Animal safety
Chickens are curious omnivores and regularly peck at plants, fruit, seeds, and seedlings. Many unsuitable plants are avoided, but young birds or limited runs can still lead to problematic plant parts being eaten.
Quick help
Search for the plant first. The exact plant part, amount eaten, time of ingestion, possible symptoms, and the animal's weight are important for the next step.
Do not induce vomiting or give home remedies unless a veterinary professional specifically tells you to do so.
Practical guidance
This animal page helps you assess garden plants by urgency, plant part, and evidence level. For possible exposure, start with the action guidance. For garden planning, focus on critical plant parts and access control.
The rating helps with initial orientation, but it cannot replace an individual assessment. Amount, plant part, spoiled material, chemical residues, age, weight, and existing health conditions may all matter.
Chickens scratch plants free and reach seeds, roots, and windfall fruit. Protect problematic beds and remove spoiled fruit and unknown cuttings from the run.
The list shows which plants and plant parts are more suitable, restricted, or critical for chicken. It is not a feeding plan and does not replace individual ration advice.
Chicken
Cards start with the practical decision. Expand symptoms, reasoning, and evidence when needed.
180 plants visible
No matching plants found.
How to read the assessment: Status describes general suitability, urgency describes the recommended response after possible ingestion, and evidence describes confidence in the assessment. Low evidence is not the same as low risk.
Chicken
These plants or plant parts should not be fed. Depending on the animal, access control in the garden may also be advisable.
20 Plants
Suitable: No clearly suitable parts listed
Critical: Leaves, Stems, Bulb base
Contact an emergency veterinarian immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to appear.
Possible symptoms: Hemolytic anemia, Weakness, Lethargy, Vomiting, Diarrhea, Anorexia
Especially relevant: All plant parts contain toxic compounds., Even small amounts can be harmful.
Welsh onion (Allium fistulosum) contains disulfides and thiosulfates that can cause hemolytic anemia in chickens. All parts are potentially toxic and should be avoided. Seek veterinary...
Suitable: Shaft (white and light green), Leaves (tender, green parts), Flowers (as edible garnish)
Critical: Roots, Very tough, outer leaves, Woody flower stalk after bolting
Observe the animal over the next few hours. Seek veterinary advice if unusual behavior or symptoms develop.
Possible symptoms: Gastrointestinal upset, Vomiting, Diarrhea
Especially relevant: Large quantities, Repeated feeding
Leek is edible for humans but contains Allium-typical compounds that can cause gastrointestinal irritation in chickens when consumed in large quantities. Edible parts are suitable as...
Suitable: No clearly suitable parts listed
Critical: leaves, flowers, bulbs, seeds
Monitor the animal closely. Seek veterinary advice if vomiting, diarrhea, breathing difficulties, neurological signs, or other symptoms occur.
Possible symptoms: anemia, weakness, lethargy, pale combs and wattles, red-brown urine, decreased egg production
Especially relevant: consumption of large quantities, prolonged consumption
Wild garlic belongs to the Allium genus, which contains organosulfur compounds toxic to poultry. These can lead to hemolytic anemia. Although wild garlic is milder than onions or cultivated...
Suitable: Fruit (processed or after frost)
Critical: Leaves, Seeds
Monitor the animal closely. Seek veterinary advice if vomiting, diarrhea, breathing difficulties, neurological signs, or other symptoms occur.
Possible symptoms: Vomiting, Diarrhea, Respiratory distress
Especially relevant: Seeds contain cyanogenic precursors, Leaves may be toxic
Fruits can be given in small amounts as a treat, but leaves and seeds are toxic due to amygdalin (cyanogenic precursor) and should be avoided. If toxic parts are ingested, observe for...
Suitable: No clearly suitable parts listed
Critical: All plant parts
Monitor the animal closely. Seek veterinary advice if vomiting, diarrhea, breathing difficulties, neurological signs, or other symptoms occur.
