[maggiem]

Hi everyone. We have recently fenced off a large part of our garden to give our hens loads of space to run around and scratch about in but they have started to strip the foliage on a large established and very beautiful blue plumbago. Does anyone know if this plant is toxic for hens as I can't find any info anywhere regarding this? They also have had a nibble at the leaves on an orange tree- not sure about this either although I know that the fruit is bad for them. Maggie

[joyfull]

can't see it on this list:-

http://maxshouse.com/Toxic_Plants%20_Index.htm#P

[tosca100]

I had a little scout around about this. It seems all parts of plumbago are toxic, but you have to eat lots of it(don't know how you find out how much is too much) It is listed as non-toxic to dogs, cats and horses, but it's unlikely to be eaten in great quantities by them anyway, especially horses in this country as it is not winter hardy and so not likely to be found growing in fields.

One thing I did find out though, it is used in medicine, so this might explain the chooks eating it. Don't know what for though.

So, in conclusion....I'm not much help! You are probably more confused than ever. Hope your chooks are OK.

[Lindeggs]

Are there plenty of other things in the fenced-off area for the hens to chew on/play with/defoliate?  If they have lots of other options and aren't just eating the leaves out of boredom, it will probably be fine. 

In general when hens have eaten more of something than is good for them, it's because they are in a fairly confined run so they keep going back to the same plant.  If they have lots of plants to keep them occupied they should be fine.

[maggiem]

Sorry have been offline for a few days. Thanks to everyone for their helpful replies. They have a very large area to run about in with plenty of greenery but they just seem to really enjoy the plumbago ! It looked glorious last summer but the girls have almost stripped it bare I think I'd be better to try and dig it out and put it somewhere else! thanks again everyone, Maggie

[henamoured]

I've had a similar problem - but nothing so exotic as a plumbago - just a common garden honeysuckle.
I've put some plastic coated net wire that I bought to section off the run in the summer, round and round the honeysuckle. The chx have still managed to get a bit of the more outward leaves but the middle and top ones are still there. Might help??