Safe Flowers/Leaves?

by NewtTheSiameseMouse Mon 05 Jul 2021, 7:41 pm

Hello! I've been researching some flowers/plant leaves that are safe for mice (and hamsters). I'm pretty sure all of these are safe, but I'm mostly wondering about the protein and fat value of most of these.
Marigold/Calendula Petals
Rose Petals
Sunflower Heads - the seeds can contain a lot of fat, so heads should mostly be a treat and not a large part of the animal’s diets. These will be all natural though, so they’re not as bad as store-bought seeds.
Sunflower Petals
Chamomile Petals
Yarrow Petals
Mallow Petals
Pansy Petals
Hibiscus Petals
Dandelion Leaves
Strawberry Leaves
Raspberry Leaves
Dandelion Leaves
Thank you! I'm quite new so I'm excited to talk to everyone! Heart Eyes

by Dee67 Tue 06 Jul 2021, 5:36 pm

@NewtTheSiameseMouse Figgy has had dandelion, clover, thistle, buttercup, forget me not (ornamental only), chamomile, plantain, beet root, wild Strawberries, wild blueberries, chickweed, daisies, marigolds, salvia, wallflowers, sweetpeas, and watercress. Make sure these are organic, and no artificial fertilizers have been used. Figgy really enjoys his wild treats. Also you can give parsley
dill
basil
oregano sage
thyme
fennel
grass
alfalfa
wheat sprouts. Just give everything in tiny amounts so no stomach problems occur. Some things to NOT feed from the garden or wild are lilies, bay laurel, borage, caraway/cumin, cilantro catnip
chervil
lavender
lemon grass
lemon balm
lemon verbena
marjoram
rosemary
tarragon
aloe vera plant skin (the gel is fine)
tulip
elder
bamboo
english ivy or any ivy..
If in ANY DOUBT do not give.
I am not a vet and this list is not exhaustive and I can not in any way guarantee that these plants are safe for YOUR mouse, this is casual advice ONLY, NOT PROFESSIONAL. YOU MUST INCUR ANY AND ALL RESPONSIBILITY IF YOU DECIDE TO TRY THESE EDIBLES ON YOUR MICE ORVANY OTHER ANIMAL INCLUDING HUMANS. ALLERGIES ARE POSSIBLE.
POSSIBLE.

by NewtTheSiameseMouse Tue 06 Jul 2021, 6:05 pm

Ok thank you!

by Dee67 Fri 16 Jul 2021, 10:34 pm

Note on marigolds: Wild only.
French and marsh marigolds are toxic for most pets

by NewtTheSiameseMouse Fri 16 Jul 2021, 10:37 pm

Dee67 wrote:Note on marigolds: Wild only.
French and marsh marigolds are toxic for most pets

Ok, would this mean that then calendula are the main safe marigolds? I've heard that mentioned before.

by Dee67 Sat 17 Jul 2021, 2:11 am

Yes, Calendula, known as a pot marigold or Scotch marigold, and true Marigolds, are both members of the sunflower (Asteraceae) family, but true marigolds are members of the Tagetes genus, while calendula are members of the Calendula genus. Calendula plants are edible, and all parts of the plant are safe, but true
Marigolds are a mixed bag. Some species may be edible, but it’s probably safest not to feed any part, unless you’re absolutely sure of its safety. I tried to edit my original post to reflect this but can't for some reason. Do you know why @River ? Mice don't care for, and probably would not eat Marigolds anyway, but better safe than sorry.

by NewtTheSiameseMouse Sat 17 Jul 2021, 7:16 am

Ah, that makes sense. I think this is what I'll plant now- just as a few planters on my deck. Newt also gets dandelion leaves and root, but I would like to give him more flower petals. Hopefully he likes them!
Sunflowers (I would try to get one of the heads, but they're so high in fat that they'll be a not-too-often treat).
Roses
Chamomile
Yarrow
Hibiscus