Possible symptoms: Vomiting, Diarrhea, Abdominal pain, Lethargy
Especially relevant: Raw consumption, Consumption of mature pod shells
Edible parts (seeds, young pods, shoot tips) are suitable for chickens when cooked, but mature pod shells and roots contain lectins that can cause gastrointestinal distress. When feeding...
Suitable: No clearly suitable parts listed
Critical: Leaves, Flowers
Monitor the animal closely. Seek veterinary advice if vomiting, diarrhea, breathing difficulties, neurological signs, or other symptoms occur.
Possible symptoms: Vomiting, Diarrhea, Gastrointestinal upset, Anemia, Weakness
Especially relevant: Large quantities, Repeated feeding
Chives contain N-propyl disulfide, which can cause gastrointestinal upset and potentially hemolytic anemia in chickens. Although no species-specific studies are available, a conservative...
Suitable: Fruit (nut kernel)
Critical: Green fruit husks, Leaves, Roots
Monitor the animal closely. Seek veterinary advice if vomiting, diarrhea, breathing difficulties, neurological signs, or other symptoms occur.
Possible symptoms: Gastrointestinal upset, Vomiting, Diarrhea
Especially relevant: Consumption of non-edible parts, Overconsumption of nut kernels
The edible nut kernels are safe for chickens in moderation and can occasionally be given as a treat. Other plant parts contain juglone, which can cause gastrointestinal upset if ingested...
Suitable: leaves, young shoots, flower spikes
Critical: seeds
Observe the animal over the next few hours. Seek veterinary advice if unusual behavior or symptoms develop.
Possible symptoms: Gastrointestinal upset, Diarrhea, Vomiting
Especially relevant: High oxalate content may stress kidneys, Saponins may irritate mucous membranes
Leaves, young shoots, and flower spikes of Good King Henry are edible for chickens in small amounts and are occasionally used as supplemental feed. Seeds contain higher concentrations of...
Suitable: No clearly suitable parts listed
Critical: Leaves, Flowers, Young shoots
Observe the animal over the next few hours. Seek veterinary advice if unusual behavior or symptoms develop.
Possible symptoms: Gastrointestinal upset, Diarrhea, Vomiting
Especially relevant: Limited toxicology data for chickens, Plant contains compounds that are irritant to mammals
No chicken-specific sources found. Based on known toxicity in mammals and the presence of irritant compounds, a conservative classification as not recommended is made. Young shoots and...
Suitable: No clearly suitable parts listed
Critical: All plant parts (especially in large quantities), Fumes during grating
Observe the animal over the next few hours. Seek veterinary advice if unusual behavior or symptoms develop.
Possible symptoms: Gastrointestinal upset (if large quantities consumed), Eye and mucous membrane irritation (from fumes)
Especially relevant: Consumption of large quantities, Sensitive animals
No specific data found for chickens. Glucosinolates can cause gastrointestinal upset if consumed in excess. The pungency may limit acceptance as feed.
Suitable: Leaves, Flowers
Critical: Essential oil (in high doses)
Observe the animal over the next few hours. Seek veterinary advice if unusual behavior or symptoms develop.
Possible symptoms: Gastrointestinal upset, Vomiting
Especially relevant: High doses of essential oil
No reliable species-specific assessment is available.
Suitable: No clearly suitable parts listed
Critical: Leaves
Observe the animal over the next few hours. Seek veterinary advice if unusual behavior or symptoms develop.
Possible symptoms: Gastrointestinal irritation
Especially relevant: Large quantities
Lemon verbena contains essential oils that can cause gastrointestinal irritation in chickens when consumed in large quantities. While small amounts may be used as a culinary flavoring...
Suitable: No clearly suitable parts listed
Critical: Bulb, Green shoots (leaves), Flowers
Contact a veterinarian or emergency clinic immediately after ingestion, even if no symptoms are visible yet.
Possible symptoms: Vomiting, Blood in urine, Weakness, Elevated heart rate, Heinz body anemia
Especially relevant: Even small amounts can cause hemolytic anemia, All plant parts contain the toxic compound
Onions contain N-propyl disulfide, which can cause oxidative damage to erythrocytes in chickens. While specific chicken studies are limited, the effect is well-documented in other birds and...
