Toxicity is a natural defense for a plant, and some common garden plants are potentially poisonous to chickens. Unlike other types of livestock, free-ranging chickens have a keen sense of what is good for them, and what is not, and will most likely not touch or eat anything potentially poisonous to them. However, there are always exceptions, so it is important for you to know what plants do have potential poisonous qualities in your garden. Never hand feed your chickens any of these plants or confine your flock near these plants.
This is a short list of some of the more common garden ornamental plants that are poisonous to some degree:
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Azalea: Rhododendron spp.
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Boxwood: Buxus spp.
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Buttercup family: Ranunculacea. This family includes anemone, clematis, delphinium, and ranunculus.
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Cherry laurel: Prunus laurocerasus.
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Daffodil: Narcissus spp.
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Daphne: Daphne spp.
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Foxglove: Digitalis spp.
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Honeysuckle: Lonicera spp.
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Hydrangea: Hydrangea spp.
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Ivy: Hedera spp.
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Jasmine: Jasminum spp.
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Lantana: Lantana spp.
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Lily of the valley: Convallaria majalis.
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Mexican poppy: Argemone mexicana
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Monkshood: Aconitum napellus.
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Mountain laurel: Kalmia latifolia.
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Oleander: Nerium oleander.
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Rhododendron: Rhododendron spp.
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Sweet pea: Lathyrus spp.
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Tobacco: Nicotiana spp.
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Tulip: Tulipa
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Wisteria: Wisteria spp.
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Yew: Taxus spp.
