The Accidental Smallholder Forum
Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: moprabbit on April 24, 2014, 11:13:53 pm
-
Just wanted a bit of advice about making hay! I've a large field that has been grazed by my sheep - it has some arum lily ( other names I think are cuckoo pint, lords and ladies, Jack in the pulpit) which I believe is poisonous to sheep? However, none of mine seem to have touched it whilst being in the field, so it hasn't been a problem. But I did wonder about if the plant gets into the hay - would it be a problem when it's cut and dried?
Thank you
-
Interesting question, I'd like to know the answer too. We have loads of that too, mostly around the edges though so those bits tend not to get baled. I've been trying to get rid of it so I tend to rip it all up at about this time of year before it starts developing berries.
-
It's usually in the hedgerows, so not an issue. Is yours out in the open, moprabbit?
-
Hi Sally! Most of it is at the edges of the field, but the sheep can get to it there, but don't eat it! However there is some further out that would be cut if we made hay - that's the thing I'm wondering about?
-
If you've got any doubts I would go out one afternoon before cutting and pull up all the bits in the middle a bit like you would with ragwort.
-
That's probably the best idea Twizzel! Thanks