CJ Posted October 5, 2007 Share Posted October 5, 2007 Hi I'm thinking of buying an eglu and some chickens. I have a large garden in Leicester. The bottom of the garden is basically scrub land, and I've clearer an area ready for the run. The fences nearby are covered in ivy, and you know what it is like, it gets every where (tendrils along the ground etc). So my questions are: 1) Is ivy harmful to chickens, or will they just avoid it? 2) Are there any other plants that are harmful? I read something about rhubarb. 3) We get loads of foxes... are you sure they will be okay? 4) Anything else I should know. Thanks for any help you can give. Chris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AJuff Posted October 5, 2007 Share Posted October 5, 2007 My eglu is near an ivy covered wall. The hens don't touch it so i assume they don't like it! It shouldn't be a problem, they tend not eat things that are not good for them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowy Posted October 5, 2007 Share Posted October 5, 2007 We have lots of ivy, they leave it alone. They tend to leave things alone if it's likely to be harmful. There are urban foxes in Leiceaster city and suburbs. They will get your chooks if you don't take sensible precautions. Have a read through the forum - there is plenty of advice around. Just remember they can climb and dig. The eglu and run will be fine, may need to take extra precautions if your ground is very soft (chickens can be daft enough to dig out! ) and make sure you shut the eglu door at night. You will really enjoy keeping chickens! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jules. Posted October 5, 2007 Share Posted October 5, 2007 There is loads of ivy growing up the fence in the area where our girls live.I have seen them take occasional nibbles at it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted October 5, 2007 Share Posted October 5, 2007 Welcome aboard CJ. Yet another Leicester member. They generally ignore stuff that is not good for them. Heed Snowy's advice re the fox. Keep one step ahead of him and you should be ok. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laura & CTB Posted October 6, 2007 Share Posted October 6, 2007 I have one fence covered in ivy - they love to pull the leaves off ( the bottom two feet is now bare branches ) They do eat the leaves occasionally, it has not done them any harm. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leicester_H Posted October 6, 2007 Share Posted October 6, 2007 I have a large garden in Leicester. Hi - Welcome Where abouts in Leicester ? - we are in Oadby There seem to be quite a few in Leicester - maybe we could have a get together some time ? H Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lisa33 Posted October 6, 2007 Share Posted October 6, 2007 Hi & Welcome Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
