[ScotsGirl]

Occasionally I let my goats into a different paddock with a mature oak tree. I just noticed at the weekend they make a beeline for the ripe acorns. These are generally toxic to some animals but in what quantity? My phones eat some and they don't seem to bother.


Are the effects immediate or will they get sick at a later date?

[Anke]

My phones eat some and they don't seem to bother.

Your PHONE eats acorns? Is that a new way to charge the battery up?
 
On a more serious note I wouldn't let them eat acorns, no idea if they are more or less poisonous in larger quantities - I probably wouldn't trust my goats not to overeat on them... I think more dangerous when green, rather than properly ripe.

[ZaktheLad]

  your misspell about your phone eating acorns made me giggle - thanks for brightening my day 

[ScotsGirl]

Predictive text! Should be ponies!!    I will need to rake them up if any left.

[shygirl]

I'm sure pigs can eat them, do you have pigs?

[ScotsGirl]

Yes but not in that field. I will have to look tomorrow now and see if there are any left! Why can't they just eat the grass! 

[Lesley Silvester]

What about sweet chestnuts? There are loads just up the road from here.

[shygirl]

I'd rake them up for the pigs to be on the safe side.

[lilfeeb]

http://www.countryfile.com/news/bumper-crop-acorns-causes-concern-those-horses

acorns are not good for ponies. I would try and remove as many of them as you can.

[fifixx]

I've panicked on and off over the years when I see the goats eating acorns.  I've realised they just eat the ripe ones and in small quantities - it isn't possible for me to stop them as there are oaks in every hedge!