Chicken Friendly and Toxic Plants or Chemicals

A toxic substance does not mean that it will immediately kill the bird that consumes it. Many toxins build up in the system and signs of distress take awhile to be apparent.

COMMON FOODS

which are potentially toxic and/or unhealthy:

No avocado flesh, leaves, stems, pits or skins
No white potatoes - raw, skins or flesh, vines or leaves
No green tomatoes, plants or leaves
No rhubarb stalks or leaves
No eggplant, flesh, plants or stems
No fruit seeds/pits from apples, apricots, cherries, peaches, pears and plums The flesh from the fruits are all fine if they are cored first!
No raw or undercooked dried or green beans.  Once cooked, they are fine to feed. Sprouted beans are fine.
No onions.  Garlic is okay, garlic powder in feed is fine.
No chocolate, no caffeine, and no tea bags
Nothing moldy.
Overripe fruits, wilted veggies and stale cereal or bread products are fine.
No alcohol.
No raw eggs.
No dry rice.
Nothing too salty, sweet or fried
No candy, chocolate or sugar
Nothing that has been sprayed with pesticides, herbicides or other chemicals, such as lawn treatment products.

Okay in Limited Amounts: 

Citrus
Spinach
Asparagus
Iceberg lettuce
White rice, pasta and bread
Dairy products including yogurt, milk and cheese
RIPE potatoes, tomatoes, and eggplant, which have been cooked