Suitable: Leaves, Flowers, Young shoot tips
Critical: Heavily woody stems at the base, Seeds
Monitor the animal closely. Seek veterinary advice if vomiting, diarrhea, breathing difficulties, neurological signs, or other symptoms occur.
Possible symptoms: Mild vomiting, Diarrhea
Especially relevant: Indigestible plant material
Oregano is not recommended for chickens due to the potential risk of essential oils in the plant material.
Suitable: Tuber (white, cooked)
Critical: Green parts of tuber, Sprouts, Leaves, Stems
Contact a veterinarian or emergency clinic immediately after ingestion, even if no symptoms are visible yet.
Possible symptoms: Gastrointestinal distress (diarrhea, vomiting), Neurological symptoms (lethargy, incoordination)
Especially relevant: Consumption of green parts or sprouts, Consumption of leaves, stems, or fruits
Solanine in green parts and sprouts can be toxic. Cooked tubers without these parts are safe in moderation.
Suitable: Leaf stalks (petioles)
Critical: Leaf blades, Rhizome/Rootstock
Contact a veterinarian or emergency clinic immediately after ingestion, even if no symptoms are visible yet.
Possible symptoms: Kidney failure, Tremors, Salivation
Especially relevant: Leaves contain high oxalic acid concentration, Oxalic acid levels in stalks increase significantly after late June
Only the leaf stalks of rhubarb are suitable in very small amounts as an occasional treat for chickens. Leaf blades and rhizome/rootstock are toxic due to high oxalic acid content and can...
Chicken
Plant part, amount, maturity, and the animal's individual situation can all matter here.
36 Plants
Suitable: Ripe flesh (without stone)
Critical: Stones, Leaves, Stems, wilted material
Monitor the animal closely. Seek veterinary advice if vomiting, diarrhea, breathing difficulties, neurological signs, or other symptoms occur.
Possible symptoms: Brick red mucous membranes, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting, shock
Especially relevant: Ingestion of stones, leaves, or stems, Ingestion of wilted plant material
Ripe apricot flesh can be offered to chickens in moderation as a treat, provided the toxic stone, leaves, and stems are completely removed. These plant parts contain cyanogenic glycosides...
Suitable: Leaves (in small amounts, from common culinary mints), Young shoots (in small amounts, from common culinary mints)
Critical: Pennyroyal mint (Mentha pulegium) (all parts), large quantities of other mint varieties, concentrated essential oils
Observe the animal over the next few hours. Seek veterinary advice if unusual behavior or symptoms develop.
Possible symptoms: Gastrointestinal upset, Lethargy, Vomiting, Diarrhea
Especially relevant: Large amounts, Essential oil
Mint is safe for chickens in normal amounts, but large quantities can cause gastrointestinal upset. Mint essential oil should be avoided. Leaves and young shoots are the safe parts...
Suitable: Flesh
Critical: Leaves, Stems, Seeds (raw)
Observe the animal over the next few hours. Seek veterinary advice if unusual behavior or symptoms develop.
Possible symptoms: Gastrointestinal upset, Vomiting, Diarrhea
Especially relevant: Overconsumption, Consumption of raw seeds or green parts
Cooked flesh of acorn squash is suitable for chickens in small amounts as a treat. Raw flesh and especially raw seeds as well as green plant parts contain cucurbitacins, which can cause...
Suitable: Sweet almond kernels
Critical: Bitter almonds (raw), Leaves, Stems, Fruit hulls
Contact an emergency veterinarian immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to appear.
Possible symptoms: Respiratory distress, Weakness, Incoordination, Convulsions, Death
Especially relevant: Access to bitter almond trees, Consumption of raw bitter almonds
Sweet almond kernels can be offered in very small quantities as an occasional treat. Bitter almonds, leaves, stems, and other plant parts contain amygdalin, which releases hydrocyanic acid...
