About 70 different species of the deciduous shrub hydrangea (Hydrangea spp.), which is frequently planted, are found virtually everywhere. The cultivated species have flowers in a variety of colors, from white to pink to mauve to bluish purple to blue. From June to July, flowers bloom in clusters or heads, most often with four petals in a white or cream tint.
Cyanogenic glycosides are found in the hydrangea plant’s buds, flowers, and leaves, specifically in a substance known as hydrangin. When consumed, hydrangin transforms into cyanide. Therefore, chickens who eat this plant run the risk of getting cyanide poisoning.
Do hydrangeas appeal to chickens?
Note: In Virginia, this was our first-ever chicken run. Since then, we’ve relocated to Maine and constructed a new, but shorter route. Because we can now observe them more easily and are generally home, we decided to landscape our new run with shrubs that were planted outside the boundaries.
The chickens have access to a small garden area, flowering bushes, shrubs, climbing roses, and a wide chicken yard that is full with these plants.
I grow climbing plants like roses, peas, squash, cucumbers, melons, and even grape vines to cover the top and sides of the run to add more summer shade.
There are numerous benefits to investing some time (and money) into creating a beautiful landscape for your poultry yard.
Why Landscape your Chicken Run?
- It is advantageous to you and the hens if the run area is attractive since you will want to spend more time there.
- Your time spent with the hens will be visually attractive to your senses because to the blooming flowers and lush greenery all around, which will only increase the joy that their antics naturally provide!
- Another reason to consider the appearance of your run area is that your neighbors may be less likely to complain about your hens if your run is something they enjoy watching from their windows.
- Additionally, landscaping works to obstruct predators’ lines of sight from above and from the sides.
- Even in a completely enclosed run, hawks will soar overhead and other predators will approach from the sides. Shrubs and bushes can both prevent the predators from obtaining a clear view of your flock and provide your hens an extra sense of security.
- The varied bushes and shrubs also attract insects that the hens may eat and give shade, which is another benefit of gardening.
- In the summer, shade is crucial, and chickens love to catch and consume insects since they are healthy.
Plants to Avoid when Landscaping a Chicken Run
Finding plants to grow that the hens won’t eat yet are safe for them to consume is the difficulty, of course. Although it could be challenging, it’s not impossible. It would be more beneficial to have a smaller list of plants that can damage chickens and other animals because there are so many that are harmless.
Although by no means exhaustive, this list of common plants to avoid is an excellent place to start.
The following plants are on the list of probable toxins:
I planted a few azaleas in our new chicken run because I was unaware that they would be a problem when we first bought our hens. They were swiftly removed and replanted farther away from the birds.
How to Landscape your Chicken Run
To begin, this is the area in front of our barn that we opted to convert into a run when we acquired our first flock of chickens.
I foolishly believed that the rose bushes and various flower containers I placed in the run would remain there and that the area would remain grassy.
How mistaken I was! The entire run was covered in dirt within a few weeks. The grass has vanished entirely. Even though we only got six hens to begin with, they quickly ruined the entire run area, scratching it to nothing.
Thankfully, the rose bushes had grown taller, but you can see that the lowest two feet are naked.
Fortunately, if you cage taller bushes and shrubs from the hens when they’re young, they will be alright until they grow.
Every flower and every bit of potting soil were removed from the lovely window box I had planted.
In addition, the flower bucket I had placed in the run was being utilized as a nesting container. In fact, I frequently discovered eggs tucked in the soil.
But I was adamant that I would have a “beautiful” run for both the chickens and myself, so I began reading about chicken-resistant plants and trying out a few different planting strategies.
This much I can guarantee. Any hosta, luriope, gardenia, or petunia you plant will be devoured by them. I even tried hydrangea, which are allegedly harmful to chickens, because I was at my wits’ end. I assumed they would disregard it because they had plenty to eat already.
Even though they didn’t consume the leaves and flowers, they killed the shrub by tearing them all off, spitting them out, and then digging up the roots.
Butterfly Bushes
In the run, butterfly bushes are ideal. They grow quickly and are really attractive, offering lovely shade. They are not eaten by the hens, and many insects are drawn to the blossoms.
Even though I trim them back every spring, the hens and ducks like to use them as cover during the winter.
