Apple tree twigs, are they safe for guineas

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fritsthegirl

This might sound like a crazy idea, but I am thinking about weaving a floor time enclosure for my guineas out of apple tree twigs. I was about to invest in the C&C grids but it suddenly occurred to me that our organic apple trees are due to be pruned and the twigs will be perfect for weaving a 'fence'. I'm just concerned about safety when chewed. I've read that thick apple tree branches are safe for guineas provided they are dried for 3 months first, and that fresh twigs are OK for them to munch on straight from the tree. Does anyone have first hand experience giving their pigs 'apple twigs'? Is it really safe as houses?

PS. I intend to make the enclosure like Alcatraz, if they do get it in their heads to chew their way out I'll notice from my watch tower.
PPS.I am talking only about apple trees because wood from fruit trees with pits, Eg. cherry, peach, apricot, plum, etc. is very TOXIC and shouldn't be given to a guinea.
 
I have given mine apple twigs (prunings) for a treat and they LOVE them! I don't dry them first, though. I can't see how fresh ones would be unsafe?

They seem to mostly like the bark, but they chew that up quickly enough. I don't think it's an ideal cage material for that reason.
 
Apple twigs are the best variety of twigs you can give them! However, I can't say whether your enclosure will work!
 
Mine chew the bark but rarely eat the whole thing so maybe your fence will work?
 
I have decided to hold off this idea until the new arrival comes to the piggy ranch because I don't know how much of a biter the new guinea will be. It seems some guineas are very keen to chew and others (like my Flo) will just sniff and lick things. It was very funny, I gave her some apple tree twigs and she had a wee nibble and definitely enjoyed the smell of something new in her cage but then she just stopped and looked up at me. If she could speak I am sure she was saying, 'These twigs are a bit of an effort...have you got anything else?' I'll be leaving a bunch in the enclosure anyway, she might take a fancy to them one day. ;)
 
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