Early Bird Posted January 30, 2010 Share Posted January 30, 2010 I hope this is the right place to post this question. I heard somewhere that ivy is poisonous to chickens. Is this true and if so, is it all ivy or just certain varieties? I ask because ivy is the only green thing available in my backyard now and the girls keep eating it even though I have tried to keep them away from it. So far they have been fine and I have heard that they won't eat stuff that's bad for them but I really need reassurance on this. If it is toxic to them I will take steps to remove it from the yard (I hate the stuff anyway but my next door neighbor wants to keep it). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Christian Posted January 30, 2010 Share Posted January 30, 2010 Mine eat ivy when they get a chance and are fine. Could you maybe put green coated chicken wire in front of it to stop them eating too much? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Early Bird Posted January 30, 2010 Author Share Posted January 30, 2010 Thanks Christian, that's put my mind at rest. I shall easily be able to pull out most of the stuff on my side of the fence if necessary and that should stop them getting too much. I would hate to think that I'd just blindly allowed them to eat something which would harm them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alih Posted January 30, 2010 Share Posted January 30, 2010 Mine eat ivy too and have done for 2 years with no ill effects! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hen Watch Posted February 1, 2010 Share Posted February 1, 2010 I have 2 fence panels completely covered in ivy. My chickens completely ignore it. Same goes for my daffodills (they don't eat them but they do trample them to death), I've also got a Rhodedendron bush they nibble. I think by and large they seem to know what they can and can't eat. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laura & CTB Posted February 1, 2010 Share Posted February 1, 2010 Mine have all eaten ivy with no ill effects at all - except to the ivy which is bare branches for as high as the chooks can reach! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Early Bird Posted February 1, 2010 Author Share Posted February 1, 2010 A relief to know that they won't come to any harm. I was concerned as they've ignored it up till now but they've eaten everything else and that's all that's left. They're now scoffing it as fast as they can stuff it in their beaks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
