Planting Fruit Tree for Chickens

[Ellie]

I am going to put in a clover/seed mix in a big field that is full of weeds this fall. I would like to plant a few trees for the chickens to have shade in that area.

I thought a fruit tree that drops fruit that they like would be good. I seldom go out there, so messy fruit is no big deal.

Any suggestions, warnings, thoughts?

Thanks much,
Ellie

 

[KellyGwen]

My neighbors have a few old peach trees that have been dropping peaches EVERYWHERE! I go over with a bucket and collect all the "ground fruit" to give to my chickens... They LOVE it!!! My birds have an old apple tree in their run that I just "rehabbed" (it was left alone for over 20 years and was insanely huge and not bearing well) we'll see how that goes next year! I have noticed that the girls don't really peck at fallen apples though, they seem to be to hard... But the peaches are nice and smooshy! YUM!!

 

[ChickyPooh]

Idk if their are any trees with seeds poisonous to chickens but you might want to check that out.

 

[Ellie]

Peach sounds nice, and I was thinking about a cherry plum tree. The grandkids could pick and eat (because they are smaller fruits) and maybe the chickens will like them.

I love hearing the ideas and experience y'all have.

Ellie