Plants for Run

[jdgbirds31]

I want to do some landscaping in the new fenced area we are making for the chickens. I've seen plenty of lists of toxic plants I shouldn't include, but the only shrub/plant I've seen that the chickens won't destroy is a butterfly bush. Are there any other safe bushes/flowers I can plant that they won't destroy?

 

[FishNFowl]

I've been looking for the same thing but haven't found much. I was going to try a fig. Hoping it will grow high enough and winter over well.

There a quite a few examples of fenced beds and grass type beds with fencing over them so that chickens can only eat what grows through the fence and not wreck the roots. Good luck.

 

[jdgbirds31]

I'm wondering if some of the plants that are supposedly toxic would actually be ok, especially if it means the birds will leave them alone and just use them as shade/protection. We had them free ranging this summer and they regularly hung out in the boxwoods and azaleas, both on the toxic lists, and we didn't have any problems.

 

[jdgbirds31]

Just found this... Some are on the "toxic" list but seems like they've had no problems.

http://poultrykeeper.com/keeping-chickens-faq/plants-in-the-garden-chickens

 

[m80fierro]

I have an established honeysuckle vine that they love to eat. Its climbed up so far that they can only get to the lower leaves.