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Post by drummerchris on Sept 29, 2008 13:52:10 GMT
Does anyone know if there are any "bad" herbs to avoid giving piggies - we're thinking of branching their diet into herbs too and have rather a lot of mint and lemon balm - would these be ok to feed.... ....also any other herbs to avoid???  |
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Post by lisa on Sept 29, 2008 14:54:22 GMT
not sure about either of those but there are some herbs that you shouldn't over feed like Parsley, coriander and dill as they have quite a high calcium content especially parsley, some thing that I have only just found out, but my pigs have this as a treat about once a week which is just right  |
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Post by meggiepiggy on Sept 29, 2008 15:10:56 GMT
Eppingstrider is the one to ask on the herb front DC, she grows a lot for herself - or rather for Fred and George (and herself)  No doubt she will be along later. |
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Post by eppingstrider on Sept 29, 2008 18:45:58 GMT
Hi Chris
Grow thyme....they adore it! Loads of varieties too.
Mint also - and pennyroyal another of the mint family but not one humans eat (good to keep fleas away, apparently). I've got two varities of mint - common and chocolate mint (no it hasnt got chocolate in it) and they love both.
Lavender is a great favourite, and sage & rosemary also go down well in small quantities. These are all supposed to have antiseptic qualities, so I've been making sure George has a little (about an inch of one of them)every day as he's suffering from tooth abcesses still.
Coriander, fennel (yum!) oregano, chamomile....the list goes on.
NOT chives (as its from the onion family). I would guard against tarragon as I thought that is what made George ill, but later I think it was just one of those coincidences. But I woudnt risk it.
Hope that helps
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Post by drummerchris on Sept 30, 2008 9:27:44 GMT
Hey ES... thanks for that....
our herb garden is overun with mint so it's good to know that it's ok to give them. I think we'll also try them on the Lemon Balm and report back on the results. It's interesting that you say they like Sage - i would have thought it was a bit strong for them... then again, Pinny and Gigs like watercress which is a very strong flavour!
Thanks for the advice and i'll report back on the herb eating progress!
xxx
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Post by eppingstrider on Sept 30, 2008 19:50:21 GMT
F&G werent keen on watercress although they quite like rocket unless its very peppery. I suspect lemon balm will go down a treat. I know what you mean by having a lot of it - I bought a plant once at my old house and 20 years later I was still trying to pull it out! It's fine in summer punches for us, and I expect it is ok for them - I think its from the rose family which should be ok.
On the whole I find the boys eat only a little of the stronger stuff, and wolf down the mint etc.
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Post by PigPog on Oct 2, 2008 17:04:28 GMT
I must start growing my own herb garden for the oinkers. ;D Any tips for growing a good healthy garden ES?
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Post by eppingstrider on Oct 2, 2008 19:56:26 GMT
Well, for herbs, they divide into three types, those that prefer the hard life, those that like it soft, and mint! Despite this it seems that most garden centre labels suggest all are potted into deep rich soil.
That's ok for lush leaves - so do that for parsley, basil... They need regular watering too. Best grown in pots, I find (especially as slugs ADORE basil) but that may mean watering a little every day in hot weather, and every couple of days otherwise unless they stand in rain.
Things that are rather tougher prefer something well drained and in a sunny spot; thyme, rosemary, lavender, oregano even - they also tend to have 'aromatic' leaves - heat makes them more aromatic (it intensifies the oils). These all make good plants so make a patch in the garden for them. Water no more than once a week.
Grow mint in a pot unless you really want it to spread all over the garden - or grow a big tub of different kinds. It doesnt need much except enough water.
Given all the talk about growing in pots, why not grow them on your kitchen windowsill. Even if it doesnt get much sun (mine doesnt) it may be warm enough in your house for them to thrive - and they smell nice too.
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Post by drummerchris on Oct 3, 2008 9:14:19 GMT
Herb update:
So far we have the following results in!!!
Parsley - They LOVE it
Corriander - Mmmmmmmmmmmmm yummy
Mint - Not so sure yet - smells a bit like toothpaste
Lemon Balm - Seems to go down a treat
Basil - take it or leave it
Still to try
Rosemary
Thyme
& many more
Watch this space, herb lovers!
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Post by cashmincal on Nov 6, 2008 14:06:26 GMT
I tried my piggies on mint today, they where a bit unsure about it, but I must say my rabbits LOVED it.
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Post by eppingstrider on Nov 6, 2008 19:33:00 GMT
F&G love mint.
They got a treat today - the supermarket had basil marked down to 19p. Should have bought two batches......
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