Toxic or Poisonous Plants for Poultry
by Amber G
Published March 2, 2026
When it comes to keeping chickens, we all want to ensure they are safe and healthy. Knowing what plants you have on your property can help you do this! There are quite a few plants that are toxic to chickens. A quick walk around the area you plan to keep your flock can help you identify any plants that need to be removed. Here is a short but not complete list of plants that you need to be on the lookout for.
- Hemlock
- Boxwood
- Lily of the Valley
- Hydrangea
- Horse Chesnut
- Ferns
- Oleander
- Rhubarb
- Azalea
- Daffodil
- Corn Cockle
- Angel Wings
- Calla Lily
- Giant Hogweed
- Nightshades
- Groundcherries
- Peace Lily and more…
Check out the Toxic Plant Lookup Tool to see a more complete list.
There are some great options to help you identify plants. The Seek app works wonderfully on many varieties of plants and animals. You can also reach out to your local University Extension for help with identifying plants on your property.
Removing any of these plants should be relatively easy. Cut the stems above ground with shears, and then grab your shovel to dig out the roots. As long as you make sure to dig deep enough to remove all of the roots, you should be good to go! Armed with this knowledge, you can help your flock live a safe and healthy life.
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