skip to main content

Do birds eat rose plants?

14 years ago

Sounds silly, I know, but here in the desert my plan to naturally blend my roses into the natural landscape was quickly dashed by rabbits and javelinas. I grudgingly built a short fence, and yet there is still some damage, though I have not seen a rabbit inside the fenced area. They're very selective too - they bother the smaller plants, but only certain varieties. Frequently, though, I see large flocks (herds, gaggles,...?) of quail inside the compound. Any ideas on which additional pests I may be dealing with?

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (10)

buford
14 years ago
Deer will eat rose buds. As I found out the hard way one spring. Went to bed, tons of rose buds. Woke up, no rose buds.
0
jim1961 / Central Pennsylvania / Zone 6
14 years ago
I found an article that says, Quail will eat Rose Hips, but, not rose canes or anything like that.
Like Buford said, deer.
Our rabbits here usually feed on roses when one is sleeping, so, you might not see them.
Are the holes in your short fence small enough to where rabbits can not enter? They can squeeze through small holes.
Chicken wire or similar fencing should keep them out.
Best of luck with your problem!
0
Related Discussions
do birds eat cherry tomatoes?
Q
Comments (4)
I have a bunch of birds around my garden, I saw one fly over by my cherry tomatoes next to my celebrity (lg tomatoe plant) there was bird poop on the leaves but none of the tomatoes were touched, later I found some tomatoe hornworm droppings and found a large worm, killed it and threw it over were the birds hang out and it was gone in about 5 min. Only that one worm so I suspect they (birds) are eating the worms.
...See More
do birds eat nasturtium?
Q
Comments (6)
Absolutely they do! I've seen it happen in my garden. It was the Golden Crowned Sparrow that was the culprit. They particularly like the new growth. The first sign on the full grown plants I saw last year was tears in the leafs, but it didn't look like it was from pests. Then I witnessed the birds in action. The plants were well enough established that it had little impact overall. But then in March, when I was starting from seed this years Nasturtium, I found the birds eating off the tender new sprouts, and I knew they would never have a chance to survive, let alone thrive. Solution: I put netting over the sprouts to prevent the birds from getting them, and it worked. After plants had established themselves I removed the netting and I now have thriving plants. It seems that the Golden Crowned sparrows have moved on and everyone is happy. This post was edited by Dawnzig on Sun, Jun 1, 14 at 14:26
...See More
Do birds eat cotoneaster berries?
Q
Comments (24)
I live in an area where many cotoneasters were planted many years ago, but they are not native. The birds don't seem to go for them much, but... I think sometimes the cotoneasters provide good habitat and good hunting grounds for birds.... here is why: Many people in this area have "rockeries"....rockeries are a loose stone wall, with significant planting pockets in between the rocks. These rockeries are used to step down a steep grade in the landscape. Most rockeries were built between 1920 and 1970. In any case, many of these rockeries have small trailing cotoneasters planted in some of the pockets, and the cotoneasters thrive there. They sort of "hug" the wall, and cascade down. After watching and caring for the cotoneasters in my rockery, I am convinced they are useful for wildlife, but not because of the berries. First, spiders love to nest in them, and over-winter there. Ground-dwelling spiders seem to love to burrow under the cotoneasters and into the planting pockets. Second, ground-dwelling bees and small beneficial wasps love to burrow into the ground in these planting pockets that have protective cotoneasters above. Basically, the cotoneasters are good insect magnets. Third, the trailing cotoneasters make a dense mat that that the goldfinches love as shelter. Goldfinches are struggling in this residential urban environment to find shelter from domestic predators, and hanging out under the cotoneasters is one of their limited options. Or maybe they are going for the berries and bugs. I was hoping the berries would be the thing for wildlife with the existing cotoneasters in the yard. That doesn't seem to be true, but there are other advantages.
...See More
Do birds eat black chokeberries?
Q
Comments (4)
Hi, I live in north-central Indiana. I have had two Black Chokeberry bushes for about 18 years. Not many birds do eat them, but my Cardinals love them! Both the adults and juveniles start gobbling them down, just as soon as they ripen in late July and August. Not many berries are left for the winter.
...See More
hoovb zone 9 sunset 23
14 years ago
Rabbits can stretch quite a ways up to reach foliage, and can climb wire fencing if they are hungry enough. The growth will be cleanly removed, as if by a well-sharpened pair of clippers.

