Chickens are a great addition to any backyard farm. They provide fresh eggs and fertilizer, and they can be fun to raise. But did you know that there are some common garden plants that are actually toxic to chickens? In this article, we’ll take a look at six of these plants and what you can do to keep your chickens safe.
Oleander
Oleander (Nerium oleander) is a common garden plant that is toxic to chickens. The entire plant is poisonous, but the leaves are the most dangerous part. If a chicken eats just a few leaves, it can be fatal. Oleander contains a substance called cardiac glycosides, which can cause heart problems in chickens. Symptoms of oleander poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, and heart arrhythmias. If you think your chicken has eaten oleander, take it to the vet immediately.
Rhododendron
Rhododendron is a common garden plant that is toxic to chickens. The plant contains toxins that can damage the liver and kidneys of chickens. Chickens that consume the plant may experience lethargy, vomiting, and diarrhea. In severe cases, the toxins can cause death.
If you have rhododendrons in your garden, it is important to keep them out of reach of chickens. You can do this by fencing off the area where the plants are growing. Alternatively, you can place chicken wire over the top of the plants. This will prevent chickens from being able to eat the leaves or flowers.
If you suspect that your chicken has eaten a rhododendron plant, it is important to seek veterinary treatment immediately. The sooner the chicken receives treatment, the better its chances of recovery.
Azalea
Azaleas are common garden plants that are toxic to chickens. The toxins in azaleas can cause gastrointestinal upset and respiratory problems in chickens. Azaleas can also be fatal if ingested in large quantities. If you have azaleas in your garden, make sure to keep them out of reach of your chickens.
Lantana
Lantana is a common garden plant that can be toxic to chickens. The leaves and flowers of the plant contain toxins that can cause illness in chickens. Symptoms of lantana toxicity include vomiting, diarrhea, and difficulty breathing. If ingested in large quantities, lantana can be fatal to chickens.
Foxglove
Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) is a common garden plant that is toxic to chickens. The leaves and flowers of this plant contain digitalis, a substance that can cause heart problems in chickens. Chickens that eat foxglove can develop arrhythmias, an irregular heartbeat, and congestive heart failure. This plant is also toxic to other animals, so it is important to keep it out of reach of chickens.
Brugmansia
Brugmansia is a common garden plant that is toxic to chickens. The plant contains scopolamine, which can cause seizures and death in chickens. Chickens should not be allowed to eat any part of the plant, including the flowers, leaves, and seeds.
How to keep your chickens safe from toxic plants
There are a number of other common plants that are poisonous to chickens, including rhododendrons, oleanders, and azaleas. If you have any of these plants in your garden, make sure your chickens cannot access them. If you suspect your chicken has ingested any toxic plant, contact your veterinarian immediately.