mollyripkim Posted October 10, 2010 Share Posted October 10, 2010 Hi everyone, I am sure you will think I am mad as all the wild birds eat the red Rowan berries. My neighbours tree hangs over and my five silke girls have discovered the berries and one had red in her poo after eating them. Rowan berries are not listed on the poisonous list but does anyone have any advice? I have only had my girls since July and would hate anything to happen to them, they free range in the day but I suppose I could try and fence off the area under the tree. Do any of your chicks eat them with no I'll effect? Thankyou ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tara.F Posted October 10, 2010 Share Posted October 10, 2010 Hi, I doubt it poison for chooks as rowan berry jam is very good for people! Also, I find that my girls know better than I what they can and can't eat....they instinctively stay away from bad stuff so relax, I'm sure they'll be just fine! Tara xxx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mollyripkim Posted October 10, 2010 Author Share Posted October 10, 2010 Hi, thank you so much, I sort of thought that but nice to get some reassurance! They had some sweetcorn on the cob tonight which they love. Best wishes. Kim xx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted October 10, 2010 Share Posted October 10, 2010 My girls have a rowan in their free range area - I'd never given it a moment's thought . They're all still alive and kicking . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jools Posted October 11, 2010 Share Posted October 11, 2010 Same here ANH - they go mad for them when they first start falling! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CallyChook Posted October 11, 2010 Share Posted October 11, 2010 Raw rowan /mountain are definitely poisonous to people but not so when cooked. They contain parasorbic acid when raw but cooking changes it to sorbic acid (found in all sorts of stuff and tastes great!) Why this stuff isn't poisonous to birds I have no idea, but it isn't, so those silkies can enjoy them and not worry about a)cancer or b)renal failure - which is what happens to us people if we eat lots of raw berries!! parasorbic acid is degraded to sorbic acid easily apparently, even freeing can reduce the quantities. Why I remember this stuff from uni I have no idea, when I can't remember to take baking out of the oven in time or what I had to supper last night... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted October 11, 2010 Share Posted October 11, 2010 It's to do with their digestive systems Cally - that's why chooks and other birds can eat yew berries without any harm Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mollyripkim Posted October 11, 2010 Author Share Posted October 11, 2010 Thanks for all your great replies. Girls been earring them for several days now and all ok! Best wishes Kim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