Quail eat seeds and bugs. Lots of bugs. They are the good guys. I have quail in the yard every so often.
0
roseman
14 years ago
NO! Birds are no threat to rose bushes. Some will build their nests in them, but consume them? NO!
0
kathy9norcal
14 years ago
I have had yellow-rumped warblers eating the aphids off my rose buds.
Kathy
0
Jeannie Cochell
14 years ago
Since we don't normally have deer, I'd guess rabbits with a long reach. Quail might pick off brand new growth from the basal but birds don't chew on roses. You didn't describe the damage you're seeing so could be anything from the neighbors kids with a dull pair of scissors to cutter bees.
0
jim1961 / Central Pennsylvania / Zone 6
14 years ago
Rabbits are bold here. lol. This pic I just took, the dog is ours and that brown spot in the neighbors yard is a rabbit. Birds and rabbits seem to get along with our dog.
Rabbits will walk right up to our fence and feed on grass with the dog standing there.
------------------------------------------------------------
{{gwi:257840}}
0
sam1239
14 years ago
Great picture Jim!
0
michaelg
14 years ago
Dogs certainly understand that fences affect other critters as well as themselves--that's why they act so tough when there's a fence between. And that rabbit clearly understands it too.

Rabbits clip very tender top growth and strip leaves off, leaving the leaf stem. The latter is the clearest sign of rabbit damage.
0
catsrose
14 years ago
I've seen jack rabbits jump 4' walls.
0

Related Stories

GARDENING GUIDES Plant Black Cherry Trees for the Birds and Bees

By Pollination Press LLC

Plant Prunus serotina in the Central and Eastern U.S. for spring flowers, interesting bark and beautiful fall color

GARDENING FOR BIRDS Feed the Birds: 6 Plants for Abundant Winter Berries

By Therese Ciesinski

Be kind to your fair feathered friends during lean food times by planting a shrub or tree loaded with nutritious snacks

GARDENING GUIDES Backyard Birds: Northern Cardinals in the Snow, and Other Red Birds

By Habitat Network

Brilliant crimson feathers make these friends stand out in a crowd

GARDENING GUIDES Great Design Plant: Canadian Milkvetch Draws Bees and Birds

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Its seedpods have visual appeal, but winged creatures are lured to Astralagus canadensis for more than its looks

GARDENING GUIDES Great Design Plant: Sambucus Nigra Caerulea for the Birds

By Debbie Ballentine

Blue elderberry is a favorite of birds and other wildlife in its native California

GARDENING GUIDES Great Design Plant: Mahonia Aquifolium for Birds

By Debbie Ballentine

Oregon grape puts on a bold spectacle from spring through winter and is ideal to brighten partly shady corners in the U.S. West

GARDENING GUIDES Great Design Plant: Knock Out Roses

By J. Peterson Garden Design

As glorious as their high-maintenance kin for a fraction of the work, Knock Out roses make even beginners look like garden stars

GARDENING FOR BIRDS Wild Birds Transform a Woman’s Garden and Life

By Mary Jo Bowling

How Sharon Sorenson created a wildlife haven and became the Bird Lady of Southern Indiana

GARDENING GUIDES Backyard Birds: Invite Entertaining Hummingbirds Into Your Garden

By Habitat Network

Hummingbirds — unique to the Americas — zip through open landscapes seasonally or year-round. Here’s how to attract them

GARDENING FOR BUTTERFLIES Bring on the Birds: Natural Habitat Ideas for Gardens of All Sizes

Provide nesting, watering and perching spots inspired by the Costa Rican jungle and watch the birds flock on over

Sponsored

More Discussions

Is one love roses/ chamblees sending plants now ?

48

Anyone get their plants from Grace Rose Farm yet?

285

Quietness on sale Antique Rose Emporium

13

what can you tell me about Ma Cherie Roses?

10

good bug or bad?

3