Suitable: Fruit flesh (without seeds), Peel (for untreated fruit)
Critical: Seeds, Stems, Leaves, Roots
Monitor the animal closely. Seek veterinary advice if vomiting, diarrhea, breathing difficulties, neurological signs, or other symptoms occur.
Possible symptoms: Brick red mucous membranes, Dilated pupils, Difficulty breathing, Panting, Shock
Especially relevant: Consumption of large quantities of seeds, stems, or leaves, Consumption of wilted plant parts
Apple flesh and peel (untreated) can be offered in small quantities as a treat. However, seeds, stems, and leaves contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can be toxic if consumed in larger...
Suitable: Ripe fruits (without seeds)
Critical: Leaves, Stems, Seeds
Observe the animal over the next few hours. Seek veterinary advice if unusual behavior or symptoms develop.
Possible symptoms: Gastrointestinal upset (with overconsumption of raw berries)
Especially relevant: Overconsumption of raw berries, Consumption of leaves, stems, or seeds
Aronia berries are generally considered non-toxic but can be very tart raw. Overconsumption of raw berries may lead to gastrointestinal upset in chickens, similar to sensitive individuals...
Suitable: Ripe fruit flesh (without seeds)
Critical: Seeds, Unripe fruit, Leaves, Stems
Monitor the animal closely. Seek veterinary advice if vomiting, diarrhea, breathing difficulties, neurological signs, or other symptoms occur.
Possible symptoms: Nausea, Vomiting, Gastrointestinal upset
Especially relevant: Ingestion of seeds, Ingestion of unripe fruit
Pawpaw seeds are toxic and contain alkaloids that can cause nausea and vomiting. Unripe fruit can also cause stomach upset. While the ripe fruit flesh is edible for humans, there is a high...
Suitable: ripe fruits (in very small amounts)
Critical: No critical parts listed
Based on the available information, no action is usually required. If symptoms occur, veterinary advice is still recommended.
Ripe fruits can be given in very small amounts as treats. No direct species-specific toxicity data for chickens is available. Caution is advised as capsaicin can irritate mucous membranes.
Suitable: ripe fruit (syconium) including skin
Critical: leaves, unripe shoots, milky sap
Observe the animal over the next few hours. Seek veterinary advice if unusual behavior or symptoms develop.
Possible symptoms: gastrointestinal upset from excessive ingestion of leaves or unripe parts, skin irritation from contact with milky sap and sunlight
Especially relevant: consumption of large quantities of unripe fruit or leaves, contact with phototoxic milky sap
Ripe fig fruits are safe for chickens in moderation and can be given as a treat. Leaves, unripe shoots, and milky sap contain furocoumarins and ficin, which can cause gastrointestinal upset...
Suitable: Fruit pulp
Critical: Seeds, Leaves
Observe the animal over the next few hours. Seek veterinary advice if unusual behavior or symptoms develop.
Possible symptoms: Gastrointestinal upset, Vomiting
Especially relevant: Overconsumption, Consumption of unripe fruits
The fruit pulp of Cornelian cherry is suitable for chickens in small amounts as a treat. Seeds are indigestible and may cause digestive issues. Leaves contain fine hairs that can cause...
Suitable: Fruit flesh, Fruit skin
Critical: Seed/pit (contains cyanogenic glycosides), Leaves, Bark
Contact a veterinarian or emergency clinic immediately after ingestion, even if no symptoms are visible yet.
Possible symptoms: Respiratory distress, Tremors, Mucous membrane irritation
Especially relevant: Access to pits or leaves, Overconsumption of fruit flesh
The flesh of the damson plum is safe for chickens in small amounts as a treat. Pits, leaves, and bark contain amygdalin, which releases cyanide when metabolized and is toxic. Overfeeding...
Suitable: Ripe fruit (in moderation)
Critical: Leaves, Stems, Unripe fruits, Green plant parts
Observe the animal over the next few hours. Seek veterinary advice if unusual behavior or symptoms develop.
