Osage orange?

[KansasKate]

We are "blessed" to have osage orange, AKA hedge apple, trees throughout our yard. What I would love to hear is that they are 1) nontoxic and 2) beloved by chickens. Any truth to either of these hopes and dreams?

 

[gritsar]

There's an osage orange tree not 20 ft. from one of my coops. The chickens ignore them. If the chickens were penned they might be tempted, but they free range and have many yummy treats to pursue.

 

[KansasKate]

Now, that's not what I wanted to hear.

But I figured as much. We have LOTS of hedge, alas. Ah, well. It was a dream.

 

[Ceilismom]

How about 3) People will buy them in the fall because they are reputed to repel spiders.

So if you can find a place to sell them, maybe you can offset your feed bill that way?

 

[KansasKate]

There is so much hedge in Kansas, I doubt anyone will buy them.....nice idea, though!

 

[HEChicken]

I have never heard the term "Osage Orange" - learn something new everyday. Hedge Apples are, as you say, common around Kansas and I have access to them everywhere. It never occurred to me to try them on the chickens, although based on previous answers I'd be wasting my time if I did. However I do know they are non-toxic as they are considered a treat by many horses who will go out of their way to find and eat them.

 

[mississippifarmboy]

Just an idea, but do you know any tradtional archers? Osage Orange is the best wood you can get for a traditional long bow. The last 7' stave I bought at a pow wow I paid $70.00 for. Just an idea. Of course you'd have to cut the trees, but something to keep in mind. We have almost none here.

 

[nnbreeder]

And don't forget about posts. Those things last forever but they are a pain to drive a staple into.

Got any Honey Locust in the area? Years ago I saw the thorns from them selling on Ebay to use in craft work.

 

[gritsar]

Quote:
Oh my goodness! Come for a visit. I'll let you have several trees, enough bows to last a lifetime.

 

[mississippifarmboy]

Quote:
Oh my goodness! Come for a visit. I'll let you have several trees, enough bows to last a lifetime.

that would be neato! I could make my son his first traditional bow!