Is this Plant Safe for Degus?

[moletteuk]

Post your questions here about which plants are safe for degus to eat.

[moletteuk]

I have a couple of plants I've been wondering about.
Dog's Mercury (Mercurialis perennis)? - I suspect this is not safe, but I've seen it growing abundantly early in the year.
Butterbur (Petasites hybridus)? I saw this one listed on a guinea pig feed chart, and again, it grows abundantly near me, and would be easy to pic large quantities because it has massive leaves.

[davx]

Dog's Mercury belongs to the Spurge family. All members of this family are considered as toxic, but there is evidence that not all of them are really harmful, some are probably problematic but only slightly toxic. In addition herbivorous animal species as our degus are, may deal much better with at least some of this plants and the containing toxic substances. This makes it hard to give a final statement. I would be careful with this plants, however.
For the Dog's Mercury I found that the german Wikipedia claims that it is hardly poisonous. Probably degus may deal with this plant well. But I advice not to use it unless a degu owner and its degus are experienced with a broad range of wild plants, including also more problematic species. We even do not have any feeding trials from experienced owners, so for newbies I would say hands off.

For butterbur I couldn't find much information, some claim that the plant should be toxic, others say that it is edible. The German degu owners evidently didn't use this plant or at least didn't share their experiences. Is it suitable for degus? I don't know but I started some requests in several forums, hopefully there are some pet owners having some additional information about this plant and possible feeding trials.

[moletteuk]

Thank you I look forward to hearing if anyone knows anything further about butterbur or has tried it.

[davx]

The owner I asked already point out that they have a bad gut feeling and thus they are careful.
A rabbit owner offered a butterbur leave but it was rejected.

[moletteuk]

Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria)?

[davx]

Meadowsweet (in german Mädesüss) is suitable. But people stated that it can cause strong allergic reactions.
Eventually degus prefer the plant in dry state.

here we had discussed this plant (in German):
www.degupedia.de/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1373

[winic1]

What about moss? Saw a very nice but partially moss-covered rock, it is shaped like two steps up, perfect for going between levels. Could I leave the moss, or would I have to scrub it off?

[deguconvert]

I've always heard that it should be scrubbed off.

[luluzellbell]

Is pink campion (Silene dioicia) safe? This is what it looks like:
www.google.co.uk/search?q=pink+campion&hl=en&client=safari&tbo=u&tbm=isch&source=univ&sa=X&ei=acHQT9OPI7K00QWWgcHJCw&ved=0CGUQsAQ&biw=1024&bih=673
Thanks

[davx]

Silene-species are safe.

[Boz]

I'd read mixed things about degus being able to eat Common Chives.
www.burpee.com/herbs/chive/chives-common-prod000467.html

Can degus have them? I have a boat load of them!

Can they eat the flowers and the green "stems"?

Thanks!

[deguconvert]

I've heard the same thing . . . mixed opinions. It is my understanding that most degus do not enjoy them, but you can offer a small amount and see how they react to it. I do believe that it is OK to offer the stems and the flowers.

[Boz]

Thanks!
I thought maybe they'd enjoy the flowers more then the stems. I'll give them a taster tomorrow!

[moletteuk]

I've been feeding the stems regularly in small quantities for quite some time with no problems. I think there is quite a bit of anecdotal evidence they are OK, but they are probably one of those things that it's best not to feed a lot of.

[davx]

Fred stated that he fed chives and it seems that his degus do well...
I only tested it in smaller quantities some years ago and I never had problems as well.