Toxic plants

[Saffi0418]

Our 5 chicks are 8 weeks old now, and I am getting the garden secure for them to roam free.
I read somewhere that Irises are toxic for chickens, and we have them everywhere.
Can anyone confirm this - do I need to dig them all up?

 

[ChickensRDinos]

In my experience chickens are actually really good about not eating things that are made for them. I don't know for sure about irises but I wouldnt be overly worried about it as long as they have lots of other good things to eat.

 

[Saffi0418]

Well the same article mentioned that they like eating 'Lambs Ear' leaves and there are plenty of them around the Irises, so hope they fill up on them and leave the irises alone.

 

[Den in Penn]

I have a flower bed that has iris in, and they haven't bothered them except to scratch around the roots and then not much.

 

[chfite]

I believe that when they have free choice of food, chickens will not eat anything harmful. Stupid animals get culled early.

Chris

 

[sumi]

I had all sorts of plants growing in the area my chickens roamed in and they knew which plants were good to eat and left the harmful ones well alone.

 

[triplepurpose]

If chickens were likely to eat poisonous plants and die there wouldn't be very many chickens left around by now, would there... They know what to eat and what not to, never fear.

 

[Happy Chooks]

Well the same article mentioned that they like eating 'Lambs Ear' leaves

Mine don't eat them. I have them growing all through the chicken area and they won't touch them.



Rhubarb leaves are toxic.

 

[NestingHillsSC]

I believe that when they have free choice of food, chickens will not eat anything harmful. Stupid animals get culled early.
Chris

 

[Saffi0418]

It is great to get all this feedback - makes me feel much more reassured. Sounds like my chicks can look after themselves!