run question

[CKMom]

we are working on the bird's run today. They will have a nice big area, but part of it is covered in moss and is along a tree line in the woods.Will the moss hurt them?They also have access to some sand, and grass area.

 

[Omran]

I don't think the moss will hurt them, but before you listen to me, you should try to google the moss and its effects on birds in general.

 

[patandchickens]

Normal lawn or forest moss is nontoxic to chickens; don't worry about it

Have fun,

Pat

 

[CKMom]

Thanks Pat,
Googling didn't get me any anwers. Perhaps they won't try to eat it, but wanted to make sure it won't hurt them.Have a great day!

 

[kipper]

Google "toxic plants poultry" and you will get lists. We live in a heavily wooded area and found that bracken ferns are toxic (of course they are everywhere!), as well as many other plants. We just took out the ferns (ok, that was a job!) and chickens are doing great.

So I suppose an ounce of prevention and good information is very worth while in protecting your peepers, so suggest checking out a list to see what to be wary of. Your local extension can also help.

 

[patandchickens]

Just as a note, I would not suggest relying on a plant's *absence* from somebody's list of toxic plants, as meaning it is safe. Those lists cover only a miniscule fraction of the plants that are around, basically just those that are common in the list-maker's region and/or happen to be especially notorious for toxicity. There are plenty of things that 'fall through the cracks' and are poisonous yet not on the lists.

(That said, most animals will avoid most poisonous plants most of the time. Although, it's the occasional exceptions you do have to worry about)

Moss on the whole is harmless to pretty much everything, though. (Again, meaning normal green lawn-and-forest moss). I'm not saying go out and make yourself a moss salad, but I know of no moss that contains meaningfully toxic secondary chemicals. So, you're safe there

Pat