Established citrus tree in chicken run...

[Panhandler80]

I know that feeding chickens citrus is a no-no. What about a citrus tree in the run with them. I have an established citrus tree in the run that I'm building. I'm not worried if the chickens kill it. I am, however, worried about the tree hurting / killing them. Should I take it out, or can it stay? If it stays (and lives) do I need to remove fallen fruit from the ground?

 

[Serin]

Citrus is not toxic to chickens but merely isnt good in huge quantities as it is acidic. Your tree will cause no harm, but I would rake up fallen fruit.

 

[Folly's place]

Also be able to cover your run, so it needs to be short enough for that.
Mary

 

[casportpony]

Mine have access to an orange bush and are okay.

 

[Peppercorngal]

I have a citrus bush in my run and the chickens pay no attention to it at all. They don't peck it and it gives so little in the way of fruit, I just pick it off. I think you will have no issues at all!

 

[Panhandler80]

Also be able to cover your run, so it needs to be short enough for that.
Mary

Run will have a roof. I already chopped the tree down (early spring) into basically a bush.

 

[Panhandler80]

Thanks all. I'll leave it be. If they kill it, it'll wind up being a nice little natural perch!