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Barnyard Buddies:  angora goats and poison ivy  |
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Fire Escape Farmgirl
Farmgirl in Training
15 Posts
Mikko
Delmar
NY
USA
15 Posts |
 Posted - Apr 30 2008 : 5:48:51 PM
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Hello farmgirls!
I've read that angora goats eat poison ivy. My question is, are goats like horses in that they rip plants out by the roots when they graze, or are they like sheep and just nibble down to the roots? Ultimately I would LOVE to own some angora goats (for shearing as well as weed control), but until we're ready for that, I'm thinking of borrowing some to eat the incredible amounts of poison ivy that I have here.
If you own Angora goats, what is your experience with this little snack for them?
Because farmin' is charmin' |
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grace gerber
True Blue Farmgirl
2804 Posts
grace
larkspur
colorado
USA
2804 Posts |
Posted - Apr 30 2008 : 6:38:14 PM
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I have never heard of them eating poison ivy but I never say never. I have goats who like thistle and other who will never touch it. They are nibblers but if they have little to eat then they will get more aggressive - they can even paw the ground to dig things up if they have a mind too. Despite what folks believe they do not just eat everything.
Good luck
Grace Gerber
Larkspur Funny Farm and Fiber Art Studio
Where the spirits are high and the fiber is deep
http://www.larkspurfunnyfarm.etsy.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.blogspot.com
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frannie
True Blue Farmgirl
2246 Posts
fran
bonham
texas
USA
2246 Posts |
Posted - May 01 2008 : 06:55:23 AM
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our angoras do eat the poison ivy, and they have made a difference out here cause it grows , well, like a weed. they havent completely eradicated it, but i didnt expect that, but they do eat it and have helped alot. i havent seen ours rip things out, they just nibble.
love
frannie in texas
(http://farmfolks-frannie.blogspot.com/)
(http://abunnystale.blogspot.com/) |
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grace gerber
True Blue Farmgirl
2804 Posts
grace
larkspur
colorado
USA
2804 Posts |
Posted - May 01 2008 : 10:29:32 AM
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Hi Frannie
Very interesting and I will put it down in my books - we do not have it on the plains but that is good to know. Here is my question - if they are eating it what about any on their fleeces - would that be something you would have to consider at shearing time? If there is a residue do you have to treat the fleeces differently? Also, how do you wash your fleeces - I read an article years ago about certain plant residues that will effect natural dyeing - what are your thoughts? Sorry for all the questions but I keep records on things I come across so I can pass it on to my students. Thanks in advance.
Grace Gerber
Larkspur Funny Farm and Fiber Art Studio
Where the spirits are high and the fiber is deep
http://www.larkspurfunnyfarm.etsy.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.blogspot.com
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Barnyard Buddies: angora goats and poison ivy |
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angora goats and poison ivy
