Herbs?

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PepperPig

PepperPig

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Hello every-piggy, :(|)
I have been thinking about starting an herb garden so my spoiled little pigs can have something more to much on :) I won't be starting for a few weeks but I want to start planning what I'm going to grow. So, does anyone have a pig that likes a specific kind of herb? Please let me know what your pigs like! All I've decided to grow so far is basil. So, any more ideas?
Thanks!
Pig Prints,
PepperPig
 
Mine love parsley, coriander, basil, dill, tarragon and some will eat mint, others aren't so keen. Parsley is probably the easiest to grow, followed by coriander - I started mine off on the kitchen windowsill before transferring them outside, although as autumn approaches you will probably have much luck either in a greenhouse or indoors. The one herb I'm not sure about though is chive as I always thought it was linked to the onion family and therefore not piggy safe?
 
Caviesgalore (EPGPR) said:
Mine love parsley, coriander, basil, dill, tarragon and some will eat mint, others aren't so keen. Parsley is probably the easiest to grow, followed by coriander - I started mine off on the kitchen windowsill before transferring them outside, although as autumn approaches you will probably have much luck either in a greenhouse or indoors. The one herb I'm not sure about though is chive as I always thought it was linked to the onion family and therefore not piggy safe?
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Chives are safe in moderation. I found that information on here so I hope its right as my piggies like chives but I only feed once every couple of weeks in a small amount.
 
I started a herb garden for our own cooking and grow parsley, oregano, basil, sage, rosemary and mint. Not tried the pigs on rosemary yet and they aren't too fussed by the sage but other than that they go down well
 
I can't grow enough basil..... my boys would eat a whole field if they could! They love mint, parsley and the odd bit of coriander too.
 
OK I've had a quick search through the forum and web generally (supposed to be at work, oops!) and the general feeling seems to be do NOT feed chives - see Pebbles post on this thread http://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/showthread.php?68465-Herbs/page3 I work on the basis there are lots of other yummy things that I know are 100% safe to eat so I personally wouldn't risk chives or anything from the onion family.
 
Caviesgalore (EPGPR) said:
OK I've had a quick search through the forum and web generally (supposed to be at work, oops!) and the general feeling seems to be do NOT feed chives - see Pebbles post on this thread http://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/showthread.php?68465-Herbs/page3 I work on the basis there are lots of other yummy things that I know are 100% safe to eat so I personally wouldn't risk chives or anything from the onion family.
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Cool I wont feed them anymore. Although there is a shopping list for piggys I have seen somewhere on here that says them along with some other onion tops etc are safe in moderation.
 
Onion family plants are in that category of things that won't hurt if you feed them as a one-off, but they can be toxic as part of a regular diet. As a general rule, anything grown from bulbs should not be fed.

I would also strongly advise against using any strongly aromatic mediterranian herbs like rosemary, sage, lavender and thyme for the same reason. They are full of essential oils, which can be harmful in any larger quantities.

If you sow coriander/cilantro, best sow a new batch every two weeks, as it doesn't last as long a other herbs. However, it is the one fresh herb that you can feed on a daily basis (about a sprig per piggy). All the other herbs are quite high in calcium and mineral and should only be fed every few days.

Celery grown as a herb for its leaves and fennel can also be given to piggies.
 
I was just about to ask about herbs for Dora after her surgery tomorrow, as I wasn't sure what types they can have. I think I'll see if I can get some parsley, basil and some coriander. Mine love celery leaves.
I've been thinking about starting a herb garden myself but I never seem to have much luck with herbs, the only thing I can grow is rosemary, which I've never given to the pigs as I didn't think it was piggy safe. Is it best to buy the plants from garden centres? The supermarket ones always look a bit sickly and lank.
 
You can get herbs from seed and sow them all year round indoors in windowsill boxes, or you can get young plants from a garden centre.
Supermarket herbs have been sown very close together, so you would carefully pick them apart if you want to grow them on.
 
Adding coriander and parsley to my list! :) I think I will steer clear of chives just because I wouldn't want to risk it on my precious pigs!
 
I am going to gow herbs for my piggies too :) I have just got the pots so far, going to get some seeds today :)
 
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