[laurelrus]

My goats (and sheep) are really enjoying apple and pear branches at the moment. I'm wondering if I can cut a load, and then store them to give over winter when they're no longer available. Is it possible or will they just go bad and not be feedable?
I've heard that I can store nettles but neither the goats or sheep will eat nettles either growing or pulled and wilted.
What can I give them over the winter to supplement their hay and feed, that they'll also enjoy and will keep them occupied like the leafy branches do at the moment?
Thanks very much

[Lesley Silvester]

If you can get pony carrots, they are good although they don't last as long as branches. I was also able to get sacks of swedes which they loved. If you grow brassicas, tying the woody stalks up so they can chew at them will keep them happy.

[Anke]

I haven't started to prune my fruit tress yet, so I would do a couple at a time and give the branches fresh. Same for willow or hazel.

Outer leaves of cabbages (or even inner bits if they are cheap), I grow Kale and PSB (for human and caprine use), soft bits of raspberry canes (not for goats that are in kid though), brambles, pony carrots etc etc, apple peel, bananas....

[laurelrus]

Thanks very much. Anke - can I give them fruit tree prunings even in winter when the branches are all dried and no leaves left? Is PSB broccoli?
All very helpful, thanks again!

[Anke]

I cut them "fresh" - in winter even without the leaves the bark is soft and green underneath - that's how they like it.

PSB - purple sprouting broccoli. (any kind of cabbage is good, kale in moderation)

[Lesley Silvester]

I soft bits of raspberry canes (not for goats that are in kid though),

Why not for goats in kid?

[Treud na Mara]

I think it can bring on labour, like raspberry leaf tea for pregnant women.

[Anke]

I think it can bring on labour, like raspberry leaf tea for pregnant women.

Yes. Maybe not proven in animals, but older books recommend giving them to nannies just before kidding but not earlier.

[Lesley Silvester]

Raspberry leaf tea is to give an easier labour not bring it on. I took it during the last three months of my second pregancy and slept through the labour. I just woke up in time to actually give birth.

[Treud na Mara]

Wish I'd known about it 30 years ago   

[jg]

Went to a meeting about ancient tree identification and during the day meet a great guy  who talked about the ancient art of making tree hay and pollarding. Encouraged by this we are trying this for our cattle. Basically you cut branches in may/june (pollarding makes this easier) and dry under cover then bring out the branches in winter. The other thing he talked about was feeding holly and ivy-(mature holly is not spikey) . Google  'tree hay' for more info. Perhaps not a complete answer for winter feeding but nice for a change and balancing nutrition. Ash is best I think and beech. What about rose bay willowherb -. I have dried that -its a bit fragile but eaten eagerly. Good luck.

[devonlady]

We used to cut nettles in late spring/early summer and hang them to dry for winter use. Our goats loved them also our chickens (and I would put some into soups/stews over the winter)

[Lesley Silvester]

After having nettles drying on every surface in the garden, I was disappointed when my girl took one sniff and walked away.

[tattycat]

Raspberry leaf will bring on an easier labour,  will also 'tone' uterus up after birthing. Would be very wary to use during last few weeks..had a bitch who had raspberry leaf for last few weeks nd when bags burst there was a faint raspberry scent!
JG, what a brill idea. Will look up later!
My girls will sometimes eat nettles, seem to know when they need it..
Anke, why kale in moderation?

[sokel]

All of ours love dried nettles, some of them will also eat them fresh picked and hung up in the sheds but only a couple of them will actually eat them out in the field still growing