Potency of problem plants

We have a creeping myrtle, poison ivy and english ivy problem and having some goats and sheep will help. I know that when animals ppop, they have seeds and plant matter all in a nice "package" and ready to reseed. Are we going to further our headaches by letting them eat the plants? We want to get rid of these plants entirely at some point, not propagate them, especially since part of our rotation of pasture will include a location that is free of these problem plants.

I am EXTREMELY allergic to poison ivy, and even touching my animals will likely cause a reaction that will require several shots. How do i manage to take care of my animals without getting exposed? (gosh just thinking about it makes me itch)

Thanks for your advice

BaBaaHMonica said:

I am EXTREMELY allergic to poison ivy, and even touching my animals will likely cause a reaction that will require several shots. How do i manage to take care of my animals without getting exposed?

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I have no earthly.

That could turn serious quick.

Maybe you need to pay someone to remove all poison ivy first.... then let the goats in.

If you do it that way, if anything tries to sprout, the goats will hopefully eat it right up. And... the sprouts will hopefully be small enough that they will not rub all over the goats... and then you.

Sprouts don't have seeds.... so no reseeding.

Your goats can eat all the poison ivy they want but wear long sleeves and gloves when you pet them afterwards because you will get the noxious oil on you from where they rubbed against the plants.
I don’t know if goats can eat the creeping myrtle or regular ivy, as it might be toxic. Poison ivy is not toxic. In regard to seeds....no seeds are viable after passing through a goats digestive system. First of all, their chewing action isn’t up and down, but more sideways, so the seeds get torn apart. Then the seeds go to the rumen and get coughed up in the cud and chewed again. (Think of a Ninja blender). Then the seeds go through 3 more stomachs! This is why goats are used to clear brush. I dare you to break open a goat berry and find a seed of ANY kind! 😁

Here! Watch this! Excellent!

Omg that was amazing! I can not believe i just watched a half hour show on weeds, but it was fascinating! Can't wait to go pick out a goat or 2, or 3 🐐

I think if they have enough hay and turn them loose, i think they will be okay. There is enough brush that is not harmful out there for them to eat till we get things figured out.

I’m so glad you found that as informative as I do! I literally watched that twice the first time I found it and everyone I’ve shared it with has found it to be valuable knowledge! 😁

English Ivy is toxic to goats and other livestock.

How big of an area is this? Your best bet may be to poison it all and start over. Then you can spot spray as it comes back. I hate poison and don't use it, but you are between a rock and a hard place. I'm also allergic to poison ivy, Virginia Creeper, poison oak or whatever you want to call it. So I feel for you, but I don't have to go get shots for second hand exposure. You need that stuff DEAD.

Agricultural vinegar might work. It is 30% acid and will burn your skin if you get it on you, I would recommend heavy, industrial type rubber gloves, goggles, long sleeves, blue jeans and be careful with the stuff.

It will not kill the roots, but repeated applications will eventually kill off the weeds.