gracefruit Posted June 13, 2008 Share Posted June 13, 2008 I've staked out a place for the Eglu and run, and was wondering if there were any known problems with chickens and elderberry trees. I'd like to use my elderberry tree to give part of the run some shade. I've done a search, and didn't see anything too alarming. Has anyone had a chicken eat elderberries? Any ill effects? Thanks for your help! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
welsh sarah Posted June 13, 2008 Share Posted June 13, 2008 elderbarries are not poisionous so i would guess they would be ok for chickens. if they eat the berries you might have some funny coloured eggs though!! sarah Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Frugal Posted June 13, 2008 Share Posted June 13, 2008 Wild birds eat elderberries all the time - clothes on my washing line in autumn bear testament to this . They are edible - I make jellies of them as well so they won't harm your hens. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gracefruit Posted June 13, 2008 Author Share Posted June 13, 2008 Thanks so much! This is good news. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lailapet Posted June 13, 2008 Share Posted June 13, 2008 You could pick the flower heads off the tree and make Elderflower cordial or champagne in springtime. That would reduce the amount of berries a bit. My mum used to juice the berries - quite a strange bland not very nice taste on their own, but mixed with a bit of sugar and lemon juice and hot water it was the best thing I knew to soothe my colds when I was young. We sometimes had hot soup made from elderberries with diced apple and sweet croutons as a pudding in winter too. I must try to make some this year. It makes an awful mess if you spill it, but as kids we loved our mouths turning blue! Good idea letting the tree be of some use, too many people treat elders as weeds and get rid of them just because they appear on their own and are not bought at a garden centre. I expect the chickens will enjoy some berries when they ripen. Laila Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stoobie Posted June 13, 2008 Share Posted June 13, 2008 Expect some purple poo if you let your chickens eat the berries. We used to have an elderberry tree and my car used to get covered in purple bird poo! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daisymay Posted June 13, 2008 Share Posted June 13, 2008 I'm so glad you posted this. i've got my chickens by my elderberry tree and had been told it was poisonous to chickens. i'd pulled down a load of branches already and my husband was going to cut down the rest of the tree. really glad we can keep it as i want to do a river cottage recipe with the flowers! thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stevie Posted June 13, 2008 Share Posted June 13, 2008 I've got six of them in my garden and wild birds love eating the berries come autumn. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
foreveryoung Posted June 14, 2008 Share Posted June 14, 2008 i have a elderberry tree (its huge) my girls are fine............... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AnnieR Posted June 14, 2008 Share Posted June 14, 2008 I love elderflowers, and berries.... make great wine, hic! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sam42 Posted June 14, 2008 Share Posted June 14, 2008 Apparently, chickens love elderberries, Haven't tried them with mine yet. Also elders used to be planted near to where chickens were kept as they are very effective against viruses. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
symond steve Posted July 1, 2008 Share Posted July 1, 2008 i agree with u sam you are genius:) http://allnutri.com/elderberry.aspx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AJuff Posted July 1, 2008 Share Posted July 1, 2008 My hens live under an elderberry tree and they love eating any flowers that blow their way! As for berries they are eaten by the wild birds before any get to drop down to them! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
