Apple Branch Questions

[bex's gpigs]

Hi guys, today I cut down some branches/twigs for my piggies from my friends garden as I know she doesn't spray them with anything. I buy willow stick from p@h but they don't eat them and need something more fresher. I have a couple of questions:

1. Can I give them to my pigs straight away I picked them around 4 hours ago, ive only just go back

2. Do I need to bake them in the oven, if so why?

Thanks

 

[sport_billy]

You need to make sure that the tree has not been sprayed with any pesticides. Then check the branch has no sign of moss/lichen growing on it (the green stuff) e.g. pick really healthy looking branches or twigs then clean them well get any dirt etc off.

Never heard of baking them in an oven though

 

[bex's gpigs]

Cheers mate! do they need to be dried out for a bit ? Stupidly I left them outside and its chucking it down

 

[xxaimeexx]

I know my friend doesn't spray her apple tree so I can give some of the branches to the pigs just straight off the tree! Maybe giving them a little shake to make sure there are no bugs on it. I have baked them before but that was for my mouse!

 

[bex's gpigs]

Thanks guys! Just wanted to be sure ! I asked her and she said she doesn't spray them with anything, so all good! Hope my girls like them

 

[nana piggie]

I give my girls branches off my apple tree. I don't spray with anything , so i remove the leaves, chop them into about 4" lengths, give them a wash, dry with paper towel. My girls love to chew the bark off them.