What tree's are good for chickens?

[cluckmecoop7]

Hi all,

I have a chicken run that is getting pretty old and boring for my chickens. I want to add tree branches, perches, stumps, etc. to make it fun for them. Right now, the young oak tree branches seem perfect, but I read that they are poisonous to chickens. Can somebody please tell me some chicken safe tree branches I can put in their run?? Or any other ideas to make it fun for them would be awesome, too!

Thank you is advance!

Cluckmecoop7

 

[Eggscaping]

Hi all,

I have a chicken run that is getting pretty old and boring for my chickens. I want to add tree branches, perches, stumps, etc. to make it fun for them. Right now, the young oak tree branches seem perfect, but I read that they are poisonous to chickens. Can somebody please tell me some chicken safe tree branches I can put in their run?? Or any other ideas to make it fun for them would be awesome, too!

Thank you is advance!

Cluckmecoop7

You might read this article: http://www.mdvaden.com/bird_page.shtml
If parrots and other birds can eat/chew on these types, I would imagine (I'm no expert though) that a chicken would be ok with it.

 

[TooCheep]

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[Folly's place]

Maple, ash, apple, pear, almost anything really. I'd avoid black walnut, definitely Japanese yew, rhodedendrons and azalias. Oak branches are okay, but others might be better.
Mary

 

[cluckmecoop7]

Maple, ash, apple, pear, almost anything really. I'd avoid black walnut, definitely Japanese yew, rhodedendrons and azalias. Oak branches are okay, but others might be better.
Mary

Ok, thanks!

But I thought oak and maple were bad.?.?

 

[cluckmecoop7]

You might read this article: http://www.mdvaden.com/bird_page.shtml
If parrots and other birds can eat/chew on these types, I would imagine (I'm no expert though) that a chicken would be ok with it.

Thank you so much!

 

[Folly's place]

The problem with red maple has to do with horses eating wilted red maple leaves, toxic to them. Nothing to do with maple wood, or leaves otherwise.
Mary

 

[Ebony Rose]

Mine are perfectly happy with their mango tree, both for the sturdy, shade providing branches to perch on or rest under, but also for the seasonal fruit that they provide. Sadly, you don't live in the right climate for them. Can you think of other fruit bearing trees that would coexist with your flock that would enjoy your colder climate? Apples maybe?

 

[rosemarythyme]

Mine are probably pine or maybe fir? Chickens won't eat or chew on perches though like parrots would, so the link earlier isn't quite as applicable when it comes to chickens.

I also have a weeping willow that provides shade for the run and the chickens enjoy eating the young leaves. In the fall the dried leaves and small branches get mixed in with my litter.