Allotment Gardening Advice Help Chat
Poultry and Pets => The Hen House => Topic started by: Vickie & Richard on September 14, 2008, 11:52
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Just went for a walk to get my girls some blackberries, also got them some Elderberries (which they went mad for), was looking at all the other lovely looking berries, Rosehip, thorn berries, red berries. Have any of you picked the other berries for your girls? Or should i just keep to stuff i know you can eat yourself?? :? :? :?
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There was mention a while ago that elderberries are poisonous to chooks.
I have no evidence, but I'm sure it was said. We have a long hedge full of them so if they can eat them, I'll get picking !
Rob 8)
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I must have been mistaken V&R.
Just did a google search and all references point to them being good for them :roll:
If that's the case, we have a trailerload of free treats packed with vitamins. Little at a time of course. But they could be frozen for winter treats.
Rob 8)
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Found the link....
http://www.poultryhelp.com/toxic2.html
It might just be the plant itself. I'm confused now. :?
Rob 8)
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It doesn't kill starlings who eat them by the ton and it doesn't kill us wine makers who drink them by the gallon. Elderberries certainly would add some glorious technicolour to Aunties Poo collection though. :lol:
I see no problems to feeding a reasonable amount as a treat to your chickens. As for the rest of the plant being poisonous, I can't see any chicken being remotely interested in anyother part of the tree.
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:lol:
I did wonder what the poo would be like. :)
There's so many plants that are poisonous to one species or sub-species and not another that I like to be sure.
I'll get a couple of bunches ready to hang up. Should distract them from digging for a while.
Thank you Bodger :)
Rob 8)
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Our girls go mad for this!
(http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a12/mummyhen/chookies009.jpg)
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As a rule of thumb, are all the common berries that birds eat safe for chooks ?
We have elder, hawthorn, rowan,etc.
Rob 8)
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I did have a panic there when you said elderberries aren't good for them, as my girls have eaten about 3 bunches this morning!! Soon find out i guess. I saw loads of those red berries this morning, i will get them some later in the week.
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When elderberries ripen, you have to pick the berries quick for your wine before the wild birds eat them, so I'd just watch what the wild birds eat and say they should be okay for the chooks, after all a wild bird doesn't often eat something that's going to kill it.
But like everything, just a little now and then for a treat, or they'll get tummy ache or worse!!! :D
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I hung a small bunch above one of the run perches and it kept them busy for half an hour plucking them off and droppign them again :lol:
Most of them have been eaten bare but we have a few bunches still hanging. I'm plannign to cut them and freeze for future use. :)
Rob 8)
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Might have to go looking for some on the way home from work, could take the scenic route home. Got to be an advantage to working an hour away ing the countryside!
Any suggestions for some good picking sites between Crewe and Liverpool or are these closely guarded secrets? :lol: