Azalea in run ok?

[bluie]

Yeah, there's an azalea where I plan to put my run. On the list of good and bad foods, azaleas are listed as poison, but I have also seen them on lists of plants that chickens won't eat. I thought it might amuse the chickens to have a little bush in the run, and it would look pretty too, but on the other hand, I certainly don't want to poison them. Any thoughts?

 

[patandchickens]

I would betcha that your azalea is not going to survive long in the run. They have very shallow roots, and need relatively uncompacted and moisture retentive soil, conditions that with chickens will soon be a Thing Of The Past. Personally I'd put the run elsewhere, or try to move the azalea bush -- why run the probably-small risk of poisoning just for the sake of a bush that will be doomed anyhow.

JMO,

Pat

 

[Portia]

If the azalea is the only green thing, they will peck at it. One of my chickens favored afternoon rest places is under a rhododendron. Seems they can't be there without doing some light pecking at the leaves; never seen any consumption though. Also, this is just one of the many green things in the backyard where they free range.

 

[scgamecock]

I would be careful, I have seen where azalea leaves are poisinous to some animals.

 

[bluie]

Thanks everyone for your input. Why should I take a chance with a plant that is probably doomed anyway. I will find some other way to prettify the run.

 

[Iluvmychickens]

My chickens like to get under pompass grass in the afternoons or either bury themselves in the border grass. I used to have a very grassy back yard but in a very short time I now have a very sandy back yard

 

[5peeps]

ok so is there a list of plants you can plant out side of the run so if by chance they get a hold of it it won't hurt or kill them .

Thanks