Can chickens eat Loquats? Sorry I got the two mixed up on original sub

[crosbygroup]

I was thinking of planting a kumquat tree in the chicken yard. Is it ok for the chickens to eat extra fruit that drops?

Make that Loquat. Can chickens eat loquats?

 

[Aapomp831]

I'll add a couple questions...
Should I be concerned about the sugar content in the loquats?
Should I be concerned about the over-ripe fallen fruit?

In wouldn’t worry at all. We have an apple tree in our run and the fruit falls and rots all the time. They pick at the fruit, but I’ve never noticed them eating it in excess.

 

[PastyButtsMom]

I must have missed that rule. I'll be sure to start a new thread on the same topic going forward. And I'll avoid asking google as it will most likely point me to a thread here.

Actually, I appreciate the updated threads because, like you, I think many of us find these threads from asking google as the search method on this site isn't the clearest, IMO. So, in my case, it was helpful that you posted here. Sorry I can't answer your questions but I will say that I have a loquat tree and have heard that the seeds and leaves are toxic to all animals!

 

[Ohhhdear]

From what I've read and experienced with my chickens, they don't like any citrus fruit. Maybe the question should be "will chickens eat kumquats?" instead of "can chickens eat kumquats".
Mine are pretty good at deciding what's not good for them to eat. For instance, I have a slew of mushrooms sprouting up on old stumps and in "fairy rings" in my backyard where they free range. I've read chickens love mushrooms, but not these. They won't touch them.

 

[catdaddy66]

I agree with Ohhhdear...citrus may interfere w/ egg production but should not affect general health of chickens, from what I have read. Chickens may know what to eat or not eat, but you can't always count on them making the best decisions, nutrition wise. For example, if given the choice between appropriate feed that is balanced nutritionally or cracked corn/treats of marginal value they will pick the"goodies" most of the time! Kinda like kids, I think.

 

[crosbygroup]

Ok, now I need to go back and change the post title. I meant can chickens eat loquats?

 

[Hollywood Chickens]

I have 2 kumquat trees in the run, the chickens don't touch the fruit even if it falls, but they do provide shade and my sister loves them!

 

[crosbygroup]

I messed this post up at the start because I got kumquats mixed up with loquats.

I know that kumquats are citrus and that chickens are not supposed to like or eat citrus.

The real question I meant to ask was about loquats. Can chickens eat loquats and do they like them?

 

[ThePamperedPullet]

We have a few Loquat trees on our property. When we trim the trees, all the braches go into the main run for them to pick over. Our birds just love the Loquats if they are ripe. Ours will also eat grapefruit and they love oranges but they do not care for lemons.

 

[crosbygroup]

Quote:
Thanks - I'll start looking for a loquat tree to plant in the chicken yard. I'm thinking of adding a fruiting mulberry too.