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What Plants Are Poisonous to Pigs in the UK? (Practical Guide for Smallholders)
Why Plant Poisoning Happens in Pigs
Pigs are natural foragers and love rooting for tasty treats, but even the most careful herd can accidentally ingest something harmful—especially when grazing new land or rooting through undergrowth. While pigs usually avoid toxic plants if given a choice, curiosity or lack of other food can sometimes lead to trouble.
Most Common Poisonous Plants for Pigs in the UK
Bracken
Bracken is the most frequently reported cause of plant poisoning in pigs. Both the young ‘fiddleheads’ and the tough roots are dangerous. Ingesting bracken breaks down vitamin B1 (thiamine), leading to deficiency and potentially fatal nervous system issues.
Symptoms: Loss of appetite, lethargy, breathing problems, poor co-ordination, fluid in the lungs, sudden heart failure.
Symptoms: Loss of appetite, lethargy, breathing problems, poor co-ordination, fluid in the lungs, sudden heart failure.
Hemlock
All parts are toxic—roots, stems, leaves, and seeds. Hemlock poisoning causes muscle weakness, trembling, drooling, erratic behaviour, and can be fatal.
Symptoms: Nervousness, muscle tremors, drooling, paralysis, difficulty breathing.
Symptoms: Nervousness, muscle tremors, drooling, paralysis, difficulty breathing.
Ragwort
Ragwort is toxic to all livestock, including pigs. It’s bitter, so pigs may avoid it unless it’s dried or mixed into hay or bedding.
Symptoms: Liver damage, loss of appetite, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, jaundice.
Symptoms: Liver damage, loss of appetite, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, jaundice.
Other Dangerous Plants
Laburnum, yew, deadly nightshade, foxglove, ivy, thorn apple, jimson weed, and similar garden or hedgerow plants are all highly toxic if consumed.
Symptoms: Range from vomiting, seizures, heart problems, to sudden death.
Symptoms: Range from vomiting, seizures, heart problems, to sudden death.
How to Prevent Pig Poisoning on Your Smallholding
- Check new paddocks carefully before turning pigs out. Remove or fence off any bracken, ragwort, hemlock, or other suspicious plants.
- Never use dried bracken or ragwort as bedding or feed.
- Avoid feeding garden prunings or compost that could include toxic plants.
- Keep feed off the ground and use purpose-made bins to avoid contamination.
For safe, efficient ragwort removal, try our specialist ragwort forks — designed for smallholders.
What To Do If You Suspect Poisoning
If you notice sudden changes in appetite, breathing, behaviour, or see symptoms like tremors or jaundice, contact your vet immediately. Remove pigs from the suspected area and keep a sample of the plant for identification.
FAQs
Can pigs eat grass clippings or garden waste?
It’s safest not to feed pigs any garden waste, as it may contain toxic plants like ragwort, hemlock, or yew.
Are pigs safe to graze on overgrown land?
Only after a thorough check for poisonous plants. When in doubt, clear the area or use temporary fencing.
How can I keep pigs from eating harmful plants?
Good paddock management, regular checks, and providing plenty of safe pig feed helps prevent foraging on dangerous weeds.