safe or unsafe leaf...?

[claremw92]

my two hutches and the big run and set up under 3 large trees...
the trees are oak and cherry...
and when the wind blows it obviously blows alot of the dead and still fresh leafs all over the run...
the piggies have taken to eating them... and they really do enjoy them... they actually eat them before the fresh veg and grass...!...and i was just wondering if they are okay to eat...?...

x

 

[claremw92]

bump...

 

[flintstones]

I have read Oak is poisonous to Guinea Pigs.

 

[claremw92]

fair enough... i'll have to keep on top of them falling in the run...
thanks

 

[Pebble]

Oak leaves and acorns are toxic to quite a few animals (goats, cattle horses and sheep) because of the high tannin content. Unfortunately they are also addictive and once eaten the animals tend to want more.

Given that piggies are also herbivores and have similar gut processes/food requirements to the above species, it is reasonable to assume that they would be poisonous to piggies too

Symptoms ofoverdose/poisoningdemonstrated in other animals include what I term the "classic guinea pig gut issues"... including lethargy, inappetance, weight loss, diarrhoea, bloat, constipation..and also blood in the urine, (sound familiar?)

Hopefully they have not had access to the leaves for very long and therefore not consumed many prior to your post, as toxicity is based upon the amount eaten/accumulated rather than a single leaf or two.

Best to ensure the runs are kept clear in future

 

[Amanda1801]

Cherry leaves are toxic to chameleons - random fact of the day rolleyes - I'd say if in doubt, don't!

 

[claremw92]

Oak leaves and acorns are toxic to quite a few animals (goats, cattle horses and sheep) because of the high tannin content. Unfortunately they are also addictive and once eaten the animals tend to want more.

Given that piggies are also herbivores and have similar gut processes/food requirements to the above species, it is reasonable to assume that they would be poisonous to piggies too

Symptoms ofoverdose/poisoningdemonstrated in other animals include what I term the "classic guinea pig gut issues"... including lethargy, inappetance, weight loss, diarrhoea, bloat, constipation..and also blood in the urine, (sound familiar?)

Hopefully they have not had access to the leaves for very long and therefore not consumed many prior to your post, as toxicity is based upon the amount eaten/accumulated rather than a single leaf or two.

Best to ensure the runs are kept clear in future

its only been three days theyve been in the bottom of the garden...
the trees hadnt been dropping leaves too bad untill a massive branch that goes straight over the run has died off... casing an immense amount of dropped leaves... so 24 hours of eating a fair amount of them...
thankyou for that.... i will definatly keep on top of them...
x

 

[All0about0the0animals]

Yes, Oak and acorns are highly toxic. I had an oak in one of my horses fields and had huge problems because I wasn't allowed to have it cut down because it was protected, had to fence it off in the end.