For many urban dwellers and small homesteaders, chickens are among the first additions when it comes to raising animals. Not only do chickens require considerably less space than some other livestock, but the benefits are numerous. Whether raising these birds for meat or their eggs, meeting their needs will require research and effort from first-time owners.
One important aspect of this relates directly to maintaining healthy living environments for your chickens – ensuring that the flock is always safe. And this includes knowing what plants are bad for chickens, especially when they’re free to roam your property.
Garden Plants Toxic to Chickens
While predators are obviously a threat, many people overlook other more common issues that may already be present. By nature, chickens are grazing animals. As they roam, it will be likely that they take a nibble (or more) of various plants that are growing.
Plants that are poisonous for chickens occur in a variety of places. While it may be obvious that some ornamental plantings would be dangerous, some garden plants toxic to chickens may exist in your own vegetable garden. Plants chickens can’t eat may also be found growing wild throughout your property, as many native flowers and foliage plants could cause harm.
Toxins in certain plants can cause serious harm to birds within the flock. These symptoms include lowered blood pressure, seizures, and even death. While there is no exhaustive list of what plants are bad for chickens, owners can help avoid their consumption by providing well-managed places in which the birds are allowed to roam.
Providing an ample supply of high-quality food for the chickens will help reduce the likelihood that they will nibble on plants they shouldn’t. When in doubt, the removal of the plant is the best option.
