Rob (Kentucky) on 03/02/2025

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.