Goats are known for their voracious appetites and their ability to eat almost anything, but do they eat lavender? Lavender is a popular plant known for its fragrant flowers and calming properties. It is often used in gardens and landscapes to add color and scent. However, if you have goats, you may be wondering if they will eat your lavender plants.
The answer is, it depends. While goats are known to eat a wide variety of plants, including weeds, shrubs, and trees, lavender may not be their first choice. Lavender has a strong scent that goats may find unappealing. In fact, many people use lavender as a natural deterrent to keep goats away from other plants.
However, there are always exceptions. Some goats may develop a taste for lavender and decide to nibble on the leaves and flowers. This is more likely to happen if the goats are hungry and there are no other food sources available. Additionally, baby goats, or kids, may be more curious and adventurous in their eating habits, and may be more likely to try eating lavender.
If you do have goats that are eating your lavender plants, there are a few steps you can take to discourage them. One option is to surround the plants with a fence or barrier that the goats cannot easily climb or jump over. Another option is to plant other plants that goats find less appealing nearby, to distract them from the lavender. Some plants that goats generally dislike include garlic, onions, and peppermint.
You can also try using natural repellents to deter the goats from eating the lavender. Lavender essential oil or dried lavender sachets can be placed near the plants to create a scent barrier that the goats do not like. Cayenne pepper or other strong-smelling spices can also be sprinkled around the plants to make them less appetizing to the goats.
It is important to note that while lavender is generally safe for goats to eat, some varieties may be toxic if consumed in large quantities. It is always a good idea to consult with a veterinarian or livestock expert before introducing any new plants into your goat’s diet.
While goats may not be inclined to eat lavender, there are always exceptions. If you have goats that are eating your lavender plants, there are steps you can take to discourage them, such as using fences, planting other less appealing plants, or using natural repellents. However, it is always important to ensure that any plants you introduce into your goat’s diet are safe and non-toxic.
What Plants Will Goats Not Eat?
Goats are known for their voracious appetite and ability to eat a wide variety of plants. However, there are certain plants that goats typically avoid due to their taste, toxicity, or other reasons. Here is a list of plants that goats are less likely to eat:
1. Poisonous plants: Goats generally have an innate ability to recognize and avoid poisonous plants. Some examples of poisonous plants for goats include azaleas, China berries, sumac, nightshade, pokeweed, and crotalaria.
2. Plants with thorns or spines: Goats generally avoid plants that have thorns or spines, as they can cause injury or discomfort. Examples of such plants include blackberry bushes, rose bushes, and cacti.
3. Plants with strong odors or tastes: Goats have sensitive senses of smell and taste, and they tend to avoid plants with strong odors or tastes. This includes plants like onions, garlic, and certain herbs such as rosemary and mint.
4. Plants with high fiber content: Goats prefer plants that are high in protein and low in fiber. They are less likely to eat plants with high fiber content, such as mature grasses, straw, and certain types of weeds.
5. Plants with bitter or unpalatable foliage: Some plants have foliage that is bitter or unpalatable to goats. Examples include curly dock, bracken fern, and certain types of thistles.
It’s important to note that while goats may generally avoid these plants, individual preferences can vary, and some goats may still consume them if no other food sources are available. It’s always best to provide a varied and balanced diet for goats and ensure that their grazing areas are free from toxic plants.
What Are The Most Toxic Plants For Goats?
The most toxic plants for goats include Mountain Laurel and Rhododendrons, which are commonly found in many areas. These plants pose a significant risk to goats due to their toxic properties. It is important for goat owners to be aware of the potential dangers these plants present and take necessary precautions to protect their animals.
Here are some key points about the toxicity of Mountain Laurel and Rhododendrons for goats:
1. Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia): This evergreen shrub is highly toxic to goats. The leaves, flowers, and twigs of Mountain Laurel contain grayanotoxins, which can cause severe poisoning in goats. Ingesting even a small amount of this plant can be fatal. Symptoms of Mountain Laurel poisoning in goats may include drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, difficulty breathing, and even collapse.
