The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Pigs => Topic started by: Teresa on May 14, 2010, 03:32:53 pm

Title: Pigs nuts
Post by: Teresa on May 14, 2010, 03:32:53 pm

Is it right that pigs eat acorns? Ive always thought they did but im curious to know how much they can have and if the can have other nuts like cobnuts and hazel nuts. I know they'd forrage them naturally but can it make them sick if the over do it while having regular pig feed? :pig:

Title: Re: Pigs nuts
Post by: Hilarysmum on May 14, 2010, 04:57:38 pm

Pigs can digest any nuts even acorns, in New Forest in Autumn pigs are put out to pannage, they get fat and tasty on the acorns preventing acorn poisoning in the ponies.  I imagine the pig will eat until its had enough.  Never heard of a pig suffering from acorn poisoning. 

Title: Re: Pigs nuts
Post by: oaklandspigs on May 14, 2010, 06:03:36 pm

Ours love the acorn season, they stand under the trees and wait for them to fall, standing like statues so they can hear !!

As HM says pigs don't suffer from poisoning as say sheep can if they gorge.

Title: Re: Pigs nuts
Post by: Teresa on May 14, 2010, 06:06:14 pm

 :) Excellent  :) would it be alright to store the nuts too and feed them a few months later, thats if theres any left  ;D

Title: Re: Pigs nuts
Post by: little blue on May 14, 2010, 07:38:17 pm

hmmmm, thoughts of free pig food....   !!

Title: Re: Pigs nuts
Post by: Hilarysmum on May 15, 2010, 08:52:24 am

If you can store them and keep them dry and rat free cant see why not.  Our pet pig is still rootling for acorns in odd places even now.

Title: Re: Pigs nuts
Post by: loosey on May 15, 2010, 01:22:48 pm

Ooooh I didn't know this! So could I move their pen under the walnut tree when they drop?!

Title: Re: Pigs nuts
Post by: Hilarysmum on May 15, 2010, 02:22:11 pm

Our pet pig sits under the walnut tree waiting for them to drop.