Eating leaves?

[06492Chicks]

My 7.5 week old pullets (not free ranging yet) seem obsessed with the Japanese maple leaves falling around around their run - they try to grab them through the hardware cloth, and they eat the ones that come in the door as we go in and out, often stuffing them down whole like they are in a hot dog eating contest. They have plenty of access to grit. My first question - are maple leaves safe? My second question - does their excitement over leaves mean their diet is somehow lacking? Right now they are still on medicated chick crumble along with some treats every day (including cracked corn, oats, dried mealworms, fruit and veggie scraps). Thanks for any tips!

 

[Red-Stars-in-RI]

We lost a big maple branch in a recent storm and my flock nibbles leaves right off it. No Ill affects.

Sounds like may be time to work some greens into that snack mix.

 

[chickenlittle21]

It sounds like they just love they taste of maple leaves

 

[WallyBirdie]

My 7.5 week old pullets (not free ranging yet) seem obsessed with the Japanese maple leaves falling around around their run - they try to grab them through the hardware cloth, and they eat the ones that come in the door as we go in and out, often stuffing them down whole like they are in a hot dog eating contest. They have plenty of access to grit. My first question - are maple leaves safe? My second question - does their excitement over leaves mean their diet is somehow lacking? Right now they are still on medicated chick crumble along with some treats every day (including cracked corn, oats, dried mealworms, fruit and veggie scraps). Thanks for any tips!

They might just like it- and/or it might seem fun/new!
Chickens spend a great deal of time scratching and pecking and eating- to them, this is stimulating.
So, your chickens got into some new leaves... and they love it! I'm pretty sure it's okay for them to have Maple leaves. If you have any lawn or garden clippings you can offer those too!

 

[06492Chicks]

Awesome - thanks, y'all!

 

[rosemarythyme]

Maple leaves should be fine. Mine love willow leaves, had them growing right into the run until recently and the birds would hop up and down and rip off leaves.