TOXIC PLANTS, SHRUBS, AND FLOWERS

ARUM LILY
AMARYLLIS
ARALIA
ARROWHEAD VINE
AUTUMN CROCUS
AUSTRALIAN FLAMETREE
AUSTRALIAN UMBRELLA TREE
AVOCADO
AZALEA
BANEBERRY
BEANS: (CASTOR, HORSE, FAVA, BROAD, GLORY, SCARLET RUNNER,
MESCAL, NAVY, PREGATORY)
BIRD OF PARADISE
BISHOP'S WEED
BLACK LAUREL
BLACK LOCUST
BLEEDING HEART OR DUTCHMAN'S BREECHES
BLOODROOT
BLUEBONNET
BLUEGREEN ALGAE
BOXWOOD
BRACKEN FERN
BUCKTHORN
BULB FLOWERS: (AMARYLLIS, DAFFODIL, NARCISSUS, HYACINTH, IRIS)
BURDOCK
BUTTERCUP
CACAO
CAMEL BUSH
CASTOR BEAN
CALADIUM
CANA LILY
CARDINAL FLOWER
CHALICE (TRUMPET VINE)
CHERRY TREE
CHINA BERRY TREE
CHRISTMAS CANDLE
CLEMATIS (VIRGINIA BOWER)
CLIVIA
COCKLEBUR
COFFEE (SENNA)
COFFEE BEAN (RATTLEBUSH, RATTLE BOX & COFFEEWEED)
CORAL PLANT
CORIANDER
CORNCOCKLE
COYOTILLO
COWSLIP
CUTLEAF PHILODENDRON
DAFFODIL
DAPHNE
DATURA STRAMONIUM (ANGEL'S TRUMPET)
DEATH CAMUS
DELPHINIUM
DEVIL'S IVY
DIEFFENBACHIA (DUMB CANE)
ELDERBERRY
ELEPHANT EAR (TARO)
ENGLISH IVY
ERGOT
EUCALYPTUS (DRIED, DYED OR TREATED IN FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS)
EUONYMUS (SPINDLE TREE)
EUPHORBIA CACTUS
FALSE HELLEBORE
FLAME TREE
FERNS
FELT PLANT (MATERNITY, AIR & PANDA PLANTS)
FIG (WEEPING)
FIRE THORN
FLAMINGO FLOWER
FOUR O'CLOCK
FOXGLOVE
GLOTTIDIUM
GOLDEN CHAIN
GRASS: (JOHNSON, SORGHUM, SUDAN & BROOM CORN)
GROUND CHERRY
HEATHS: (KALMIA, LEUCOTHO, PEIRES, RHODODENDRON, MTN. LAUREL,
BLACK LAUREL, ANDROMEDA & AZALEA)
HELIOTROPE
HEMLOCK: (POISON & WATER)
HENBANE
HOLLY
HONEYSUCKLE
HORSE CHESTNUT
HORSE TAIL
HOYA
HYACINTH
HYDRANGEA
IRIS
IRIS IVY: (ENGLISH & OTHERS)
JACK-IN-THE-PULPIT
JASMINE (JESSAMINE)
JERUSALEM CHERRY
JIMSONWEED
JUNIPER
KY. COFFEE TREE
LANTANA (RED SAGE)
LARKSPUR
LILY OF THE VALLEY
LILY, ARUM
LOBELIA
LOCOWEED (MILK VETCH)
LOCUSTS, BLACK / HONEY
LORDS AND LADIES (CUCKOOPINT)
LUPINE
MALANGA
MARIJUANA (HEMP)
MAYAPPLE (MANDRAKE)
MEXICAN BREADFRUIT
MEXICAN POPPY
MILKWEED, COTTON BUSH
MISTLETOE
MOCK ORANGE
MONKSHOOD
MOONSEED
MORNING GLORY
MTN. LAUREL
MUSHROOMS, AMANITA
MYRTLE
NARCISSUS
NETTLES
NIGHTSHADES: (DEADLY, BLACK, GARDEN, WOODY, BITTERSWEET,
EGGPLANT, JERUSALEM CHERRY, TOMATOES, POTATOES, EGGPLANT)
OAK
OLEANDER
OXALIS
PARSLEY
PEACE LILY
PERIWINKLE
PHILODENDRONS: (SPLIT LEAF, SWISS CHEESE, HEART-LEAF)
PIGWEED
POINCIANA
POINSETTIA
POISON IVY
POISON HEMLOCK
POISON OAK: (WESTERN & EASTERN)
POKEWEED
POTATO SHOOTS
POTHOS
PRIVET
PYRACANTHA
RAIN TREE
RANUNCULUS, BUTTERCUP
RAPE
RATTLEBOX, CROTALARIA
RED MAPLE
RED SAGE (LANTANA)
RHUBARB LEAVES
RHODODENDRONS
ROSARY PEA SEEDS
ST. JOHN'S WORT
SAND BOX TREE
SKUNK CABBAGE
SORREL (DOCK)
SNOW DROP
SPURGES: (PENCIL TREE, SNOW-ON-MTN, CANDELABRA, CROWN OF THORNS)
STAR OF BETHLEHEM
SWEET PEA
SWISS CHEESE PLANT (MONSTERA)
TANSY RAGWORT
TOBACCO
TRUMPET VINE
TULIP:  TULIPA
UMBRELLA PLANT
VETCH: HAIRY/COMMON
VIRGINIA CREEPER
WATTLE
WEEPING FIG
WHITE CEDAR, CHINA BERRY
WISTERIA
YEWS
YELLOW JASMINE

The following are some of the more common ornamental plants potentially toxic, yet unlikely that chickens would freely eat these.

Azalea: Rhododendron spp.
Boxwood: Buxus spp.
Buttercup family: Ranunculaceae. This family includes anemone, clematis, delphinium, and ranunculus.
Cherry laurel: Prunus laurocerasus.
Daffodil: Narcissus spp.
Daphne: Daphne spp.
Foxglove: Digitalis spp.
Honeysuckle: Lonicera spp.
Hydrangea: Hydrangea spp.
Ivy: Hedera spp.
Jasmine: Jasminum spp.
Lantana: Lantana spp.
Lily of the valley: Convallaria majalis.
Mexican poppy: Argemone mexicana
Monkshood: Aconitum napellus.
Mountain laurel: Kalmia latifolia.
Oleander: Nerium oleander.
Rhododendron: Rhododendron spp.
Sweet pea: Lathyrus spp.
Tobacco: Nicotiana spp.
Tulip: Tulipa
Wisteria: Wisteria spp.
Yew: Taxus spp.

