Is there a problem with grape seeds?

[HenalayLady]

I have a couple of grape vines putting out a lot of grapes, soon to be ripening. Not sure if they are seedless or not. The girls love the leaves when I hang them in the run. Will I be able to give them grape clusters too? Thanks for any replies.

 

[janinepeters]

No problem with grape seeds - they absolutely love grapes, even those with seeds. However, they might not eat them whole. At least mine never have. When I am tired of making jelly, the hens gather under our grape arbor while I squeeze the pulp out the skins one by one for them. They love that squishy pulp, but don't touch the whole grape.

In winter, store bought grapes are never wasted over here. We chop them out, throw them out to the chickens, and watch the feeding frenzy.

I've given them many different treats, and grapes, seeded or seedless, are one of their favorites.

 

[franklinchickens]

Grapes are my hens absolute favorite treats - though I cut them in half before giving them out. Mine will eat them whole if I let them but I read somewhere on BYC that they have a hard time digesting through the grape skin so I always cut them.

 

[Mattemma]

My chickens were eating them as they grew.I had to fence it off. I noticed Jack the roo hopping by the grapes,and sure enough he was grabbing them for his harem.Protect them if you want some for yourself.

 

[HenalayLady]

Thank you all for your responses. I saw a website that listed Safe Chicken Treats. On that list they specified giving only seedless grapes with no explanation. I just couldn't believe the grape seeds could be dangerous in some way. My girls are in for some great treats---thanks.

 

[Wildflower_VA]

Grape seeds are very nutritious. Grape seed extract is very expensive. I don't pay much attention to those "safe treats for chickens" lists.

 

[KDK1]

Grape seed oil is one of the most expensive oils on the market... perfectly harmless!

 

[flowergirl60]

My girls get grapes almost every afternoon. I freeze them and when I'm ready to feed them I cut up the frozen grapes in small pieces and give them to the girls. It's good for them on a HOT 103 temp day. Wich has been everyday for a month now.

 

[plantoneonme]

Glad I found this post. I was just going to ask if the leaves are ok to feed the girls. My vines went crazy and I am always looking for something else to feed the big piggies. I guess I spoiled them too much as they squawk for treats every time I go outside or they hear the door open for the dogs to go out. Since I am keeping them "illegally" in my yard I really don't want them carrying on all the time. My garden has never been weeded this well in the past 30 years

The broccoli, kholrabi, cabbage etc have given up as many leaves as I think they can spare. The bolted lettuce is nearly gone. The grass doesn't need another mowing...you get how much they squawk

And quite frankly, I need to eat too before they get anything edible to a human.