Safe plants for outside the chicken run

[Dace]

We have a fence around our chicken run and I would like to plant some flowering vines to grow up the fence to pretty it up.

I would love to plant morning glories along the fence but I think they are toxic. Can anyone advise me if this will be safe around my hens? I don't know if chickens are smart enough to stay away from toxic plants or if they have the common sense to not eat things they should not!

 

[SKR8PN]

http://www.poultryhelp.com/toxicplants.html

Here ya go!!


"MORNING GLORIES (Ipomea spp.); entire plant; plant contains LSD-related hallucinogens; may contain toxic levels of nitrates."



I don't think I would plant them near your chickens.

 

[Blackbird]

I'm not sure about Morning Glories either...
The only vines that I know of that they won't eat are Virginia Creepers, (personal favorite vine) and those don't really flower. The berries are poisonous to people but not birds. You can probably find tons out in the woods, extremely invasive.

Heres a picture of our turkey pen, covered in it.. none of our birds bother it. Makes for great shade and good for making wreaths and such.

Sorry I'm not of more help.

 

[Marie66]

Great link.
But, WOW!!

May be easier to look at a list of plants that are safe to pick from.

 

[OkieAnnie]

Amos - I love your turkey run! That vine looks great! I had never thought of doing that. You have inspired me to try something similar with mine.

Do you think they would be safe to plan around rabits?

 

[Dace]

Thank you...I had a feeling that the MGs would be a no-go. Looked up some of the other vining seeds that I have and decided on a Black eyed Susan vine (thunbergia). It should be cute.

 

[keljonma]

I was thinking climbing roses or mint. Once mint gets started though, it will be all over! The black eyed Susan vine (thunbergia) sounds terrific!

 

[justusnak]

I planted Mint. I have literally TONS of it growing here. Its the one reason I love to mow the yard. MMmmmmm. So I started planting it around the runs this spring. Now, if I know someone is coming over to see the chickens...I just walk by and "bump it" with my foot... smells good!

 

[Blackbird]

What kind of mint are you guys talking about?

Thanks Annie. I'm not sure about rabbits, I think the berries are poisonous to all mammals. Honestly we never did anything to it, it did it by itself. We have entire trees engulfed with the stuff, as well as wild grapes.

 

[angelib1]

I planted hops and green bean (Kentucky wonder).