DEADLY POISONOUS PLANTS FOUND IN PASTURES

These plants are not only extremely poisonous to poultry, but also to many other types of livestock and humans. This is not an inclusive list, and be aware that these plants can be found in other areas besides pastures, such as meadows, wilderness areas, and sometimes in gardens as volunteers. These are the types of plants you absolutely should never expose your chickens to:

Black locust: Robinia pseudoacacia.
Bladderpod: Glottidium vasicarium.
Death Camas: Zigadenus spp.
Castor bean: Ricinus communis.
European black nightshade: Solanum nigrum.
Corn cockle: Agrostemma githago.
Horsenettle: Datura stramonium.
Milkweed: Asclepias tuberosa. And other varieties.
Mushrooms: Amanita spp. Death Cap, Destroying Angel, Panther Cap. Extremely deadly and poisonous if ingested.
Jimsonweed: Datura stramonium.
Poison hemlock: Conium maculatum.
Pokeberry: Phytolacca americana.
Rosary pea: Arbus precatorius.
Water Hemlock: Cicuta spp.
White snakeroot: Ageratina altissima.

TOXIC CHEMICALS

Arsenic: used in sprays for plants, rat and ant poisons and for tanalising timber, but the latter is only a problem if the timber is still wet from the treatment. Clinical signs are nervous signs and death.

Copper: either as copper sulphate or copper oxychloride fungicides. Convulsions and death follow ingestion.

Calcium: excess due to supplementation will result in kidney failure. Young birds are more susceptible than adults.

Lead: from old paint, lead shot, fishermen's lead weights (both lead weights and lead shot are no longer used on waterways, but residues are a problem). Treatable with veterinary treatment if caught early enough. Signs are green diarrhoea, muscle weakness and weight loss, confirmed by blood analysis. The head and neck may be swollen with a discharge from the eyes and nose.

Zinc: ingestion of galvanised wire, old galvanised drinkers. Signs are weight loss and leg weakness, confirmed by blood analysis. Treatment as for lead poisoning.

Mercury: used for treating grain and exposures are cumulative. Signs are weight loss and leg weakness. Residues may be present in eggs and meat for several months after exposure to the poison.

Phosphorus: found in rodent baits, matches and fireworks. This causes sudden death or progressive weakness.

Nitrates: nitrate fertilizers cause increased thirst, purple comb in chickens, convulsions and death.

Phosphides: found in rodent baits. Causes reduced appetite, coma and death.

Bicarbonates: young chicks and turkey poults are susceptible and the signs are diarrhoea, increased water consumption, death.

Sodium chloride: common salt causes poisoning in excess. Road salt can be a problem in some areas where water courses are affected. Kidney failure, convulsions and death are the result.

Potassium permanganate: still sometimes used as a disinfectant for incubators and causes sudden death if ingested.

Fungicides: these are used as seed protectants and produce depressed growth and deformities in young birds, with layers producing odd shaped, thin shelled, infertile eggs.

Herbicides:  any organophosphorus ingredient is dangerous. Paraquat produces convulsions and death with geese regurgitating crop contents.

Insecticides:  chlorinated hydrocarbons: aldrin (grain treatment), chlordane, dieldrin

(seed and timber protectant), DDT, lindane (only recently banned from flea powder).

All of these can cause hyperexcitability followed by death. Woodshavings from treated wood are especially dangerous; shavings sold for livestock are from untreated wood.

Organophosphorouscompounds: diazinon, dichlorvos, malathion, parathion, dimethoate.

These are cumulative and result in regurgitation, muscle twitching and death. Can be one to  three weeks before effect.

Carbamates can kill chicks, poults and ducklings quickly.

Molluscides:  metaldehyde slug bait kills poultry. Slug control in the vegetable garden may be better achieved by letting a few Call ducks free range; they are small enough not to do much damage to plants.

Rodenticides: chickens are relatively resistant to warfarin but baits based on phosphorus, arsenic or zinc phosphide are very toxic to poultry.

Phenolic compounds: are the base of many disinfectants, wood preservatives, coal tar products and creosote. The latter was traditionally used to kill red mite in henhouses but it kills young poultry and pheasants unless allowed to dry for at least three weeks before putting birds in a treated area. There are now other products more effective at killing red mite and less toxic to the birds.  Drinkers or feeders should be well rinsed if phenolic disinfectants have been used.

