Helicopters Whirlygigs Maple Trees?

[tdgill]

Will chickens eat those whirlygig seed things that fall from my maple trees? is it safe? can i feed them some of the greener younger ones?

 

[Snakeoil]

I've never seen a chicken or anything else it any.....

 

[Pampered Hen]

I have seen my chicks eat the samaras (that the name for the maple seeds). My birds were young then and went after everything. They were not super keen on the seeds, but I'm pretty sure the seeds are fine for chicken consumption.

 

[GardeNerd]

The botanical (first part) name for maples is "acer," but they all have a second part to their name depending on variety. There are lots of poisonous plants lists on line. Here are two links

on Red Maples:
http://cal.vet.upenn.edu/projects/poison/plants/ppredma.htm

UCDavis' list of poisonous plants:
http://www.plantsciences.ucdavis.edu/ce/king/poisplant/tox-SCI.htm
(this one is my favorite because it doesn't just say toxic, but tells you if it is topical or if ingested. It also lists common names and botanical.)
Maples are on there and it is listed as causing Dermatitis: The juice, sap, or thorns of these plants may cause a skin rash or irritation. Wash the affected area of skin with soap and water as soon as possible after contact. The rashes may be very serious and painful. Call the Poison Control Center or your doctor if symptoms appear following contact with the plants.

I have not seen my chickens trying to eat my Japanese maples or their seed pods.

 

[crzychicken]

OMG I have alot of the plants listed my chickens are free range a don't seem to touch them, Maybe they know what not to eat

 

[gritsar]

Quote:
I have tons of plants on those lists. My chickens don't touch them.

 

[Matt A NC]

Quote:
I have my chicken lots under large maples. My chickens eat the falling seeds every year, but only the fresh greener ones. Never hurt any of them.

Matt

 

[tdgill]

not sure what variety these maples are...got at least 2 different varieties

thanks for info and ops

 

[gritsar]

P.S. Where I'm from the seed pods of maples are called whirlygigs too.

 

[Wifezilla]

The local squirrels eat the ones from our trees.