For the last few years I have bought Christmas trees with a root ball so that I can plant them outdoors once the festive season is over. Whilst this is great for the tree, it does have a downside from a smallholding point of view, as Christmas trees, fir, pine and spruce are an excellent source of healthy snacks for the goats. I was, therefore, absolutely delighted when the local church agreed to let me have their tree so that the goats didn’t miss out this year!

Christmas trees are rich in vitamins and act as a natural dewormer, making them an ideal healthy forage snack for the goats. It is, however, absolutely vital that the trees are unsprayed (often trees are sprayed to prevent needle drop, and these trees must never be given to the animals) and free from all decorations.

Pine needles are packed with vitamin C and help boost immunity in goats and sheep during the winter. The rough texture of the needles helps to naturally deworm goats, something that is much preferable to using traditional chemical wormers, which can be expensive and, when used too often, ineffective. Providing the goats with different snacks offers enrichment and adds variety to their usual diet, which greatly benefits them by alleviating boredom—a common issue during the winter months when forage options are limited.

There are, however, a few rules that you must follow carefully to ensure the safety of the goats before offering a Christmas tree to them, especially if you are unsure where the tree has come from. Perhaps the tree has been donated by someone who doesn’t quite understand the requirements? Their gesture, though kind, could result in your animals becoming ill if you don’t check things out first.

Sweetpea the goat checking out the tree

Bonnie getting started

Always make sure that every decoration has been removed, including tinsel and any hooks/wires used to fasten decorations to the tree.

Check that the tree hasn’t been sprayed with chemical water additives or pesticides, and if you are in any doubt at all, do not offer it to the animals.

If you have never given a Christmas tree to your herd before, then introduce it slowly. Any sudden change to an animal's diet can be detrimental to their health and cause upset stomachs or diarrhoea.

Try to provide a tree that hasn’t dried out. An old tree that has been left for a long time after the festive season will lose nutrients, so the fresher the tree, the better!

If you keep goats and sheep, ask friends or family if they have a tree they need to get rid of. It saves them taking it to the tip, reduces landfill and keeps the goats and sheep very happy!


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