2. Rhododendrons (Rhododendron spp.): These flowering shrubs are also highly toxic to goats. The leaves, flowers, and nectar of Rhododendrons contain toxic compounds called grayanotoxins, similar to those found in Mountain Laurel. Ingesting Rhododendrons can lead to symptoms such as drooling, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, tremors, and even cardiac arrhythmias. Severe cases of Rhododendron poisoning can be fatal for goats.
It is important to note that these toxic plants are not limited to specific regions and can be found in various parts of the world. Therefore, goat owners should be vigilant and take measures to prevent their animals from accessing these plants.
Preventing goat exposure to Mountain Laurel and Rhododendrons:
– Familiarize yourself with the appearance of these plants. Mountain Laurel has dark green, leathery leaves and clusters of white, pink, or purple flowers, while Rhododendrons have large, showy flowers in various colors.
– Regularly inspect your pastures, grazing areas, and browse areas for the presence of these plants.
– Remove any Mountain Laurel or Rhododendrons from areas where goats have access. This can involve physically uprooting the plants or using herbicides to eliminate them.
– Provide alternative browse options for your goats by planting safe and nutritious plants such as grasses, legumes, and other non-toxic shrubs.
Mountain Laurel and Rhododendrons are highly toxic plants for goats. Being aware of their presence and taking preventive measures can help safeguard goats from potential poisoning. Regular monitoring of grazing areas and providing suitable alternatives can significantly reduce the risk of goat exposure to these toxic plants.
What Scents Repel Goats?
Goats are known to have a strong sense of smell, and there are several scents that can repel them. Here are some scents that goats dislike:
1. Lavender: Goats are not fond of the scent of lavender plants. Planting lavender around your property can help keep them away.
2. Cayenne Pepper: Just like humans, goats find the smell of cayenne pepper unpleasant. Sprinkling cayenne pepper around your garden or any areas you want to protect can deter goats.
3. Sage: The strong scent of sage is another scent that goats tend to avoid. Planting sage bushes or using sage essential oil can help repel them.
4. Animal Dung: While it may not be the most pleasant scent for humans either, the smell of animal dung can repel goats. Sprinkling dried manure or using composted manure around your property can deter them.
5. Mullein: Goats are not fans of the scent of mullein. Planting mullein plants or using mullein essential oil can help keep them away.
6. Hydrangeas: The smell of hydrangeas can also repel goats. Planting hydrangea bushes around your property can act as a natural deterrent.
7. Peppermint Oil: The strong scent of peppermint oil is another scent that goats dislike. Spraying diluted peppermint oil around your property can help keep them away.
8. Onions and Garlic: Goats are not fans of the smell of onions and garlic. Using onion or garlic powder or planting these vegetables around your garden can help repel them.
It’s important to note that while these scents can deter goats, they may not be 100% effective in all situations. It’s also recommended to combine these scent deterrents with physical barriers, such as fences, to ensure the goats stay away from your desired areas.
Conclusion
Goats are known to be voracious eaters and will consume a wide variety of plants and vegetation. However, when it comes to lavender plants, goats generally tend to avoid them due to their strong and distinct scent. Lavender has a fragrance that is disliked by most animals, including goats. The strong aroma of lavender acts as a natural deterrent, making it unappealing for goats to graze on these plants.
While goats may occasionally nibble on lavender leaves out of curiosity or boredom, they are unlikely to consume a significant amount. Additionally, the strong scent of lavender can actually help to repel goats and other wildlife from your garden or pasture.
If you are concerned about goats damaging your lavender plants, there are a few steps you can take to protect them. One option is to create physical barriers around the lavender plants, such as installing fences or netting. This can help to prevent goats from accessing the plants and causing damage.
Another method is to use natural deterrents, such as planting other plants with strong scents around the lavender. Some examples include garlic, onions, or peppermint, which goats tend to find unpleasant. Additionally, spraying a mixture of water and essential oils derived from strong-smelling plants, such as lavender or peppermint, can help to deter goats from approaching and eating the plants.
While goats may occasionally nibble on lavender leaves, they generally dislike the strong scent and are unlikely to cause significant damage to the plants. By taking preventative measures and using natural deterrents, you can ensure that your lavender plants remain safe and untouched by these curious animals.
