Crab apples

Quote:

Originally Posted by lizzyGSR 

My husband and I have a crabapple tree right outside our back door.  The fruit has recently started falling off the tree, and my goose LOVES them.  Are crabapples at all harmful for geese?  I'd hate to take this treat from her because she loves them so much, but I'd really hate to see her get sick because of them.

As long as they aren't sprayed with pesticides I don't think they would hurt her at all, they use geese to clean up orchards. 

Geese are usually smart. They know what's good for themselves. I'd say you're safe with crabapples. Actually, it's an excellent idea. I may just give some to mine.

I purchased a small pink wheeping crabapple tree this year. It had little tiny crabapples on it. We had to put fencing around it because everybody thought we bought them a new toy to play with!  Plus a new food source by eating the leaves off of it. Today I caught them yanking the crap out of the tree taking leaves off to eat. Boy hope that tree starts to grow next year. Because they sure do like to pick on it.

opps spelled weeping wrong in my post.

Windfall apples are fine for geese to eat, and they love them.

Are crabapples like cherries? I tried googling them, but I can't really tell.

Try Googling crabapple recipes. Lots of people make them in to jelly, crabapple butter, jam and more. I had a bush crabapple at another house and we tried making some jam. It was okay and I am still alive. I would feed them to my ducks and geese in a heartbeat. It is true that some varieties are better tasting then some others. The type I had wasn't great but still usable. 

The first thing I ever canned was crabapple jelly...it was delish!  Couldn't find any this year, tho :(  Spiced apples with crabapples are great too, and I've also used them to make and can juice.  Very versatile little things they are :)