21 Herbs and Plants that are Toxic to Chickens

Chickens are fascinating creatures that provide us with fresh eggs, pest control, and endless entertainment. As responsible chicken owners, it’s important to provide them with a safe and healthy environment.

While herbs can offer numerous benefits to chickens, it’s crucial to be aware of the potential dangers of toxic herbs. We will explore the risks associated with toxic herbs and how to keep your feathered friends safe.

What are toxic herbs?

Toxic herbs are plants that contain substances that can be harmful or even fatal to chickens when ingested. These herbs may have toxic compounds that can cause digestive issues, organ damage, or neurological problems. It’s essential to identify and avoid these herbs to protect the well-being of your flock.

Which herbs are toxic to chickens?

While there are numerous herbs that are safe and beneficial for chickens, there are many that should be avoided. Here are some common toxic herbs:

TOXIC PLANT/HERB	TOXIC CHEMICAL
NIGHTSHADE	SOLANINE
FOXGLOVE	GLYCOSIDES
LILY OF THE VALLEY	GLYCOSIDES
RHUBARB	OXALIC ACID
YEW	TAXINE
DAFFODILS	LYCORINE
OLEANDER	GLYCOSIDE
HEMLOCK	CONIINE
AZALEAS	GRAYANOTOXINS
LILY	CALCIUM OXALATES
DATURA	TROPANE ALKALOIDS
CASTOR BEAN	RICIN
AUTUMN CROCUS	COLCHICINE
LILY OF THE NILE	SAPONINS
DELPHINIUM	DITERPENE ALKALOIDS
MORNING GLORY	LYSERGIC ACID AMIDE
APRICOT LEAVES, BARK	CYANOGENIC GLYCOSIDES
MONKSHOOD	ACONITINE
TANSY	ALKALOIDS
WISTERIA	LECTINS & WISTERIN
OLEANDER SAGE	OLEANDRIN & OLEANDRIGENIN

1. Nightshade

Nightshade plants, such as tomatoes, potatoes, eggplants and tomato plants are toxic to chickens. They contain solanine, a toxic substance that can cause digestive upset, weakness, and even paralysis in chickens.

2. Foxglove

Foxglove is a beautiful flowering plant, but it contains cardiac glycosides that can cause heart failure in chickens if ingested.

3. Lily of the Valley

Lily of the Valley contains cardiac glycosides similar to foxglove, which can lead to heart problems in chickens.

4. Rhubarb

Rhubarb leaves contain oxalic acid, which can cause kidney damage and even death in chickens.

5. Yew

Yew is an evergreen shrub that contains taxine, a toxic substance that affects the nervous system and can be fatal to chickens.

6. Daffodils

Daffodils contain lycorine, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and even convulsions in chickens.

7. Oleander

Oleander is a highly toxic plant with a glycoside that can cause cardiac arrest and death in chickens if ingested.

8. Hemlock

Hemlock is a poisonous plant that contains coniine and can cause respiratory failure and death in chickens.

9. Azaleas

Azaleas contain grayanotoxins, which can cause weakness, paralysis, and even death in chickens.

10. Lily

Lilies are highly toxic to chickens and can cause kidney failure if ingested.

11. Datura

Datura, also known as jimsonweed, contains tropane alkaloids that can cause hallucinations, seizures, and death in chickens.

12. Castor Bean

Castor beans contain ricin, a highly toxic substance that can cause organ failure and death in chickens.

13. Autumn Crocus

Autumn crocus contains colchicine, which can cause severe gastrointestinal upset and organ damage in chickens.

14. Lily of the Nile

Lily of the Nile, also known as Agapanthus, contains toxic alkaloids that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and even death in chickens.

15. Delphinium

Delphinium contains alkaloids that can cause digestive upset, weakness, and even paralysis in chickens.

16. Morning Glory

While morning glory flowers are not toxic, the seeds contain a substance called lysergic acid amide, which can cause hallucinations and digestive upset in chickens.

17. Apricot Leaves, Bark, Pits

While apricots are perfectly fine for your chickens to eat, every other part of the plant isn’t. Apricot pits, leaves and bark all contain cyanogenic glycosides that can trigger seizures, breathing problems as well as low blood pressure.

18. Monkshood

Monkshood, also known as Aconitum, contains aconitine, a highly toxic substance that affects the nervous system and can be fatal to chickens.

