Small to medium non-toxic shrubs U.K

J

JONKS

New Born Pup
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Hi I'm in the process of building an enclosure for my guinea pigs. I'm looking to plant some shrubs to create some protection and shade. Can anyone advise what kind of shrubs I can plant?
I'm sorted on herbs etc just would like something medium height that doesn't grow over 10ft. Was going to plant a small leaf lime tree but they can get up to 20m+ Google just rattles off lists of toxic plants and there are loads of them to say the least, would be easier if they showed the non toxic ones.

Thanks in advance.
 
Qualcast&Flymo said:
How about a dwarf apple tree or two? If you make sure they are on a dwarfing rootstock,that will restrict their size. Even better, guinea pigs can eat the pruned new growth and the fresh leaves. And then you can eat any fruit, and you're helping pollinators too!
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Yes that not a bad idea, I’m looking for something that can create some substantial shade that my pigs can shelter under from the sun. Ideally something with broad leaves.
 
You could plant hazel. They grow quite quickly and have broad leaves safe for piggies to eat. Plus the bonus of beautiful catkins. They can I think grow to about 12 foot but are easy to prune or coppice. You might need to protect them from piggies nibbling the bark.
 
Pound Shilling & Pig said:
You could plant hazel. They grow quite quickly and have broad leaves safe for piggies to eat. Plus the bonus of beautiful catkins. They can I think grow to about 12 foot but are easy to prune or coppice. You might need to protect them from piggies nibbling the bark.
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I thought about that, but I’m sure I read Hazelnuts are not good for them?
 
JONKS said:
I thought about that, but I’m sure I read Hazelnuts are not good for them?
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You're right, hazelnuts, like all nuts, are not good for piggies but the the hazel plant its self is fine. It is safe for them to eat the leaves (in moderation, like most things)
If nuts fall off into their enclosure they wont eat them as they won't be able gnaw through the hard shells and won't regard them as food.
 
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