Is this ivy what I think it is?

[nao57]

https://hgic.clemson.edu/weed-of-the-month-virginia-creeper/

The third paragraph in this link tells you the difference between Virginia Creeper and Poison Ivy.

They do look remarkably very similar, but are different.

"... Although Virginia creeper is often confused with poison ivy, Virginia creeper has five leaflets, while poison ivy has three. Virginia creeper leaves have saw-toothed margins, whereas poison ivy leaf margins are highly variable. Although Virginia creeper leaves does not contain urushiol, the irritating oil found on all parts of poison ivy, the sap can irritate highly sensitive people. The berries are poisonous, as they contain a high concentration of oxalic acid, which is moderately toxic to humans and dogs...."

 

[MysteryChicken]

I need to remove Nightshade away from the bantam coop. I just realized what it was earlier today.

 

[howdyitsmia]

https://hgic.clemson.edu/weed-of-the-month-virginia-creeper/

The third paragraph in this link tells you the difference between Virginia Creeper and Poison Ivy.

They do look remarkably very similar, but are different.

"... Although Virginia creeper is often confused with poison ivy, Virginia creeper has five leaflets, while poison ivy has three. Virginia creeper leaves have saw-toothed margins, whereas poison ivy leaf margins are highly variable. Although Virginia creeper leaves does not contain urushiol, the irritating oil found on all parts of poison ivy, the sap can irritate highly sensitive people. The berries are poisonous, as they contain a high concentration of oxalic acid, which is moderately toxic to humans and dogs...."

That’s a great article! I just can’t seem to figure out if it’s toxic to chickens. Some people say it is and others say it’s not. Mine have been fine so far so idk.

 

[howdyitsmia]

I need to remove Nightshade away from the bantam coop. I just realized what it was earlier today.

Oh geez! Good thing you recognized it!

 

[Chickstarrs]

I have virginia creeper growing all over my property too. It can get thick and does grow along the ground if it has nothing to climb. Sometimes it will climb and creep along the ground to find other things to climb. I also looked up if it was poisonous and got mixed opinions.

 

[MROO]

I have no idea how to keep them out of there! Do you think it’s fine if they’ve been ok thus far? Or do I need to get started on a yard work project and rip it all out? Also, I pull it off the trees because my mom doesn’t want it going up

Chickens are pretty smart when it comes to food. As long as they have enough healthy food (or safe treats) to eat, they should leave the ivy alone. You're doing a great job of containing it, though. The stuff spreads like wildfire around here. If you ever need a job as a Virginia Creeper Removal Expert, lemme know. I can find you LOTS of clients here along the East Coast!

 

[333113]

I have no idea how to keep them out of there! Do you think it’s fine if they’ve been ok thus far? Or do I need to get started on a yard work project and rip it all out? Also, I pull it off the trees because my mom doesn’t want it going up

You can come do my yard next!!!

In my experience, if chickens have access to other tastier stuff, they won't bother with the Virginia creeper. I plant a couple tubs of sweet potatoes, which will have to be protected at first until they get a running start, and they are just as pretty as the decorative sweet potato vines.

 

[howdyitsmia]

Chickens are pretty smart when it comes to food. As long as they have enough healthy food (or safe treats) to eat, they should leave the ivy alone. You're doing a great job of containing it, though. The stuff spreads like wildfire around here. If you ever need a job as a Virginia Creeper Removal Expert, lemme know. I can find you LOTS of clients here along the East Coast!

Haha thanks! Hope they don’t mind driving all the way out here to Utah! Somehow the ivy made it all the way over here!

 

[MROO]

You can come do my yard next!!!

In my experience, if chickens have access to other tastier stuff, they won't bother with the Virginia creeper. I plant a couple tubs of sweet potatoes, which will have to be protected at first until they get a running start, and they are just as pretty as the decorative sweet potato vines.

I LOVE the sweet potato idea! I'll add to it with my herb-pot secret. When you first plant your "chicken pots," keep the soil a good three to four inches below the edge of the pot, then wrap the top in chicken wire or wide-grid hardware cloth. That protects the roots from scratching damage and keeps the early sprouts from becoming snacks. By the time your plants grow up through the wire, where the chickens can reach them, they're established enough to survive grazing.

 

[howdyitsmia]

Ok, I have another question about the Virginia creeper. My chicken just started laying a week ago, and the eggs have a chemically aftertaste. I thought that switching feed would solve the problem, but they still taste bad! Could the Virginia creeper be causing this? I don’t think she eats it that often if at all? But maybe I’m wrong.