Monstera toxic or not?

[PeanutnMono]

Hi! I just got a monstera deliciosa plant but am getting conflicting answers on whether or not to keep it. I have ducks, chickens, dogs, cats and goats.. ive heard its toxic but then also that animals will stay away from it. I need advice. Thank you!

 

[ChickyCh00k]

I would not plant this some place where animals might take a nibble. Even though chickens do tend to avoid toxic plants, they are sometimes known to take a bite or two, which isn't normally an issue (even with toxic plants).

The problem with the Monstera is that when it is damaged (as in an animal takes a bite), it has these needle-like "crystals" that can cause burning and lacerations in the mouth, esophagus, and GI tract, which also causes harm to the the tissues in those places because of the toxic compound within the "crystals" getting into the lacerations...Not sure if it would kill them, but it would likely be pretty dang unpleasant.

I don't actually own any of these plants, so I can't say whether the chickens (or other animals) would for sure be interested. But I do know that my chickens will take a couple of bites out of ANY kind of plant, especially if it's new, just to see if they like it. They are pretty curious animals.