Yew Berries & Chickens - How much is too much?

[AppleMomma65]

We have low growing yew bushes in the front yard where the chickens like to hang out. This time of the year, the bushes have berries that are red and delicious looking - and at the perfect height for the chickens. I've seen some of the ladies picking/eating them with no - apparent - ill effects (I haven't checked their poo ...). Does anyone else have these shrubs? If so do you pick off the berries (the wild birds LOVE them so I'd hate to pull all off)? I could pick the ones around the edges and leave the ones in the center. Thoughts/comments?

 

[Folly's place]

All parts of the Japanese yew are toxic, at least to mammals. Birds do seem to be able to eat berries that we shouldn't, and I have no idea how many, or which. Think poison ivy, spread by birds everywhere! I suspect that if your birds haven't yet dropped dead, they maybe won't over this. You could either eliminate the plants, or fence them off.
Mary

 

[buffy-the-eggpile-layer]

We have low growing yew bushes in the front yard where the chickens like to hang out. This time of the year, the bushes have berries that are red and delicious looking - and at the perfect height for the chickens. I've seen some of the ladies picking/eating them with no - apparent - ill effects (I haven't checked their poo ...). Does anyone else have these shrubs? If so do you pick off the berries (the wild birds LOVE them so I'd hate to pull all off)? I could pick the ones around the edges and leave the ones in the center. Thoughts/comments?

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We have low growing yew bushes in the front yard where the chickens like to hang out. This time of the year, the bushes have berries that are red and delicious looking - and at the perfect height for the chickens. I've seen some of the ladies picking/eating them with no - apparent - ill effects (I haven't checked their poo ...). Does anyone else have these shrubs? If so do you pick off the berries (the wild birds LOVE them so I'd hate to pull all off)? I could pick the ones around the edges and leave the ones in the center. Thoughts/comments?

How are your girls hanging in? Just witnessed mine eating yew berries from a tree I'd tried to keep them from. I'm a nervous wreck! I read that the seed is the most toxic part, which I'm sure they ingested.

 

[Folly's place]

This post is four years old, so who knows? Japanese yew is very toxic!
Mary

 

[buffy-the-eggpile-layer]

This post is four years old, so who knows? Japanese yew is very toxic!
Mary

Yeah, I'm worried. We moved into a home with a huge, 50 year old yew tree bursting with berries. I'd been keeping them away, but today they managed to get over and grab some when I turned my back for a second.

I've read that the red part of the berry is attractive and nutritious for birds, but the seed is toxic. I've watched many birds and squirrels eat it. Personal accounts say chickens pass the seed intact no problem but I also read its deadly in other places.

3 hours on and so far they are fine. Fingers crossed.

 

[Folly's place]

Japanese yew or English? Maybe a difference! And birds eat many berries that aren't so good for many other critters, so I sure don't know the answer here. Look up what plant you actually have for starters.
Mary