PLANTS POISONOUS TO POULTRY
There is an increased interest in raising poultry on pastures. When doing so, it is important that any plants that may be poisonous to poultry are not available for the birds to eat.
The seeds, fruits or leaves of some plants are poisonous at all times or at specific stages of growth.
Natural toxins of potential concern in pasture poultry production: The dose makes the poisonous (2010 Midwest Poultry Federation Convention proceedings)
Pasture management: Common plants poisonous to livestock in Maryland (University of Maryland)
In organic production, crop rotation is a major tool used to control pests and disease. When managed properly, weed seed contamination of organic crops is typically not a problem. There is the potential for such contamination with both conventionally and organically produced feedstuffs so it should be monitored.
DISCLAIMER: The information below has been obtained from the West Virginia University website 'Poisonous plants of the southern United States' and not from direct research of the faculty and staff at the University of Kentucky. Plants identified as being a potential problem have been selected from the complete list given.
Atamasco lily (Zephyranthes atamasco) - Cattle, horses and poultry have all been poisoned by this plant. Symptoms usually appear in 24 to 48 hours after eating the bulbs. Staggering, diarrhea with blood, collapse and death are the usual symptoms.
Black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) - Horses, cattle, sheep, poultry and humans may be poisoned by ingesting roots, bark, sprouts, seed pods and/or trimmings.
Black nightshade (Solanum nigrum) - All classes of livestock and humans have been poisoned.
Bladderpod (Glottidium vesicarium) - Cattle, sheep, goats, chickens and hogs have all been poisoned from consuming the seeds and green plant.
Buttercup (Ranunculus abortivus and other species) - All livestock. Although buttercup poisoning is uncommon, it will occasionally be seen, especially in cattle when other forages are in short supply.
Castor bean (Ricinus communis) - Horses are most susceptible to poisoning but all livestock and humans can be affected. All parts of the plant are toxic, especially the seeds.
Chinaberry (Melia azederach) - Swine and sheep are most often affected. Toxicity may occur after consumption of more than one-half per cent of body weight. Poultry and cattle can be poisoned, but larger amounts are required. Children have been poisoned by eating the berries.
Sicklepod (Cassia obtusifolia) - Toxicity has been observed in cattle. It should be assumed that other animals are susceptible to the effects of these plants.
Common cocklebur (Xanthium pensylvanicum) - Swine are the animals most commonly poisoned. Chickens and other livestock have also been poisoned.
Common yarrow (Achillea millefolium) - All livestock should be considered susceptible.
Horsenettle (Solanum carolinense) - All classes of livestock and humans have been poisoned.
Jimsonweed (Datura stramonium) - Cattle and swine are primarily affected but horses, poultry, dogs and humans have been affected.
Johnsongrass (Sorghum halepense) - All animals can be poisoned by cyanide, however, ruminants are more susceptible. Nitrate poisoning occurs most commonly in ruminants, although cases of nitrite poisoning have occurred in monogastric animals.
Mexican poppy (Argemone mexicana) - If consumed in sufficient quantities, livestock, humans and chickens can be poisoned.
Milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa and other species) - Cattle, sheep, goats, horses and poultry are all sensitive to the effects of milkweed.
Poison hemlock (Conium maculatum) - The poison hemlock contains coniine, an alkaloid, and other compounds that are capable of poisoning livestock, poultry and humans.
Rattlebox (Daubentonia punicea) - The seeds contain a saponin which is quite toxic to poultry, cattle, sheep, goats and humans.
Red buckeye (Aesculus pavia) - All classes of livestock and humans can be affected by ingestion of the buckeye.
Showy crotalaria (Crotalaria spectabilis) - Chickens, horses, cattle and swine are the species usually affected, but sheep, goats, mules and dogs can be affected to a lesser degree.
Sicklepod (Cassia obtusifolia) - Toxicity has been observed in cattle. It should be assumed that other animals are susceptible to the effects of these plants.
White snakeroot (Eupatorium rugosum) - All domestic livestock, some laboratory animals, and human beings are all susceptible to the effects of this plant.
DISCLAIMER: The information below has been obtained from the Cornell University website Plants poisonous to livestock and not from direct research of the faculty and staff at the University of Kentucky. Plants identified as being a potential problem have been selected from the complete list given.
Corn cockle (Agrostemma githago) - seeds. Poultry, cattle, humans, goats
Rape, Cabbage, Turnips, Broccoli, Mustard (Brassica spp.) - roots and seeds. Cattle, humans, swine, sheep, goats, poultry
Black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) - bark, leaves, seeds. Horses, cattle, humans, poultry sheep, goats
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
Canadian poisonous plants information system (Interactive website)
Poisonous plants home page (Pennsylvania State University)
Plants that ducks and geese won't eat (Houston grows)
Chicken treats - with a list of what to avoid (Barnyardchickens.com)
