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Tree hay, Dried Leaves and Shredding

 
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deanom



Joined: 19 Apr 2006
Posts: 93
Location: Lincolnshire
PostPosted: Fri Aug 11, 06 5:47 pm    Post subject: Tree hay, Dried Leaves and Shredding Reply with quote
    

In the book The Woodland way Ben Law describes a practise called "shredding", which is the removal of small branches and leaves from trees, to dry as animal fodder. I have also read of something similar in one of the smallholding magazines, describing branches tied up under cover, and calling it "tree hay".

Has anybody had any experience of this, as I have plenty of suitable trees to use, and it seems like a great idea

If so, any tips

Naomi



Joined: 26 Mar 2005
Posts: 1945

PostPosted: Sat Aug 12, 06 8:03 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

Hi Deano,
I know a lot of goatkeepers harvest nettles and make nettle hay by tying it in bundles and hanging it upside down from rafters ,just as you would dry herbs (wear gloves when harvesting it ) The dried nettles don't have the sting of fresh nettles ,so it is easy to handle and use as fodder.I expect the same can be done with edible tree branches too? Although I am unsure if the branches would keep their leaves for long? Willow and beech are particular favourites of goats. But there are very many more trees that goats and sheep enjoy.

Bodger



Joined: 23 May 2006
Posts: 13524

PostPosted: Sat Aug 12, 06 9:03 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

We use to fed Rosebay Willow Herb to our goats by the shed load and they loved it.
Tree trimmings with their leaves were also adored but obviously check your poisons list first.

deanom



Joined: 19 Apr 2006
Posts: 93
Location: Lincolnshire
PostPosted: Wed Aug 16, 06 6:57 pm    Post subject: Thanks Reply with quote
    

Thanks to you both

Nanny



Joined: 17 Feb 2005
Posts: 4520
Location: carms in wales
PostPosted: Wed Aug 16, 06 7:19 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

my goats love nettle hay and i do go and harvest willow for them every now and again from the tree at the side of the road.......

i would be wary of things like oak but ash and elder for goats is well received as is a lot of the hedge trimmings that you can harvest..........blackthorn, hawthorn, roses and blackberry are fine..........i would imagine if you hung some up for a while they would still nibble but as has been said, most of the leaves would drop off

Lozzie



Joined: 25 May 2005
Posts: 2595

PostPosted: Wed Aug 16, 06 7:31 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

Could I pose the same question, but for chickens?

Treacodactyl
Downsizer Moderator


Joined: 28 Oct 2004
Posts: 25795
Location: Jumping on the bandwagon of opportunism
PostPosted: Wed Aug 16, 06 8:19 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

Lozzie wrote:
Could I pose the same question, but for chickens?


I'm not sure they could type a reply. I tend to feed our hens on a little added fresh greens (cabbage, brussel tops etc). I'm not sure I've ever heard of them eating dried greens and hay can be quite harmful as it can bind their crop.

Back to dried leaves for mammals I rember seeing or reading something but can't remember where. Could it have been the "Tales From the Green Valley" programme? I've certainly seen branches that have been trimmed, due to forestry work, early in a season and they hold thier leaves well into winter.

Bodger



Joined: 23 May 2006
Posts: 13524

PostPosted: Wed Aug 16, 06 9:41 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

My other half produces 4 bags of currents and sultanas from Tescos ( spit spit gnash gnash ) for 41 pence for 500 grammes and the chickens get these every week plus all the fruit I can get.
They love fruit.

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