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Elderberries are an ancient remedy that were used by the Native Americans and Ancient Greek Hippocrates 400 B.C.E. to help treat both internal and external health issues. But, did you know that elderberries can also be used to benefit your homestead flock of chickens?
Regardless of what the “legacy media” is trying to sell you (another covid psyops), you do not have to destroy hundreds of millions of birds if only one bird is sick. That's like saying, well Rick over in Logan county tested positive for bird flu so we have to NUKE the whole county and kill everyone in it to contain the spread… THAT'S JUST STUPID and the only ones benefiting from it are the people selling the eggs. Record profits! Google it!
Chickens can eat elderberries, however, we are dealing with a toxic plant, so caution should be used. The stems, leaves, roots, and unripe berries of the elderberry plant all contain a compound of cyanide-inducing glycosides which are toxic (causes vomiting). Ripe berries and the flowers of the American/European elderberry plant have been used for thousands of years as a natural holistic remedy. This alone should calm your fears of poisoning your flock. When used correctly, you should not worry about feeding elderberries to your chickens.
I've watched wild birds (mainly cardinals and blue jays) eat the berries right off the bush when they are ripe.
There are now 9 recognized species of elderberry. The American elderberry, European (black) elderberry, red elderberry, and blue elderberry are four of the most common species you may find growing in the United States. The American elderberry is native to North America and can be found growing wild in many states.
The two varieties most commonly associated with health benefits are the American elderberry and the European elderberry. The European elderberry has had the most scientific research done on it, however, it is also one of the varieties that contains the most wide spread toxic compound in its stems, leaves, roots, and seeds.
On the other hand, the American elderberry is thought to have more anthocyanins and polyphenols, which are the source of many of the benefits provided by elderberries.
In regards to elderberries for chickens, just be conscious about where you source your elderberries from and try to find out what variety they are. I use the European berries sourced from Bulgaria. You may want to save a few seeds and try to grow your own plants.
While raw, ripe elderberries are safe for chickens and humans to consume, they are composed of about 50% elderberry seeds. The toxin contained within the actual elderberries is mainly on the seed to protect it as it matures. That is why unripe berries are toxic while ripe, mature berries are fine. However, there IS something you can do to remove any potential toxin in elderberries.
How to Feed Elderberries to Chickens
Elderberries will be most affective against chronic diseases, respiratory issues, and viruses in poultry. The antioxidants contained in the berries are what will fight pathogens or build up the immune system to fight diseases. Raw honey in elderberry syrup will also add to the healing power of elderberry syrup as a holistic remedy.
Start administering elderberry tea as soon as you see symptoms of chronic, respiratory, or viral-type ailments. Common signs that I look for to indicate elderberry extract might be helpful include:
- sneezing
- rattling in the chest
- gurgling
- sinus discharge
- diarrhea
For individual birds, I administer elderberry tea via a pipette. I fill the pipette up with the desired amount of syrup, then gently open the bird's mouth and slowly squeeze the syrup into the chicken's open beak. This is usually a two person job. One person holds the bird while the other person administers the extract.
For administering to the whole flock, you can add the extract right to your flock's water.
Individual Recommended Dosage: 1-2 mL per day
Flock Recommended Dosage: 4-6 T. per 1 gallon of water
AnchorI like using the 5 qt. Molded Poultry Drinker from TSC Company. That way anytime a bird get a drink, it gets a dose of elderberry extract.
Continue the administrations until the symptoms disappear or for up to 7-10 days. If after 7-10 days has passed, then you will want to take at least a 5-7 day break before administering the extract again.
Fractures
Fractures
Wheezing Remedies
I have given my chickens many different herbs over the years. I don't see why essiac wouldn't be appropriate for chickens.
You might want to mix some activated charcoal powder into his food. It may help with the odor. I would give him no more than 1/8 teaspoon per day of charcoal.
~Mama to Many~
Wheezing Remedies
Apple Cider Vinegar
Remedies for Common Chicken Diseases
Diatomaceous Earth
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I also use it in my garden when my plants get attacked by bugs.
Wheezing Remedies
Your rooster sounds very ill. You can help him by giving him a heat source away from distractions. He needs clean air in a clean environment. Many avian respiratory issues such as aspergillosis [a fungal disease] are due to dusty, moldy and ammonia filled environments like you would find in a chicken coop that was never cleaned out. Lack of vitamin A is also a factor.
If you are unable to take your boy to a vet, in your shoes I would *provide heat* and attempt to give him antifungal medicines diluted in water - or mixed into an electrolyte solution; keep the liquid going into him so he does not dehydrate - especially if you put him in a warm hospital cage. It is possible a solution of 1/4 teaspoon of borax into 1 liter of water may provide relief, however healing will take time and the aid of a veterinarian and high grade antibiotics or antifungals [metrinidazole, ketaconazole, etc.] may be in order.
Wheezing Remedies
Sorry to hear about your sick rooster! We have kept chickens for 15 years and I don't think I have ever heard of one wheezing. But I am hopeful there is something you can try. I have a few questions though to narrow down what to try.
How old is your rooster?
What have you tried? (Antibiotics etc.)
Is he with other chickens and if so, are they symptom free?
Has his living area changed?
Are you able to get him to eat or drink?
~Mama to Many~
Wheezing Remedies
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Wholesome Food for Chickens
Wholesome Food for Chickens
Diatomaceous Earth
You can also try this: Sulfur has been used for many years. The treatment of individual birds with powdered sulfur is satisfactory if liberal amounts of dust are used and if application is thorough. Dipping the birds in sulfur baths is laborious, but the results are gratifying. Dips may be prepared by mixing 2 ounces of finely ground sulfur and 1 ounce of dish detergent to a gallon of lukewarm water. The feathers should be wet to the skin, and the head ducked. It is always advisable to dip fowl on warm, sunny days or in heated buildings. Treatment with either sulfur dusts or dips should be repeated as required.
I have used sulfur/soap dips myself on feather mites with good results. You should not use poultry dust or Seven garden dust weekly on poultry because the mites will become immune to it and you will have a hard time removing them if you have an outbreak.
Wholesome Food for Chickens
Diatomaceous Earth
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Sincerely, Farm Mama
Diatomaceous Earth
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Posted by Farm Mama (Mount Dora, Fl, Usa) on 10/19/2009
My chickens have lice. They are free range, fed organic soy free layer feed, organic cracked corn, and various kitchen scraps 95% organic. Any suggestions? Thanks to all who give advice on earth clinic. It is a life saver!
You might sprinkle their "dust baths" with DE (diatomaceous earth). It dessicates the tiny little livestock by cracking their carapaces and drying them out. Make sure you get food grade DE and this should do the trick. Diatoms are tiny sea creatures that have been around for many millions of years (and still are) and are totally natural, but if you have asthma or related problems, I suggest using a mask while integrating the DE with the dirt.
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Wholesome Food for Chickens
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