Juniper
Juniper is an additional suggestion. Although the juniper doesn’t offer quite as much shade, it gives the run year-round color, prevents predators from seeing inside, and the hens don’t touch it.
I encircle the base with stones as a precaution and to give new shrubs time to establish themselves, so that the hens won’t dig the roots up.
Rosebushes
The lower two feet or so of leaves are still consumed by hens, but if you can cage the bushes until they are taller, the bushes will thrive. HERE is a tutorial for making a simple chicken wire garden cloche.
The hens and ducks especially enjoy the leaves and petals, so I toss them the spent flowers, or they eat them as they fall.
Additionally, they enjoy devouring the rose hips that I use my fingernail to break open for them after the flower’s petals have fallen.
Hawthorn
Another fantastic option is hawthorn. Our flock hasn’t troubled the bushes or eaten any leaves up to this far, however the berries are tasty and drop in the fall.
And keep in mind that it’s always a good idea to cage new bushes or plants of any kind to stop people from digging or scratching around the roots so they can take root.
Free Plants!
I frequently venture into the woods in search of tiny plants and shrubs to transplant. Sometimes they are successful, and other times they become an afternoon chicken snack!
This one was transplanted in the run after I discovered it today. Even if they do decide to eat it, there is no harm done because it was free!
Replanting Grass in your Chicken Run
Every spring, I also sow grass seed in my chicken run. Before sowing the seed, I block off the run’s sunny side and keep the chickens away until the grass has a chance to take root.
Ensure that the seed is untreated and uncoated to avoid any chemical fertilizers. It looks nice while it lasts and keeps them busy, but they end up clawing it all up in a couple of days.
Each spring, knowing that the hens will eat them, I plant edible flowers in the window box so that I can enjoy them while they last.
Consequently, it is feasible to have a gorgeously planted run. A few modest stone walls add aesthetic appeal to some areas and give your chickens a place to climb out of the muck or snow.
A variety of plants and shrubs will make your run appear lovely, while providing shade, a supply of bugs and insects and a predator screen. A beautiful run makes me happy, therefore it’s worth the extra effort.
Here is a small run tour video I made to show you some additional things I planted along the route. Although many of the plants’ names escape me, you could be familiar with them.
What kinds of plants won’t chicken eat?
Avoid these 14 toxic plants with your chickens.
- Azalea. Thanks to their waxy green leaves and vibrant blossoms, these deciduous shrubs are common in landscaping all over the United States.
- Beans. Hemagglutinin, which is poisonous to chickens, is present in uncooked beans.
- Bulbs.
- Ferns.
- Foxglove.
- Holly.
- Lobelia.
- Lupine.
Which bushes are edible to chickens?
What Plants Are Best for a Chicken Run?
- Sage. Sage is praised as a herb that helps fend off various illnesses and fight salmonella.
- Thyme. Thyme is well renowned for deterring insects and vermin, so be sure to grow plenty of it close to the chickens’ nesting boxes.
- Lavender.
- Rosemary.
- Sunflowers.
- tree mulberries
- Black Clover.
What plant causes hens to die?
The majority of food you give chickens will be eaten. They enjoy eating food from the kitchen and exploring the garden in search of trees, flowers, bugs, and juicy worms. However, there are several foods and plants that might sicken or even kill your hens.
- Members of the nightshade family of plants Potatoes, tomatoes, and eggplant are examples of the plants of the nightshade family. These plants belong to the Solanaceae genus. This is due to the presence of a substance called solanine in them. Chickens get poisoned by this. However, if the plants are cooked, the chemical can be broken down. So you may normally feed your chickens any cooked potatoes or tomatoes. It is advisable to simply stop giving these plants to your chickens if you are concerned.
- Onions – When consumed in large numbers, onions may result in anemia or jaundice, which may occasionally be fatal. This is due to the presence of thiosulphate, which kills red blood cells.
- Avocados – The toxin persin can be found in avocados. The condition where the heart stops beating, known as myocardial necrosis, has been linked to this.
- Apple seeds contain cyanide, which can cause your chickens to perish. When giving them apples, make sure they are seed-free because any other part of the fruit is acceptable.
- Citrus fruit – While citrus fruits are unlikely to kill your chickens, they do reduce egg output. It’s okay to eat in moderation.
