Ophelia Posted November 22, 2009 Share Posted November 22, 2009 My ex-batts arrived last Saturday so this Saturday I decided to let them out in the afternoon to free range. Sadly it started to rain quite heavily after half an hour so they all retreated to their covered run. They looked like they enjoyed their brief FR experience though. I put some slug pellets down during the summer. They were organice ones that aren't supposed to harm wildlfe (ferric phosphate). Does anyone know if it is safe for the chickens to scratch around the area that these pellets were put down? I also read that ivy is poisonous to chickens. There are bits of ivy in my garden so will they avoid eating it? Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chelsea Posted November 22, 2009 Share Posted November 22, 2009 Can't comment r.e the slug pellets, but can add that we have ivy in the garden and they do not touch it - they seem to know the plants they can and cannot eat. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slim Posted November 22, 2009 Share Posted November 22, 2009 Can't comment r.e the slug pellets, but can add that we have ivy in the garden and they do not touch it - they seem to know the plants they can and cannot eat. My chooks avoid stuff I think it is a instinct they just leave alone. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted November 24, 2009 Share Posted November 24, 2009 My instinct would be not to allow them where any sort of slug pellet has been. Next year, why not use nematodes for slug control. Far more effective. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jools Posted November 24, 2009 Share Posted November 24, 2009 Chickens are quite good at controlling slug numbers too Trouble is, they eat the plants you're trying to keep the slugs away from too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leicester_H Posted November 24, 2009 Share Posted November 24, 2009 we have ivy in the garden and they do not touch it - Lily always starts to peck our Ivy when she wants attention!! She pecks and then looks to see if I've noticed!! So I guess small amounts are OK. H Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leicester_H Posted November 24, 2009 Share Posted November 24, 2009 Next year, why not use nematodes for slug control. Far more effective. Lucky you - they did NOTHING in our garden ! H Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ophelia Posted November 24, 2009 Author Share Posted November 24, 2009 Thanks everyone. I will fence off the veg patch and won't use any sort of pellet again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
