Willow leaves.

[kate7590]

Can pigs eat willow leaves?

Mine eat them when they fall off the willow tree and sometimes ill strip a twig and give them the leaves.

We've just had a branch cut off our tree in the garden and it seems such a shame to throw it away when the pigs could eat it.
I just want to know if they can eat any amount of it, if so, they'll have a nice feast for the next few weeks

 

[Silly]

Hi,

I know rabbits can eat willow leaves and branches I don't think it has to be dried out first but as for guineapigs I don't know that, because of their sensitive tummies I would be a bit careful.

I have never heard of them eating it myself. The branches can be dried out and used as hideys though. Dried out I don't see why they can't chew the branches as that's what alot of toys are made of in the shops.

Silly

 

[madstitcher101]

Pigs can eat the willow branches. Mine have had several willow tubes and they eat them, takes them a while but they do eat the whole tubes. They love them, trouble is they aren't that cheap to buy so I have to limit them.

 

[Cavy_Lady]

I feed my piggies willow twigs, dried and fresh leaves.
They love them.

 

[Pebble]

Just a note of caution on this one.

Willow bark is high in tannins which in large quantities can be toxic for the liver as that is where they are broken down.


Also Willow leaves/bark contains a medicinal compound - salicin - which is metabolised by the body into salicylic acid - i.e. the active constituent of aspirin.

So as with a lot of these natural plants questions it is more about the quanitity consumed. The odd leaf/bark stripping won;t do any harm to a piggie but a constant exposure could cause health issues over a period of time.

Think about the pros and cons of aspirin for humans: Too much and tummy problems (including ulcers) might result. However for older people with heart problems it can thin the blood and help prevent strokes.

Please also be aware that steroids (which are sometimes given to sick piggies or piggies in pain) interact badly with aspirin.

As always - moderation is key.

Hope this helps
x