19. Tansy

Tansy contains thujone, a toxic substance that can cause digestive upset, liver damage, and even death in chickens.

20. Wisteria

Wisteria contains lectins and glycosides that can cause digestive upset, weakness, and even death in chickens.

21. Oleander Sage

Oleander sage, also known as Salvia dorisiana, contains toxic compounds that can cause digestive upset and even death in chickens.

It’s important to keep your chickens away from these toxic herbs and plants. If you suspect your chickens have ingested any of these plants or are showing signs of illness, contact a veterinarian immediately.

Providing a safe and toxin-free environment for your chickens will ensure their health and well-being.

Why should you avoid having toxic herbs on your property?

Chickens are curious creatures that love to peck at anything that catches their attention.

In my experience, chickens seem to “know” what is and isn’t good to eat and will for them most part stay away from things that are not good for them. But I wouldn’t chance it.

All it takes is one nibble of some of these plants and it can lead to death.

If you allow your flock to free range, it is best to avoid having toxic plants and herbs on your property.

Ingesting toxic herbs can have severe consequences for their health, including death.

What are the symptoms of toxic ingestion in chickens?

1. Diarrhea: If you notice your chicken’s droppings becoming loose or watery, it could be a sign of toxic ingestion. Diarrhea is the body’s way of eliminating harmful substances.

2. Loss of appetite: Chickens are typically enthusiastic eaters, so a sudden decrease in appetite can be a red flag. If your chicken is avoiding food or treats, it may be an indication of toxic ingestion.

3. Lethargy: A lethargic chicken that appears weak or uninterested in its surroundings may have ingested something toxic. Toxic substances can cause a range of physiological effects, including fatigue and weakness.

4. Abnormal behavior: Keep an eye out for any unusual behavior in your chickens. This can include disorientation, stumbling, or difficulty standing. These signs may indicate that your chicken has ingested a toxic substance.

5. Respiratory distress: Toxic ingestion can sometimes affect a chicken’s respiratory system, leading to symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, or difficulty breathing. If you notice any respiratory distress, it’s important to seek veterinary assistance immediately.

What should you do if you suspect toxic ingestion?

If you observe any of the above symptoms in your chicken, it’s crucial to take action promptly. Here are the steps you should follow:

1. Remove the source: If you can identify the source of the toxicity, remove it from your chicken’s environment immediately. This may include removing poisonous plants, chemicals, or other potentially harmful substances.

2. Isolate the affected chicken: Separate the affected chicken from the rest of the flock to prevent the potential spread of toxins or contagious diseases.

3. Provide supportive care: Offer your chicken plenty of fresh water to stay hydrated. You can also provide electrolytes to help replenish any lost nutrients. However, avoid force-feeding your chicken, as this may worsen the situation.

4. Contact a veterinarian: It’s essential to consult a veterinarian experienced in avian medicine. They can provide guidance on further steps to take and may recommend specific treatments or medications.

5. Monitor and observe: Keep a close eye on your chicken’s condition and document any changes or new symptoms that arise. This information will be valuable for the veterinarian’s assessment.

Remember, prevention is always better than cure. Take proactive measures to ensure your chicken’s environment is free from potential toxins.

Regularly inspect their surroundings, provide a balanced diet, and offer your flock herbs that are safe and beneficial to them: marigold, peppermint, chamomile, parsley, fennel seed, marjoram, dandelions, lavender, rosemary.

By being vigilant and knowledgeable, you can protect your feathered friends from the dangers of toxic ingestion.

All Natural Ingredients: Peppermint, Marigold, Chamomile, Parsley, Marjoram, Fennel, Rosemary, Dandelion, Lavender

Special 9 Herb Nesting Box Blend

One way to enhance your chicken’s environment is by using Nesting Box Herbs. These herbs can provide a calming and aromatic atmosphere for your chickens while offering natural pest repellent properties.

However, it’s crucial to ensure that the nesting box herbs you choose are safe and non-toxic for your flock. Always opt for herbs that have been specifically formulated for chickens to avoid any potential risks.

By being aware of the dangers of toxic herbs and taking the necessary precautions, you can create a safe and healthy environment for your chickens. Remember, their well-being is in your hands, so make informed choices to keep them happy and thriving.