Poisonus/Dangerous Plants for Hens?

[Dana's Kids Chicks]

I was worried about this last spring when I started with my first adult hen and hatched 25 chicks in my incubator for my preschool.

I have two rhubarb plants in the garden where they spend a lot of time free ranging. I knew the leaves were poisonous to humans, but hoped my chickens would have enough sense not to eat things they shouldn't. How can they survive if they don't?

I never could keep them away from the rhubarb. It was their favorite plant out there. They had the entire vegetable garden to choose from and they went for the rhubarb. I watched them and there was never a hint of a problem. We have enjoyed their eggs all year and the three that I kept are big, beautiful and healthy. Go figure. Maybe we worry too much.

 

[emilyweck]

Dana's Kids Chicks :

I was worried about this last spring when I started with my first adult hen and hatched 25 chicks in my incubator for my preschool.

I have two rhubarb plants in the garden where they spend a lot of time free ranging. I knew the leaves were poisonous to humans, but hoped my chickens would have enough sense not to eat things they shouldn't. How can they survive if they don't?

I never could keep them away from the rhubarb. It was their favorite plant out there. They had the entire vegetable garden to choose from and they went for the rhubarb. I watched them and there was never a hint of a problem. We have enjoyed their eggs all year and the three that I kept are big, beautiful and healthy. Go figure. Maybe we worry too much.

Yes, I often believe we worry too much. Good point!​

 

[gritsar]

Dana's Kids Chicks :

I was worried about this last spring when I started with my first adult hen and hatched 25 chicks in my incubator for my preschool.

I have two rhubarb plants in the garden where they spend a lot of time free ranging. I knew the leaves were poisonous to humans, but hoped my chickens would have enough sense not to eat things they shouldn't. How can they survive if they don't?

I never could keep them away from the rhubarb. It was their favorite plant out there. They had the entire vegetable garden to choose from and they went for the rhubarb. I watched them and there was never a hint of a problem. We have enjoyed their eggs all year and the three that I kept are big, beautiful and healthy. Go figure. Maybe we worry too much.

Exactly! I keep saying it over and over again. I never consulted some chart about what they could eat or not eat. They do have some sense about it or my chickens would have been dead a long time ago.​

 

[kellieetal]

Oleander
Brugmansia sanguinea (Angel's Trumpet)
Foxglove
Datura stramonium (Jimson Weed)
Larkspur
Nicotiana glauca (Tree Tobacco)
Castor Bean
English Yew
* watch out for mushrooms in the yard, too.


Hmmm...I've got foxglove growing wild like crazy wherever it so chooses, mushrooms that pop up like crazy after every rain, and a variety morning glory is a noxious weed here. It's a Seattle area, wet and "woodland" area. I was hoping to freerange my hens, at least several times a week, if not every day. I know they'd like the pill bugs/slugs/spiders in the wood-mulched area of my 'flower" bed under the rhododendron and burning bush. So I can grant them that with no worry. But I am looking at a weed/grass/wild plant/blackberry covered hillside that I'd LOVE for them to have their way with. But now I'm wondering about those pesky toxic weed invaders that are too prolific to be erradicated. I'm not that confident in my birds' judgement; the term 'bird brain' didn't happen for no reason. Any suggestions or reassurance would be appreciated. Either definately keep them off of that hillside, or let them have at it and trust their instincts?