Acorns... really?

[chickenmansc]

My girls eat acorns. I was peeling a acorn one day and the girls went crazy for them. Does anybody know if the acorns will hurt my girls?

 

[WYNot]

Honestly not sure for chickens. But, many varieties are edible for humans. They are generally on the bitter side because of the tannins and must be rinsed multiple times in clean water to remove them. They can then be dried and ground to use as a flour.

 

[centrarchid]

They will stop eating them if they feel bad. Mine will also consume some of the smaller types of acorns with shell on like a turkey does. With adequate grit that is no problem. The toxins from the tannins can neutralized by consuming dirt or some salts.

 

[Bear Foot Farm]

Turkeys and Ducks eat them all the time.
Some variaties have more Tannic Acid than others, and Ducks prefer tehm after they've soaked in water several days