Evidently, all straw is not equal - I had no idea about oat straw until today.
My big worry about Henry eating all that straw was that he’d block himself up & colic. Fortunately, that didn’t happen.
Addendum to this straw discussion. (You may already know this!)
A bale or two of Barley Straw added to your pond will assist in algae control and help keep it clear.
Barley-straw-to-clear-up-pond-water
snip...."So, how does it work? As barley straw decomposes in your pond, it releases natural chemicals called lignins and tannins. These compounds inhibit the growth of new algae cells, effectively nipping the problem in the bud. It's important to note that barley straw doesn't actually kill existing algae. Instead, it prevents new algae from forming, allowing the current algae to naturally die off over time."
"One of the biggest advantages of using barley straw is that it's completely safe for fish, plants, and other pond wildlife. Unlike harsh chemical treatments, barley straw won't harm your pond's delicate ecosystem. It's an all-natural, eco-friendly solution that's easy to implement and maintain." ...snip