Question
I HAVE A SMALL GARDEN-IN THE CITY- AND HAVE A RABBIT THAT LIKES TO SIT IN IT AND MY BROCCOLI PLANTS LOOK AWFUL....DO RABBITS EAT BROCCOLI????????? I HAVE TO THINGS WITH PROPELLERS THAT BLOW IN THE WIND OUT THERE ..BUT THEY DON'T FRIGHTEN IT...WHAT CAN I DO???
STARLETTE

Answer
Rabbits. I don't know if they eat broccoli but I see no reason why not.

The easiest way to keep rabbits out of a garden or away from plants is to put a fence them. The fence only needs to be made 3 feet high and then bent outward on the ground to prevent digging.  Wrapping trees can also work. Go up at least three feet. The fence can even be made of chicken wire. But I would suggest using stronger material if you have woodchucks around.  Visit http://www.wildlifedamagecontrol.com/solutions.htm click on skunks there will be a diagram there on such a fence.

Poisons:
I am not aware of any poisons allowed for killing rabbits. Repellents may sometimes be used to stop their chewing but it is better to just exclude them as you have to keep reapplying the repellent after rains.  If fencing isn't an option, then you should trap them.
Rabbits


As for plants that rabbits avoid, I am not aware of any list. But my guess would be they would avoid plants with thorns and heavy sap.

Repellents: The only "homemade repellent" I am aware of would be coyote or bobcat urine. If you want some let me know and I can get it for you. (e-mail is [email protected] ) But I am not sure you would want those materials around a garden unless you were certain you were not going to eat anything there. There are some over the counter repellents that may work for you available at local garden stores but again you would need to be sure that you were not going to eat the plants. I have heard that cayenne pepper was used on plants and it didn't stop the rabbits. I would strongly suggest either trapping or fencing to keep out rabbits. Fencing is very effective.

Finally, you can control rabbits by trapping. Again visit the web site for info on that http://www.wildlifedamagecontrol.com/solutions.htm click on the rabbits.
Disclaimer: As with any activity, remember that animal damage control comes with its own risks and problems which can include but are not limited to legalities, health threats, and personal liabilities. Be sure to follow all state laws governing wildlife and make sure you have a thorough understanding on how to resolve the animal damage complaint. My advice is only as good as your understanding of me and my understanding of your situation. If you have any questions be sure to write back.