Advice on chosing new vegetable varities to grow that are safe around?

[catdaddy66]

What parts of the Azalea plant is toxic, Fire Tigeris? I have several in my yard, but actually do not plan to let the chicks anywhere near them! Mine will be penned in the controlled range of a tractor.

 

[journey11]

A couple of those you mentioned I don't know what they are, but your melons and greens are all safe to my knowledge.

 

[Tala]

Quote:
I have Polkweed aka Polk Salad growing in my yard. Sometimes the white birds get the purple berry stain on their feathers, but so far all the chickens seem to have taken a test sample and otherwise LEFT it ALONE. No one has even been sick from it.

They may not be the brightest (heck they eat styrofoam) but they don't seem to eat the toxic stuff (styrofoam doesn't really seem to harm them....)

Tomato plants aren't supposed to be good for them, and my birds SURPRISED me by leaving my tomato bed mostly alone. I gave them over-ripe or worm eaten tomatoes in their tractor, but so long as there were no bright red fruits on the vine when the chickens free ranged they surprised me by leaving the tomato plants alone!!

 

[gritsar]

Have to keep in mind that a chicken is an animal that can go feral and quite easily. Can't live long as a feral if you don't have some sense of what to eat and what not to eat.
In a pen where they only have to eat what you bring them then sure, they may eat something they shouldn't. Out running around with lots of things to choose from, they show some sense.
My chickens also have styrofoam for innards. What is it about that stuff???