lolaandpadme
New Born Pup
Different web pages are conflicting about oak tree branches, logs and acorns are they ok in the run to be played with or chewed? Thanks
oak trees
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I have always understood that the only safe branches to give piggies are from apple trees, however, I will be interested to hear what anyone else says.
As far as acorns go, I have a very old (1920's) pets book, which says you can feed guinea pigs acorns, however, it also says a lot of other rather odd things, which I doubt would be recommended nowadays. Apart from in this particular book, I've never heard of letting them have acorns, and I don't think I'd risk it. If in any doubt at all, play safe, that's my motto. There are plenty of other things with which to feed guineas, or to give them to play with, which we know for sure won't do them any harm. Having said that, my piggies often crunched up dried leaves that they found in their run, because I wasn't quick enough to remove them before the piggies spotted them, and they were okay! But I just prefer to be very cautious!
I remember seeing once on a wild foods programme, that humans can eat acorns if they are treated to remove the tannin which gives the acorns a very bitter taste otherwise. Might be useful to remember in these days of rising food prices!
As far as acorns go, I have a very old (1920's) pets book, which says you can feed guinea pigs acorns, however, it also says a lot of other rather odd things, which I doubt would be recommended nowadays. Apart from in this particular book, I've never heard of letting them have acorns, and I don't think I'd risk it. If in any doubt at all, play safe, that's my motto. There are plenty of other things with which to feed guineas, or to give them to play with, which we know for sure won't do them any harm. Having said that, my piggies often crunched up dried leaves that they found in their run, because I wasn't quick enough to remove them before the piggies spotted them, and they were okay! But I just prefer to be very cautious!
I remember seeing once on a wild foods programme, that humans can eat acorns if they are treated to remove the tannin which gives the acorns a very bitter taste otherwise. Might be useful to remember in these days of rising food prices!
Hermes
Teenage Guinea Pig
On the principle that there's conflicting advice I wouldn't give oak, I know it contains tannins that are toxic to livestock so it's probably best to be cautious. Apple and willow are both safe woods amongst others.
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Sure I have read somewhere that oak is poisonous to piggies so would,n't risk it ! I think fruit tree woods are safe to use, eg apple pear etc can be given, not sure about cherry trees.... Can piggies eat cherries? Never tried with mine. Xx
Hermes
Teenage Guinea Pig
You could give them cherries in moderation as with other fruits but only with the stone removed. The wood is generally considered unsafe from any member of the Prunus genus (which includes cherry and other fruit trees with pitted fruit) as cyanogenic glycosides are contained within the bark/leaves/stones (which are a precursor to cyanide).
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