Toxic Plant???

[dpmasiello]

I have constructed my coup next to a plant called Oleander. It occasionally drops leaves and flowers into the coup. My chicks are about 3 weeks old and are about to move into the coup but I have heard that this plant is toxic and wanted to see if anyone has had any experience with this plant being in close proximity to chicks. I have a Barred Rock and a Road Island Red. Thanks!!!!

Dominic

 

[Glenda L Heywood]

it is extremly poisonous so keep the yard raked clean of the plant and flowers

can you trim the plant so it does not come over the coop or run?
that would be the best I dea
email me for questions

 

[chickenhick]

Glenda Heywood, who posts here very frequently and seems well educated on the raising of chickens posted an answer to another question a while back....

"Plants Toxic (poison) to Poultry, Listed by Common Name ... May 31, 2004 ... Raising pure bred chickens, bantams, guinea fowl and quail in Central Texas. ... Plants Toxic to Poultry - by Common Names ...
www.poultryhelp.com/toxic1.html - 20k - Cached - Similar pages"

Oleander was indeed listed as TOXIC Hope this helps.....


WOW, that was wierd...she posted three minutes before me......whooaa.....

 

[mypicklebird]

Oleander is very toxic to mammals, and is listed on many edu sites as being toxic to poultry as well. It contains many toxic substances including one that affects the heart. This plant is very hardy and pretty- but really has no place in a farm situation (or any home with children as well). It kills horses, cows, llamas, dogs- and has killed children. Dig up the plant and get rid of it. Don't compost it, don't take it to a green waste facility that might make it into path mulch, and make sure to pick up all of the leaves. Wear gloves when hacking it down. The only place I like to see this plant is in the median of large highways.

 

[Renee]

I would trim it away from the coop.

It tastes really, really bad (don't ask me how I know) so most animals will not eat it.

 

[mypicklebird]

I see two replies suggesting trimming it away from the coop area. Plants drop leaves and flowers, wind blows them around, well-meaning friends like to pick and feed things to one's farm animals. Happens. If you know you have a highly toxic/poisonous plant in your yard- and you have pets/animals and/or children that even might eat the leaves or flowers, the safe and responsible thing to do is dig it up and get rid of it. Don't just trim it back.

 

[Sunny the Hippie Chick]

I was curious what this plant looked like so I googled it. I clicked on a site to see some pictures. So I read a bit about the plant.. It says that if you burn the plant or leaves, that the smoke is poisonous to. I think I would dispose of this plant. The whole thing.
Yes they are pretty. But I wouldnt want any thing like that in my yard..

 

[Beed]

They are used as ornamental shrubs in this area. They are really poisonous. I would dig it up as said above.

 

[TXmom]

Wow, Oleanders are EVERYWHERE in and around the Houston area. I have them in front of my house, and many people around us have them. Mine aren't anywhere near my chickens or any other animals of mine, and I've never seen my cats or dogs show any interest in them. They haven't caused a problem for me and I sure hope they don't in the future.

That said, if you have the plant near your chickens, I would worry about that.