Formaldehyde: causes conjunctivitis and respiratory distress.

Drugs: too high a dose or prolonged treatment or mixing incompatible ones will cause problems. The avermectins are useful parasiticides but are not licensed for poultry and in excess will make birds infertile or kill them. Ornamental geese seem more susceptible.

Ionophore coccidiostats (monensin, narasin and salinomycin) will kill turkeys and guinea fowl. Always read the label on feed bags.

Furazolidone, although now banned from food producing animals, kills chickens, turkeys and ducklings.

Sulphonamides are used to treat coccidiosis and can be toxic if the dose is exceeded or prolonged.

Fungal infections: Aspergillus and Candida are the main cause of disease.

Mycotoxins: aflatoxin in feed eg. groundnuts, corn, cottonseed. Crops grown in drought conditions encourage aflatoxin proliferation but most reputable feed mills test for this.  Fusarium moulds occur on grains grown in cool climates.  Ergots are fungus on grass and grain flowering heads. These can be prevented by obtaining feed from a reputable source and storing it in dry conditions.

Other toxins:   E. coli produces bacterial endotoxins, which cause intoxication, renal or hepatic disease when toxic metabolites (products) accumulate.

Clostridium botulinum toxin (see Clostridial diseases)

Carbon monoxide: associated with the burning of fuel in an inadequate supply of oxygen.

Chick gas heaters need ventilation, regular servicing and checking. The blood of dead chicks is bright cherry red.

Ammonia: in concentrations of 170ppm causes conjunctivitis, paralysis of the tracheal cilia (the mechanism for removing mucus from the lungs) and predisposes to more severe respiratory disease caused by a variety of respiratory pathogens. Keep litter dry and friable to avoid build up of ammonia and sufficient ventilation. If the keeper can smell ammonia it will be adversely affecting the birds.

CHICKEN FRIENDLY

Herbs:  [See Chart below]
Comfrey
Fennel
Thyme
Lavender
Nasturtium
Rosemary
Sage
Wormwood
Oregano
Chickweed
Dandelions
Nettles

Vegetables and Grains:
Amaranth
Plantain
Clover
Alfalfa
Sunflowers
Peas, Beans, and Legumes
Lentils
Squash
Rhubarb
Buckwheat
Garlic, Onions, Leeks (Alliums)
Asparagus

Fruit and Shrubs:
Most Fruit Trees and Canes, except Apricots
Raspberries
Blueberries
Currants
Mulberries
Siberian Pea Shrub

The following plants are deemed “safe” for chickens. 
[Some zones listed.]

FLORAL PLANTS
Bee Balm   3-9   Perennial
Begonia   Annual
Black Eyed Susan   3-11   Perennial
Coreopsis   3-9   Perennial
Calendula   Annual
Daisy   5-8   Perennial
Dandelion   Annual
Day Lilly   4-8   Perennial
Echinacea (Coneflower)   3-9   Perennial
Impatiens   Annual
Kalanchoe
Marigold   Annual
Nasturtium   Annual
Orchid   Perennial
Petunia   Annual
Sunflower   Annual
Thistle    Perennial
Velvet Nettle  Perennial
Violet   Annual
Zinnia   Annual

•Geraniums
•Hibiscus
•Hollyhock
•Lilac
•Pansy
•Pea Blossoms
•Peony
•Phlox
•Snap Dragon
•Squash Blossom

FOLIAGE PLANTS
Aloe
Boston Fern
Christmas Cactus
Coleus   Annual
Dracaena Fern
Hens and Chicks 
Hosta 
Jade Plant
Mother-in-Law
Snake Plant
Spider Plant
Wandering Jew
Wax Plant
Yucca 

HERBS
Basil
Bay Leaves
Catnip
Cayenne Pepper
Chamomile
Cilantro
Cinnamon
Comfrey
Dill
Fennel
Feverfew
Garlic
Ginger
Gotu Kola
Lavender
Lemon Balm
Mint
Nettles
Oregano
Peppermint
Pineapple Sage
Rosemary
Sage
Spearmint
Tarragon
Thyme
Wormwood (dried only)

