Does Anyone Grow for Critters?

momvet 5/30/2015, 12:16 pm

I have always loved animals and grew to love gardening many years ago. We lived in the country for quite a few years, but since having kids, we moved to a more rural area. I always thought, once they grew up, that I would end up back in the spaces I love. Not going to happen. So I have decided to adjust. I enjoy reptiles, but don't like keeping them in cages so when a Russian Tortoise showed up, I decided to keep him. One of the things I love about SFG is that I can provide him with what he really needs. Wondering if anyone else on this forum grows things for their pet companions.
Does Anyone Grow for Critters? Img_1434

**Turan** 5/30/2015, 12:46 pm

I raise hay that is fed to the horses and sheep and chickens. Then I use their bedding and manure in the garden. The animals then get first dibs on weeds and kitchen stuff and clean the garden in the fall for me. Not quite what you are talking of though.

Back in the early 80s I attended SD Mesa College AHT program. During the summer we had a garden behind the barn where we raised lots of vegetables for the tortoises and parrots and I forget who all. Next to the main building we had a hibiscus garden for the tortoises. Good memories you stirred up. albino

vortex 5/30/2015, 3:21 pm

I've got a few food plots targeted to turkeys. Does that count?

Little bit of field corn, a mix of rye, winter wheat and milo, and surrounded by an alfalfa/clover mix.

Combine that with the hardwood nuts from the oak, hickory and pecan trees and it's a turkey paradise. The deer and other critters love it too.

quiltbea 5/30/2015, 10:16 pm

Unfortunately I've been growing food for the birds; blueberries, cherries and strawberries. They seem to get to the harvests before I can manage it. I wouldn't mind sharing, but they aren't as generous.

Marc Iverson 5/30/2015, 11:36 pm

I've given extra greens and such that I've grown to the neighbor for her chickens. Also kitchen scraps. The only animals we have though are dogs, and there's nothing to grow for them.

**Kelejan** 5/31/2015, 12:05 am

What sweet potatoes for dogs?

plantoid 5/31/2015, 7:12 am

Does anyone grow for critters.. Yep the slugs ,snails and caterpillars etc etc. all just love what I grow Laughing

**AtlantaMarie** 5/31/2015, 8:25 am

Marc Iverson wrote:I've given extra greens and such that I've grown to the neighbor for her chickens. Also kitchen scraps. The only animals we have though are dogs, and there's nothing to grow for them.

Our Nicky would eat raw zukes all day long... LOVED them! (As long as I was feeding them to him.)

Our dogs liked pretty much everything except bananas. Corn cobs were a big treat too! Especially if they were cooked & had some butter on them along w/ bits of corn.

I plant for the bees & other pollinators.

Razed Bed 5/31/2015, 11:11 am

I would tend to rephrase this question thusly:

"Do any of your critters allow you to harvest your vegetables?"

For years, the raccoons, squirrels, chipmunks, birds, and rabbits received the majority of the harvest and only tithed 10% to us.

Even with multiple forms of pest deterrents, the critters found a way to get to it. With feral cats, snakes, coyotes, foxes, bobcats, and owls congregating in the area, the rodent population is finally declining, and the rabbits are not as brave as they used to be, only coming into the yard at dusk and just before dawn and not hopping into the gardens.

I was loopy to believe that by placing alternative free morsels to the animals on the other side of the house, it would keep them from eating the garden. They ate the free offerings and then moved to the other side of the house to gorge themselves on the crops.

mollyhespra 5/31/2015, 12:55 pm

One of my three cats has chronic constipation. My vet suggested giving him pumpkin. I tried, and of all three cats, he hates the pumpkin. The other two love it. If he could tolerate it, I probably would grow some just for him. I love you

momvet 5/31/2015, 6:17 pm

mollyhespra wrote:One of my three cats has chronic constipation. My vet suggested giving him pumpkin. I tried, and of all three cats, he hates the pumpkin. The other two love it. If he could tolerate it, I probably would grow some just for him.

Sorry, guys - maybe critters was the wrong word. We have been feeding rats for years (although our peanut butter-laced traps have helped us harvest some of our tomatoes!). Anyway, about the pumpkin - sorry if this is a stupid question, but have you pureed it and mixed it with a smelly (fish, etc) canned food? The reason I ask is because I too recommend it to my clients (well, their pets) and since it is pretty bland, never has anyone said they won't eat it. I know .. cats can be very finicky Razz

Oh - and a lot of dogs love carrots, green beans, and yes - sweet potatoes. One of my techs has a pit who loves sweet peppers. Go figure (just remember - no garlic or onions).

FeedMeSeeMore 5/31/2015, 9:15 pm

Yes. My dog. She loves cucumbers. With her patrolling the garden area, nothing else gets chance. She gets cucumbers in return and it's a good working relationship.
Now if I could just get her to keep her spoiled "pet cat" out of the beds Smile

Her attempts to keep him out are pretty wimpy.
Love your turtle. Lucky little guy.

Judy McConnell 6/1/2015, 2:06 pm

Yes, I plant parsley plants, wherever there is space, for black swallowtail butterfly larvae.
This morning when checking things, there was a 1" long larva, just munching away.
Color me VERY happy!

http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/bfly/bfly2/eastern_black_swallowtail.htm

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