Lilla_kat Posted September 24, 2014 Share Posted September 24, 2014 I've read that a number of plants are poisonous for chickens. I will shortly be getting my first chickens. They will live mainly in their run but I would like them to be able to free range when I'm home. I have Foxgloves, Lilly of the valley and A very mature rhubarb plant all in my garden. Will I need to supervise where my chickens are pecking, will I need to dig up my garden or will the chickens have the good sense (or taste) not to eat too much of these plants? Thanks for your advice or your experiences! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sjp Posted September 24, 2014 Share Posted September 24, 2014 can't help with foxglove or Lilly of the valley but my mob ate my rhubarb to the point were it died they suffered no ill affects they also eat potato and tomato plants given half a chance. they do seem to no what they can and can't eat or when not to bother to eat it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cat tails Posted September 24, 2014 Share Posted September 24, 2014 Mine devour tomato plant when having the chance... They sort of leave the Lupin alone. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redsunset Posted September 24, 2014 Share Posted September 24, 2014 I wouldn't worry to much there. I have a lot of those plants and chickens seem to know what not to eat.....whether they choose to dig them up however is another matter! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beantree Posted September 25, 2014 Share Posted September 25, 2014 Ours eat large amounts of stuff that is supposed to be poisonous, without any ill effects. Even a diet of Ivy had no effect. They do know what to eat and not to eat, which is evolution I suppose. The only time I think you are at risk is when there are no greens to eat except something poisonous and then they will be tempted. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lilla_kat Posted September 25, 2014 Author Share Posted September 25, 2014 Thanks everyone for your reassuring feedback. I'll let the chickens free-range and see what mischief they create! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