VINES
Black Eye Susan   10-11   Perennial
Bougainvillea   9-11   Perennial
Grape Ivy   Annual
Nasturtium   Annual
Rose   3-11   Perennial
Swedish Ivy   Annual
Virginia Creeper   3-9   Perennial

SHRUBS
Bamboo
Butterfly Bush   5-10
Dogwood   3-8
Fig   7-9
Gardenia   8-10
Hop Tree   4-9
Juniper   3-9
Lilac   2-9
Palm   8-11
Rose   3-11
Schefflera

TREES
Ash   2-9
Citrus (all)
Crab Apple   3-8
Dogwood   3-8
Elm   2-9
Eucalyptus   8-10
Fig   7-9
Guava
Hawthorn   4-7
Hop Tree   4-9
Madrona
Magnolia   5-9
Manzanita
Palm   8-11
Papaya
Pine   2-9
Prune
Redbud 5-9
Ribbonwood
Sassafras
Thurlow
Willow (Goat/Pussy/Weeping)

WEEDS
Beautyberry
Bitter Cress
Burweed
Catchweed Bedstraw
Catsear
Evening Primrose
Fat Hen
Hawkweed
Mugwort
Oxalis
Plantain
Purslane
Shiny Cudweed
Smartweed
Thistles

Yellow dock

Here is a basic listing of herbs and their uses for chickens:

Basil	Used for mucus membrane health and has antibacterial properties
Catnip	Repels insects and used as a sedative/relaxant
Cilantro	Helps keep fungus at bay, antioxidant properties, bone health, high in Vitamin A for eye health and Vitamin K for blood clotting
Dill	Respiratory health, antioxidant properties, sedative/relaxant
Fennel	Enhances reproductive health (egg laying)
Garlic	Enhances reproductive health (egg laying) / helps control parasites
Lavender	Smells wonderful, lowers stress, circulatory health, , insect repellant
Lemon Balm	Smells nice in the coop, lowers stress, antibacterial, repels rodents
Marigold	Enhances reproductive health (egg laying)
Marjoram	Enhances reproductive health (egg laying)
Mint	Used in nest/coop -(all kinds) - insecticide and rodent repellent
Nasturtium	Enhances reproductive health (egg laying), antiseptic, antibiotic, insecticide, de-wormer
Oregano	Contains antibiotic properties which may help preventavian flu, blackhead, coccidia, e-coli, infectious bronchitisand salmonella
Parsley	Promotes circulatory system development, enhances reproductive health (egg laying), rich in vitamins
Peppermint	helps control parasites, insect repellant,
Pineapple	Promotes nervous system health, smells wonderful
Rose Petals	Highly aromatic, high in Vitamin C
Rosemary	Pain relief, respiratory health, insect repellant
Sage	Antioxidant, helps control parasites,
Spearmint	Antiseptic, insecticide, stimulates nervous system, circulatory and brain functions
Tarragon	Antioxidant properties
Thyme	Promotes respiratory health,  antioxidant, has antibacterial properties,  helps control parasites

Here is a quick reference of some of the more common herbs and their specific benefits for us and for chickens:

Basil - antibacterial, mucus membrane health, repels flies and mosquitoes

Bay Leaves - antiseptic, antioxidant, immune system booster, insect repellent
Bee Balm - (bergamot/monarda) antiseptic, antibacterial, respiratory health, calming

Borage - high in calcium, betacarotenes and niacin, soothing, supports cardiovascular health, antioxidant, mucus membrane health, helps keep bugs out of the garden
Calendula - heals wounds
Catnip - sedative, insect repellent
Cayenne pepper - aids circulation, appetite stimulant, antiseptic, digestive enhancement
Chamomile - kills mites and lice,  repels fleas, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, calming, relaxant, detoxifier
Chervil - heals bruises, thought to prevent illness
Chives - aid digestion, stimulates appetite, good source of iron
Cilantro - antioxidant, fungicide, builds strong bones, high in Vitamin A for vision and Vitamin K for blood clotting
Cinnamon - promotes healthy breathing
Comfrey - pain reliever, anti-inflammatory, heals wounds, high in protein and Vitamin B-12, promotes muscle, cartilage, and bone growth
Dill - antioxidant, relaxant, respiratory health, stimulates the appetite

