Pussy willow

Toni D

Toni D

Junior Guinea Pig
Joined
Jan 7, 2016
Messages
186
Reaction score
115
Points
305
Location
Leeds, West Yorkshire
Hi. I have an upright (not weeping) Pussy Willow (Salix) in my garden. It was a small bush when I moved in but is growing into a tall monster. I am going to chop it down but noticed on a Facebook group that someone gave the young shoots and leaves to their piggies. I know you can give them Willow branches (sticks) but didn't know they can eat the leaves. The catkins have just all dropped off. I have read that Salix contains something akin to aspirin so don't want to risk poisoning them. Advice is requested from the experts only please - no helpful guesses thank you (as I really do not want 8 piggies poisoned or under veterinary care). Cheers.
 
I give mine willow branches with leaves.
But I only give them a piece - about 30 - 40cm long between 2 piggies.
I make sure all of the catkins are gone (I worry they could be a choking hazard).
Mine love willow and whilst it does contain small amounts of aspirin, this is not very concentrated and mainly in the bark, so a small piece of a branch with leaves is fine.
If you have a lot cut it into small lengths and dry it in a shed or garage (with leaves). This makes a super exciting treat for them in Winter too.
 
Thank you for your response. Sorry for my late reply but I didn't know you had posted. I've taken a quick look at the food list and it looks like a useful source of information. I will make a note of it for future reference. Many thanks :)
 
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