Bradford Pear Tree Blossoms Okay to Eat?

[lularat]

Our Bradford Pear tree is in full bloom and the white petals are now falling. When they fall in the run, the chickens are eating them. They haven't eaten too many, but quickly snatch them up when they see them. The little bit they have eaten hasn't seemed to bother them...so I was wondering if it would be okay to gather some up and feed them. Want to make sure they won't make them sick. These are the just the oramental flowering Bradford Pears and don't produce fruit.

 

[Shortstuff112]

I have those trees too and my hens also love to eat the petals. Doesn't seem to bother my hens either; and I haven't heard of Bradford Pear trees ever being harmful. But why would you gather them? Why not just let your chickens eat them when they please?