\n<\/p>\n
Discover a new way to incorporate leafy greens into your small animal\u2019s diet in a fun, natural and engaging way! Integrating a vegetable garden for them is a great way to provide enrichment for your little furry friends.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Get started on creating a garden for your small animals with our favourite tips below.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n There are many plants that are beneficial to include in a garden for small animals.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cLeafy greens are fantastic \u2013 romaine lettuce, green leaf lettuce, butterhead or bibb lettuce,\u201d says Jocelyn Rutgers, Registered Veterinary Technician at the Ontario SPCA Midland & District Animal Centre \u201cMany herbs are also a great choice, and are very easy to grow; basil, cilantro, parsley, and mint are all great choices. Wheat grass is very fast growing and is enjoyed by many small animal species. Some fun veggies to grow include bell peppers (great for their high vitamin C content, especially for Guinea Pigs), cucumber and zucchini.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n She adds, \u201cEveryone always wants to give their rabbits carrots, which you can certainly grow, but they need to be fed quite sparingly as they are high in sugar! If you want something really easy, dandelion greens are also enjoyed by small animals, and being a \u2018weed\u2019 they are fast to grow.\u201d\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n If you want animals to enjoy your garden, it is crucial to avoid chemical herbicides, pesticides and fertilizers. Avoid damaging the health of natural organisms whenever possible, using organic methods to protect the balance of nature and prevent harm.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n To avoid unwanted visitors, plan for natural and manmade barriers. Organic deterrents can be helpful to rid your plants of harmful insects. For example, crushed eggshells on your garden base can help prevent unwelcome intruders. Encouraging natural predators such as frogs and birds can help lessen this burden.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nCarefully choose your plants\u00a0<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h6>\n
Set a welcoming environment\u00a0<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h6>\n
Deter unwanted visitors\u00a0<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h6>\n