Apple trees- branches

[KatnipCrzy]

I must me too much of a city girl now to be asking this question.  This weekend we are going up North to visit my Mom- and I asked her if we can go to my Grandmothers farm and cut some apple branches.  They have a small orchard of apple, pear, apricot- and quite a few apple trees on different parts of the property.  (Last time my Mom convinced me and hubby to pick apples with her- we found bear poo- and that was it for me!!).

But since the apples are not out yet- there should be no bears attracted to the trees.  Some of these are old, old trees.  For example- one planted by an old schoolhouse- when they had 1 roomed schoolhouses with pumps. 

What am I looking to cut off the tree?  just branches?  how thick?  Do I need to let them dry before giving them to Cotton?  Just air dry?  I was going to take some old pillowcases to put the branches in to bring them home.

What about willow trees?  Can they have dried branches?

I know that are not treated with anything- because since my Grandfather died my Grandmother has been living with my Mom and my Mom takes care of the farm- and she has not treated.  I know that fruits with “pits” can be bad- but I thought I read they were OK when dried- but I am such a chicken I though I would stick to just apple branches.

It is weird- 20 years ago I used to run around the farm like it was no big deal.  But since living in the city and buying a house that has 2 small trees that we planted- I lost a lot of enjoyment for the farm.  Maybe it is becuase it is not the same as my childhood memories- the pastures, creek and barn are now overgrown.  It is quite a hike to get to where the raspberry plants USED to be.  The beech nut tree is so huge that the branches are not within my reach.  I think part of me just wants to remember the farm the way it used to be when I was a kid and had so much fun there.

Our Australian Shepherds ought to be in heaven- we are taking them up North (North East Michigan) with us- so they can run the fields and have a blast.  They are velcro dogs so they come when called.

[Toki+Pumpkin+Elmo]

I cut my apple tree regularly to give to my buns. I just usually cut off the branches at the tip. You do not need to dry them; dry or not doesnt matter. I just cut a bunch at once and give them small amount at a time.

I’m not sure about the willow trees.

[Scarlet_Rose]

Ooo how fun to go visit the old family farm! Yes trees that bear fruits with a pit must be fully dried and I too steer away from them anyway. Any size apple branches are fine, the thicker ones are more for bunnies who have behavior like beavers and gnaw on stuff. The thinner branches are more like treat sticks for your bun. The rabbtis can also have the leaves as well FYI. Like it was already mentioned, apple branches do not have to be dried, they can be fresh or dry, they love them anyway. That is a very neat story about the old apple tree that was planted by a schoolhouse.

As for willow, I do not think that it has to be dried either.

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