Sunflowers

[Black Jack]

Does anyone know if sunflowers (the flowers, leaves, stalks) are safe for guinea pigs to eat?

I've been given a packet of seeds and don't know whether to plant them or not. I can't find them listed anywhere as being safe or unsafe.

 

[daftscotslass]

The petals are poisonous to animals but I don't know about the rest. I wouldn't think so if the flowers weren't safe.

 

[maisynpoppy]

well i thought they could, but not often as they high in protein :-\

 

[daftscotslass]

well i thought they could, but not often as they high in protein :-\

Think that's the seeds, the seeds are high in protein.

 

[maisynpoppy]

oh lol ;D

 

[maisynpoppy]

but on Karens website it says

Sunflower Seeds are relatively easy to grow (much like Cereal Grass) and are nutritious and well liked by guinea pigs. They can be grown in small amounts and fed as treats or in seed trays and fed as part of the main diet. How you feed them depends on what other foods you feed and how much of it.
Sunflower Seeds are very high in Protein @ 30% approximately.

Sunflowers are a good source of nutrients. Feed when the plant has two leaves on it (as shown in the pigture).


http://www.planetguinea.co.uk/index_files/sunflowerseeds.htm

 

[daftscotslass]

That's quite interesting... so the wee sprouty bits are safe?

 

[maisynpoppy]

lol i thought so, but shouldnt be fed alot :-\

 

[Black Jack]

That's great - I'll get planting this weekend then! (Bet the fussy critters just turn their noses up!)

 

[Jane]

I know Karen has mentioned before that she grew the seeds and when they were smallish shoots she fed them. Maybe you could PM her about it?