- Beans that are dried and fresh contain hemaglutin, which is poisonous to chickens. Cooked beans are acceptable.
- sweets, such as chocolate Theobromine is a poison found in chocolate. Similar to how too much sugar is unhealthy for humans, too much sugar will make your chickens overweight, which will reduce their ability to produce eggs.
- Salty meals – Because chickens don’t naturally consume a lot of salt, they can develop salt sickness.
- Food that has mold on it should never be given to hens since the mold can make them sick and perhaps kill them. As long as there is no mold, overripe, wilted vegetables or stale bread are all acceptable.
Be very careful not to overfeed your chickens with goodies like bread, cereal, and pasta, which have poor nutritional value and can lead to obesity. In moderation, dairy products and an excessive amount of iceberg lettuce should also be given.
Toxic Garden Plants
Many garden plants are poisonous to hens as well. Normally, your chickens won’t approach them on their own because they don’t taste very good to them. Making sure your chickens don’t have access to these plants, though, can be a smart idea. The list of garden plants toxic to your chickens is provided below.
- Bloodroot
- thorny nettle
- Bracken
- Bryony
- Carelessweed
- Cane toad
- Cocklebur
- Coulter Dock
- Delphinium
- Fern
- Foxglove
- Grass Ivy
- Hemlock
- equine chestnut
- equine radish
- Hyacinth
- Hydrangea
- Ivy
- Laburnum (seed)
- Lantana
- Lysimachia of the Valley
- Nightshade (Also called Deadly Nightshade)
- Rhododendron
- John’s Wort
- Tulip
- Hemlock Water
- Yew
Other Things to Avoid in your Garden If Hens Are Free-Ranging
- any insecticide, herbicide, or turf/lawn enhancer. Some commonly used weed and lawn treatments are fatal to hens (and the majority of other living creatures too!)
- artificial fertilizers.
- Any planted beds or borders that the foraging birds might trample. You will need to fence off or make anything you want protected from the chickens’ propensity for scratching and pecking off-limits.
What kind of ground cover is ideal for a chicken run?
The following are some suggestions you should be aware of when choosing the soil for the chicken run:
- Construction sand or river sand are the best types of sand to utilize as chicken run dirt. There may be little rocks in this sand as well.
- Instead of using a shovel, chicken farmers most often use a rake to remove the droppings from the sand. Then, every six months, they remove the top layer of sand.
- Concrete is an easy-to-clean substance that can be cleaned with just a hose, water, and a chemical-free disinfection solvent.
- Typically, wood flooring is rustic, smooth, and made of plywood. Wood floors frequently have a second layer of wood shavings on top of them. Always keep the shavings dry and free of dust.
- There shouldn’t be any pesticides, fungicides, herbicides, or other chemicals of any type in grass used as chicken flooring.
- You should rotate the chicken run once a month to ensure that the hens are always on grass. Every time you rotate the run, you want to take advantage of the chance to reseed the prior section of grass.
What objects are toxic to chickens?
Avoid foods that could give eggs a bad flavor. The two most frequent substances that might alter the flavor of eggs are garlic and onions.
Some other foods need to be avoided since they have poisons that can harm or even kill birds.
- Because they contain the toxin persin, avocado pits and peels are poisonous to hens. Chickens can eat avocado flesh without issue.
- Hemagglutinin, a substance found in undercooked or dried beans, can prevent the bird from properly digesting anything it consumes.
- Anthraquinones, which are found in rhubarb, may have laxative effects. Oxalic acid, which can be lethal to hens, can be found in large concentrations in rhubarb that has been severely cold-damaged.
- Foods that are moldy, rotting, or very salty may be hazardous and cause excessively moist feces.
If you adhere to the 90/10 rule and are careful of the foods your chickens have access to, feeding them a balanced and full diet is simple. As a baseline, begin with a complete feed, and then take care not to over-treat your birds with treats. When you do give a bird treats, make sure they are wholesome, healthful snacks that go well with its diet.
Are you prepared to observe the impact a complete feed can have on your flock? Activate your Feed Greatness Challenge account.
*The Feed Greatness Challenge is a 60-day feeding trial in which you will feed Purina feed, keep track of the health and performance of your flock, take pictures, and get informative emails.