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Hi

We're in the process of setting ourselves up for chickens. The father-in-law has been to visit and said he thinks one of the bushes we've got is poisonous to chickens. Trouble is I'm not sure what it is so that I can check. I was wondering if anyone can help.

It has bright deep pink flowers (well did have, they've pretty much died off now) which are almost bell shaped and the leaves have a red edge to them.

I did think viburnum, but looking at some of the pictures online I don't think it is now.

Does anyone have any idea?

(I forgot to get a picture and it's gone dark now)

Thank you

it sounds like Wiegelia
Post a pic and we'll have a bash at identifying it.

Hi Davie,

Thanks for the help.

This is what it looks like at the moment:

Looks like Japanese Knotweed to me! Don't know if it is poisonous or not, but it spreads like mad. pbf.

Definitely not Japanese Knotweed - but if it was, knotweed is edible, apparently tastes like rhubarb.

I have absolutely no idea what it is..

However if you go to http://wiki.omlet.co.uk/index.php/List_ ... o_chickens

there is a ( long) list and you could then check for images of each one listed and see if it matches, and also identify any others that may be harmful

having had a brief look at the list, it shows alfalfa as being bad..........BUT on some other more chicken related places, they seem to love it , with no ill effects.... so others listed could be the same,
and most animals seem to know which plants to saty away from quite naturally

No I don't think it's Japanese Knotweed either. It's quite contained and does look a lot like the pictures of weigela I've found.

I read a bit on poisonous plants last night and as you said niknik, the general thought is that chickens generally stay away from anything they shouldn't eat.

Thanks for your help guys

Ah! It is Wiegela...looks like a variety called Bristol Ruby.

http://www.gardensandplants.com/uk/plan ... nt_id=3521

Spot on Davie! That's the one.

Cheers

I have wiegela in the garden and the chickens are fine. They do stay away from anything they can't eat - apart from paint, they stick their beaks in the pot if you let them.

Zoe

Thomzo wrote:I have wiegela in the garden and the chickens are fine. They do stay away from anything they can't eat - apart from paint, they stick their beaks in the pot if you let them.

Zoe

Ha ha cheers for the tip. I'll make sure I remember that one!