What kind of tree/bush to plant in chicken yard

[Branderella]

My hens LOVE LOVE LOVE my fern plant. They are already in the shade, but when I let them out they all run for a spot under it to scrath around!

 

[NotTheMomma]

I have a hedge of forcynthia (sp??) down one side of the property, and they LOVE going under that. We moved here last year, and that hedge hasn't been pruned in forever, so the limbs hang down. It makes a neatest tunnel under there for them. Just hope they don't lay eggs there, or I won't be able to get to them. They also LOVE the holly bush hedges, and have lots of dust baths under there.

For inside the run, I planted a red bark dogwood. It's still living so far. I also planted a burberry bush in the quail pen. Though I don't have any quail now. Our rabbits have enjoyed playing in that pen, and hiding under the bush.

I'm thinking of covering the run with some type of vine this fall, but haven't decided on what yet. I also have to be weary of raccoons being able to climb in so remember that too. Hoping that with my coop locked up everynight I can keep them coons away.

 

[Hollywood Chickens]

Quote:
my chickens ate the blackberry bush to death

 

[Uppity Peon]

Quote:
my chickens ate the blackberry bush to death

Haa! I'm sorry to hear that. The reason I laugh is that blackberries around here are almost impossible to control. I spend a lot of energy stopping the blackberries from completely taking over.

And yes, blackberries are a big hit with the chickens. They love the fruit and leaves, and they love the hiding places too!

 

[dlhunicorn]

Quote:
are not ive given my chickens and ducks all kinds of tomatoes and tomato plants and they arent ive been doing it for weeks with my garden slowly shrinking!!!

You are playing russian roulette with your birds health in my opinion. Eggplant, potato and tomato leaves: these plants are all members of the Solanaceae family—the nightshades. Their leaves contain alkaloids that are poisonous for people and birds (green potatoes also contain these alkaloids and should not be eaten). Symptoms of ingestion in a bird include vomiting, diarrhea, and difficulty breathing.
(Read more: http://birds.suite101.com/article.cfm/pet_birds_and_toxic_foods#ixzz0NzOTbMdP

Of course a little nip here and there is not going to make your bird fall down dead in most cases however when a plant is listed as being toxic to birds, it oftimes depends on how much of the plant is ingested as well as what part of the plant. The OP stated that this was for a closed run (not a free range situation) and as such I feel you must be VERY careful about what plants to use as whatever green you put in there will be a magnate for them and they will attempt to overconsume where possible. There are plants enough that are not toxic... why risk it?

 

[PeepsInc]

Quote:
The wild cherry trees around here have toxic berry's. My horse got sick when they fell in his feed bucket.
I recommend a black mulberry tree. It will turn into a bush if you don't prune it to be tree like. Creates shade,& the berry's are good for chickens

 

[SproutGirl]

Our chickens love our lilac bush. They love the shade of it, and they don't eat it. You can either prune a lilac into a bush or a tree, and it will get as large as you let it. It can get very wide, and pretty tall, or you can keep it trimmed back. Best of all, it gets very pretty flowers in the springtime that smell wonderful!

 

[thedeacon]

I have Privet bush. They can be trimmed to any shape. I have 3 planted in a triangle. After a couple yrs, they are 5 ft tall and about 4 ft wide. They draw bees and bugs, thus provide plenty to do when the chicks are looking for shade or protection from hawks

 

[Uppity Peon]

Quote:
Wow! Great idea! I know someone who has a kiwi tunnel. I mean an arbor about 20 x 10 feet completely covered in kiwi vine! Chickens would just LOVE it!

 

[chickadee2]

Has anyone tried the Coral Vine, (Antigonon leptopus) for shade on a chicken coop? It is decidious, so the summer shade would be sun in the winter. I wonder if it has any toxicity? My other choice would probably be a honeysuckle vine, or virginia creeper. Shade cloth did not give enough shade. I think a vine would be better. The coral vine is invasive in Florida, so I am hesitant to use it here in Texas.