Do Goats Eat Holly Bushes?

Holly Bushes

• Holly (Ilex spp.) includes a large variety of evergreen and deciduous trees and shrubs. The United States Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones vary by species; however, the popular landscape species, American holly (Ilex opaca), is hardy in zones 5b through 9. Plants produce glossy, green prickly foliage and bright red berries. For female plant to produce the colorful berries, you must plant a male compatible male plant nearby. Holly can grow from 6 to 40 feet tall, depending on variety and evergreen holly is often sheared to form a formal hedge. Holly berries attract birds.

Grazing Goats

• Goats are less likely to graze on your plants if they are fed a well-balanced diet that fits their nutritional needs. Goats possess an innate trait that helps them remember if a plant was good to eat or not; however, goats that are not fed a nutrient-rich diet are more tempted to munch on plants that they wouldn't otherwise.

Toxic Berries and Spiny Leaves

• The poisonous berries of holly can cause vomiting, stupor and diarrhea in animals, including goats, when eaten in large quantities. While the leaves are not poisonous for goats, the leaf spines can cause punctures and tears inside the mouth and intestinal tract that requires veterinarian care.

Emergencies

• If you suspect your goat has eaten holly or any other harmful plant, call a veterinarian immediately and describe the goat's symptoms. The vet can advise you on what steps you need to take to save your goat. Even if the goat has eaten only the holly leaves and has no signs of mouth wounds, still call the veterinarian to ensure that the sharp spines are not causing internal damage.