Citrus for treats?

[Madcap621]

I remembered that citrus was listed at the end of the treats list as something NOT to feed my chickens, but didn't remember why. When I went looking, no reason was given. A review of the toxic plants chart for grapefruit, lemons, limes and oranges was negative. Does anyone know WHY chickens shouldn't be fed citrus??

Anxiously awaiting your replys!

 

[catfish/okie]

I offered mine some orange one time but they didnt seem to like it.They love grapes though. If their not supposed to have citris then I would guess to much acid.

 

[Dar]

i dont know how true this is but... i have heard that the citrus lowers the egg production

i have my chickens go through the compost and eat everything including citrus.. and have not noticed any difference but they dont get it on a regular basis

 

[emvickrey]

I don't know why either but I don't give them any because of it. They do love tomatos so I"m not sure if it's the acid reason.

 

[mdbokc]

Another thread discussed this at length. The final thoughts seemed to be that they can handle it but typically don't like a sour type citrus. (grapefruit). And typically don't get a lot of citrus. But people with citrus orchards indicated the chickens love it in there. Grapes are not citrus but a fruit. Citrus has sections within the fruit.

 

[CheerfulHeart2]

I have citrus trees in my yard. Sometimes fruit falls to the ground. The chickens do not seem interested in grapefruit or navel oranges. (Though mine seem to only really love grass, wheat sprouts, melons and layer feed.)

 

[fancbrd4me02]

Mine love citrus, but I quarter it for them. Also, the fruit they are getting are very very ripe, low acid oranges. I think underipe ones would not be as popular with them.

 

[Wildsky]

I throw out the odd orange - just the other day a little one that was bruised on one side.
They don't run like rabid beasts to eat it, but they eventually do, one peck here and there - even my ducks have a go!

 

[KatyTheChickenLady]

mine won't even look at it. they don't even really like leftover pasta if it has lemon in the sauce.

 

[CheerfulHeart2]

I was beginning to wonder if I just need to peel the oranges for them....the lemon sauce story tells me that it could just be that citrus holds no interest. Thank you.