Shade-tolerant shrubs for the chicken run?

[Cattle dog Mom]

Does the area get any sun?

 

[g0vtmule]

We are in the market for planting a few shrubs for our girls to hangout under as well, for shade and cover. We already have a large Japanese Maple that they spend time under when its leaves come on, but looking for an evergreen type for when we let them roam around in winter and early spring. Our first thought was Rhododendron (Mountain Azalea) but it looks like its toxic for dogs, cats and I assume chickens as well? Any thoughts are appreciated. Partial Sun, Maryland climate. Thanks in advance

 

[dbounds10]

X2 on the elderberries

If planted in the run won’t they gobble it up? I need something for cover and extra shade also. I live in Fort Worth Texas.