Which plants are poisonous to chickens? Can chickens eat tomato leaves? How do you know if a chicken has been poisoned? A quick review of plants that can poison your casseroles and the most common symptoms they can cause!
A short list of poisonous plants for chickens and their harm
There are many poisonous plants. Fortunately, most of them have an unpleasant taste that chickens hate. So poisoning is rare. However, it is better to avoid the devil in your garden and not drag him by the tail. Because it would be a shame to see one of your pullets get sick because of a few grasses growing near the enclosure. Lily of the valley, daffodil, hyacinth, belladonna, hogweed, hedge clematis and begonia are the most poisonous. In the vegetable garden, garlic, leeks, tomatoes, potatoes and beans contain toxic substances for poultry, which are usually destroyed when cooked. For trees and shrubs, look for chestnut, holly, yew, juniper, laurel, and boxwood.
Certain vegetables
While most vegetables are good for chickens, other vegetables can cause very unpleasant poisoning symptoms such as vomiting, coordination problems or even significant drooling. This is especially the case for garlic, leeks, potatoes, tomatoes, beans, celery, even rhubarb. Be careful as chickens love many of these plants. Also, you can give them cooked tomatoes and potatoes!
Note: Among the dangerous fruits and vegetables for casseroles we find avocado and eggplant.
Also read: What is the best feed for laying hens?
Lily of the valley
Lily of the valley is a plant that is poisonous not only to chickens, but also to cats, dogs, rabbits and some flying birds. It contains cardiotonic glycosides and convalerin (a strong anti-inflammatory and diuretic). All parts of it are truly dangerous, including the water it soaks. The plant can cause vomiting and diarrhea, heart rhythm and breathing disorders, as well as insomnia. Even dimmed, it remains toxic. So avoid putting it in compost.
Some flowering plants
If you have a flower garden near your chicken coop, please avoid the following flower species:
- Glycine – convulsions, intestinal paralysis, death;
- Iris – coordination problems, shaky legs, heart problems, diarrhea;
- Hyacinth – digestive disorders, significant salivation, diarrhea, abdominal pain;
- Daffodil – digestive disorders, diarrhea;
- Green – convulsions, vomiting, loss of appetite, nervous and respiratory problems;
- Buttercup – inflammation of the oral mucosa, digestive disorders;
- Hydrangea – digestive disorders, hypersalivation, stomach pain, diarrhea;
Belladonna
This perennial plant of the Solanaceae family is known for its beauty, but also for its strong toxicity. Ingestion of its leaves or flowers causes tremors, depression, prostration, coma and then death.
cradle
Rich in furocoumarin, hogweed makes chicken skin extremely sensitive to the sun, causing lesions and itching.
Boxwood
This unwieldy shrub, perfect for creating a green privacy hedge, is actually quite poisonous due to its buccin content. Even in small amounts, this substance can cause irritation in the oral cavity, digestion (diarrhea) and nervous disorders (convulsions and paralysis). Fortunately, boxwood has a bitter taste that chickens hate.
Also read: Which Shrub to Plant in a Chicken Coop and Why?
Begonia
Begonias are intended to be poisonous only at the root. Symptoms of poisoning that it can cause are vomiting and diarrhea.
Hemlock
This herbaceous plant grows spontaneously in gardens. Consuming it causes prostration, slow pulse and respiratory problems.
Hedge Clematis
Like hemlocks, hedge clematis do not require an invitation to grow in your garden. Inflammation of the mucous membrane, colic, diarrhea are the main symptoms after ingestion.
Laurel
Like lily of the valley, laurel, whether pink, cherry, or calcareous, is a poisonous plant, deadly to many animals, including poultry, who should not eat the leaves, seeds, or flowers. This shrub is also very dangerous for humans. Ingestion can cause symptoms such as vomiting and dizziness, but sometimes rapid, symptomless death. A complete ban on the hen house!
What plants for healthy chickens?
Greens are an important part of the casserole menu. Easy to grow, certain medicinal plants offer many benefits to your chickens. Here are 7 things to keep in your enclosure to keep your chickens healthy:
- Basil to fight internal parasites
- Rosemary to protect them from viruses
- Mint to ward off unwanted insects
- Parsley to cleanse the kidneys
- Oregano to strengthen their immune system
- Thyme to protect them from diseases
- Sage for its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.
