it out in a garden because it smells like a tasty snack.
 
And once they’ve had a bite, they’ll keep coming back for more.
 
So if you’ve noticed your cilantro getting chomped down to the stems, you now know why rabbits will eat your cilantro so eagerly.
 

3. It’s a Natural Foraging Food

In the wild, rabbits forage on a variety of leafy greens, and cilantro fits right into that category.
 
It’s tender, leafy, and easy to nibble, which makes it a perfect target for a hungry rabbit.
 
If your garden is in an area with a wild rabbit population, your cilantro is basically a free salad bar for them.
 
That’s just one more reason why rabbits will eat your cilantro whenever they get the chance.
 

How Much Cilantro Can Rabbits Eat?

Even though rabbits will eat your cilantro, moderation is key.
 

1. Cilantro Should Be a Treat, Not a Meal

For pet rabbits, cilantro should be given as a treat or a small part of their daily greens.
 
A few sprigs a day is plenty.
 
Too much of any new food can cause digestive issues, so introduce it slowly.
 
If you’re letting your pet rabbit try cilantro for the first time, start with one small leaf and see how they handle it.
 

2. Wild Rabbits Will Eat as Much as They Want

If you’re dealing with wild rabbits in your garden, they won’t stop to ask how much is too much.
 
They’ll just keep eating until the cilantro is gone or until they’re full.
 
That’s why a single wild rabbit can decimate a small cilantro patch in one night.
 
So if you want to keep your cilantro for yourself, you’ll need to take steps to protect it.
 

3. Watch for Digestive Upset in Pets

Even though rabbits will eat your cilantro, some rabbits might have a sensitive stomach.
 
If your pet rabbit has loose droppings or seems uncomfortable after eating cilantro, cut back on the amount.
 
Every rabbit is a little different, so pay attention to how yours reacts.
 

How to Protect Your Cilantro from Rabbits

If you love your cilantro and don’t want rabbits to eat it all, here are some practical tips.
 

1. Use Physical Barriers

The most effective way to stop rabbits from eating your cilantro is to put up a fence.
 
A simple wire fence buried a few inches into the ground will keep rabbits out.
 
Make sure it’s at least two feet high because rabbits can jump surprisingly well.
 
You can also use row covers or cloches over your cilantro plants.
 

2. Plant Cilantro in Raised Beds or Pots

Rabbits will eat your cilantro more easily if it’s at ground level.
 
If you grow cilantro in raised beds or containers, it’s harder for them to reach.
 
Just make sure the pots aren’t accessible via a nearby fence or ledge that a rabbit could climb.
 

3. Use Natural Repellents

There are sprays and granules that can deter rabbits, but they need to be reapplied after rain.
 
You can also try planting cilantro among other rabbit-resistant plants like lavender or rosemary.
 
But honestly, if a rabbit is hungry enough, it might still eat your cilantro no matter what you do.
 

4. Harvest Cilantro Early and Often

If you pick your cilantro regularly, you’ll get to it before the rabbits do.
 
Cilantro grows fast, so you can harvest leaves while they’re young and tender.
 
That way, even if rabbits will eat your cilantro, you’ll still get a decent share.
 

So, Will Rabbits Eat My Cilantro?

Yes, rabbits will eat your cilantro, and they’ll enjoy every bite.
 
Cilantro is safe, tasty, and appealing to them, which is why it’s a common target in gardens.
 
If you have pet rabbits, you can feed them cilantro in small amounts as a healthy treat.
 
If you have a garden, you’ll need to protect your cilantro with fences, pots, or repellents if you want to keep it for yourself.
 
Either way, now you know that rabbits will eat your cilantro without a second thought.