Poinsettia - how poisonous?

[micstrachan]

So we still have live poinsettias on the front step left from Christmas. It’s a beautiful day and there are TONS of sprouts everywhere, but Bridge decided to take interest in the poinsettias today. I think she ingested some. How poisonous are they? I think I have some activated charcoal on hand, but no milk of magnesia. For now, I’ll do some online research and watch her behavior.

 

[micstrachan]

A quick internet search sounds like the poisonous part is a myth. Please share if you know otherwise.

 

[ValerieJ]

It is listed here. Does it matter how poisonous it is, or if another site disagrees? Giving her activated charcoal wont hurt her and may help her process it through quickly. IMHO, better safe than sorry.

 

[ellenscoop]

I think she will be ok, thankfully poinsettias aren't too poisonous.

 

[micstrachan]

Point well taken. What was I thinking? I gave her some. Mixed 1 tsp charcoal with 1 tsp baby bird formula and 1/4 tsp manuka honey for palatability. Suspended in enough hot water for a syringe feedable consistency. Ended up with about 15mL and I think I managed to get about 9-10mL into her.

 

[micstrachan]

Haha! And for the record... syringe feeding a strong, healthy hen is a lot harder than treating a weak, sick hen!

 

[ValerieJ]

You did good!!!! I agree that she'd probably have been just fine, but I sure do feel better about taking precautions, don't you?

 

[micstrachan]

You did good!!!! I agree that she'd probably have been just fine, but I sure do feel better about taking precautions, don't you?

Yep! No risk in giving it to her, but possible risk without. And she’s not even upset with me... has approached and greeted me a couple times since!

Bridge is very special. She’s the alpha, and the only remaining hen from my original four. We each had one chick to hold each night and Bridge was mine.

Here she is right now enjoying some damp feed that’s spiked with echinacea goldenseal, olive leaf extract and milk thistle (I only do this once in awhile as an immunity boost and to help out their livers, since I learned this year my flock has been carrying too much fat.)

 

[ValerieJ]

She is so pretty! And what a great mom you are giving them all those special nutrients and supplements!!!

 

[micstrachan]

She is so pretty! And what a great mom you are giving them all those special nutrients and supplements!!!

Thanks. They are all so special, aren’t they?