Echinacea - antibacterial, aids in respiratory health and strengthens the immune system
Fennel - laying stimulant, insect repellent
Garlic - laying stimulant, anti-fungal, benefits circulatory and respiratory system, relieves diarrhea
Ginger - stress reducer, appetite stimulant, anti-oxidant
Goldenseal - Antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, useful for treating wounds
Hyssop - improves circulation, heals wounds, detoxifier

Lavender - stress reliever, increases blood circulation, highly aromatic, insect repellent
Lemon Balm - stress reliever, antibacterial, highly aromatic, rodent and insect repellent, calming

Lemon Verbena - aromatic, fly repellent, antiviral properties
Lemon Grass (citronella) - fly repellent
Lovage - aids respiratory and mucus membrane health, blood detoxifier, anti-inflammatory
Marigold - vibrant egg yolks, feet and beaks/bills, highly aromatic, insect repellent, antioxidant, stress reliever, increases blood circulation
Marjoram - laying stimulant, anti-inflammatory, decongestant, improves blood circulation, detoxifier
Mint - (all kinds) - insecticide and rodent repellent, antioxidant, aids in respiratory health, digestive aid, lowers body temperature naturally. Feeding results in larger eggs, thicker eggshells and increased egg production.
Nasturtium - laying stimulant, antiseptic, antibiotic, insecticide, wormer
Oregano - combats coccidia, salmonella, infectious bronchitis, avian flue, blackhead and e-coli, strengthens immune system
Parsley - high in vitamins A, B,C calcium and iron, aids in blood vessel development, laying stimulant
Peppermint - anti-parasitic, insect repellent,
Pineapple Sage - aids nervous system, highly aromatic, antiseptic
Plantain - Antibacterial, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant.
Raspberry Leaf - antioxidant, relaxant, supports healthy reproductive system.
Rose Petals - highly aromatic, high in Vitamin C, antioxidant
Rosemary - pain reliever, respiratory health, insect repellent
Sage - antioxidant, anti-parasitic, general health promoter, thought to combat Salmonella
Spearmint - antiseptic, insect repellent, stimulates nerve, brain and blood functions
Tarragon - antioxidant, appetite stimulant

Thyme - aids in respiratory health, antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-parasitic, stimulant
Yarrow - antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, clears sinuses and respiratory systems, stress reliever

- - - - -  Below is For My Information - Not medical advice! - - - - -

Propolis is an amazing natural antibiotic and anti-fungal substance.  It's a bee product, and you can buy it at any health food store. The tincture is best for applying directly to wounds, but you can also make a salve/balm with powdered propolis infused in the oils. Propolis and honey is good for diaper rash, and other infections of the skin.

Natural Apple Cider Vinegar prevents yeast growth.
Add 1.5 Tablespoons to 2 C. Water & repeat daily.

Another probiotic is acidophilus capsules found at a drug store.
Open the capsule and pour the powder onto the feed once a day. 

Epsom salt is a naturally occurring mineral, a combination of magnesium and sulfate.
Epsom salt is also used internally, it detoxifies toxins if your chickens get into something toxic.  It acts as a laxative, so if your hen’s system needs flushing, or if her crop is impacted or the digestive process seems blocked, this will gently move things along.  
Epson Salt - Orally: [Another chickeneer said he would "never do this to his chicken", while another swore by it!]
1 teaspoon of Epsom salt in 1 ounce of water ONLY one TIME TREATMENT!
Feed this ORALLY with a syringe
DO NOT force down her throat and get it into her lungs, work slowly drops at a time. 
After an Epsom SALT treatment she will be extremely thirsty so be sure to
keep water available! [Clear liquid "diarrhea" the day of the Epsom is OK!

Fungal:  Oxine AH for clean coops and waterers, also mist on the birds so they will inhale it or use a fogger.  Gentian Violet [For thrush]:  Swab entire mouth and tongue two or three times a day for three days.