Possible symptoms: Gastrointestinal upset (if large quantities or unripe parts are consumed)
Especially relevant: Consumption of green plant parts or unripe fruits, Consumption of large quantities of ripe fruit
Ripe eggplant fruit is safe in small amounts for chickens. Green plant parts and unripe fruits contain solanine and are toxic. Feeding should be limited to the ripe fruit and given in...
Chicken
These plants or plant parts are generally considered suitable based on the reviewed data. They are not a substitute for a balanced diet.
104 Plants
Suitable: Leaves, Stems
Critical: Plants in the flowering stage (increased apiol content), Seeds (high furanocoumarin content)
Observe the animal over the next few hours. Seek veterinary advice if unusual behavior or symptoms develop.
Possible symptoms: With excessive consumption or consumption of flowering plants: gastrointestinal upset, Photosensitization (rare in poultry)
Especially relevant: Excessive consumption, Consumption of flowering plants
Parsley is generally safe for chickens when fed in moderation. Large quantities or flowering plants may contain apiol, which can be harmful in very high doses. Leaves and stems are the...
Suitable: Fruits
Critical: Leaves, Stems
Observe the animal over the next few hours. Seek veterinary advice if unusual behavior or symptoms develop.
Especially relevant: Overconsumption may cause digestive upset due to high water and sugar content., Leaves and stems contain small amounts of tannins that may cause gastrointestinal discomfort if ingested in large quantities.
Strawberry fruits are suitable for chickens in small amounts as a treat. Leaves and stems should be avoided as they may cause gastrointestinal discomfort if consumed in excess. No known...
Suitable: Leaves, Seeds, Flowers, Tender stems
Critical: No critical parts listed
Based on the available information, no action is usually required. If symptoms occur, veterinary advice is still recommended.
Especially relevant: Phototoxicity from sap contact with UV light (rare)
Dill is safe for chickens and can be fed as part of a varied diet. All aerial parts are edible and nutritious. Contact with plant sap and strong sunlight poses a low risk of phototoxicity...
Suitable: Fruits, Leaves
Critical: No critical parts listed
Based on the available information, no action is usually required. If symptoms occur, veterinary advice is still recommended.
Possible symptoms: Gastrointestinal upset (with overconsumption)
Especially relevant: Overconsumption may cause digestive upset
Wild strawberry (Fragaria vesca) is non-toxic to chickens. Fruits and leaves can be fed as treats. Overconsumption may cause digestive upset due to high water and fiber content. No known...
Suitable: Leaves, Flowers
Critical: Bulbs, Tubers
Observe the animal over the next few hours. Seek veterinary advice if unusual behavior or symptoms develop.
Possible symptoms: Gastrointestinal upset (with excessive consumption)
Especially relevant: Sensitivity to Allium compounds, Excessive consumption
Leaves and flowers of Allium ramosum are edible for chickens in small amounts and are occasionally consumed as a treat. Due to sulfur compound content, excessive consumption may lead to...
Suitable: Young shoots (asparagus spears)
Critical: Berries, Woody ends of spears, Mature fronds
Observe the animal over the next few hours. Seek veterinary advice if unusual behavior or symptoms develop.
Possible symptoms: Gastrointestinal upset, Vomiting, Diarrhea
Especially relevant: Consumption of berries or mature plant parts, Overconsumption of young shoots
Young asparagus spears are suitable for chickens in small amounts as a treat. Berries and mature plant parts contain saponins and are toxic. Overfeeding may cause digestive issues. No...
Suitable: young leaves, flower buds
Critical: very pungent or old leaves
Observe the animal over the next few hours. Seek veterinary advice if unusual behavior or symptoms develop.
Possible symptoms: gastrointestinal upset if consumed in excess, potentially thyroid issues in very high amounts
Especially relevant: overconsumption, old or very pungent leaves
Young leaves and flower buds can be fed in moderation as a supplement. Older or very pungent leaves should be fed sparingly or not at all, as they may cause gastrointestinal upset. No...
Suitable: leaves, flowers
Critical: No critical parts listed
Based on the available information, no action is usually required. If symptoms occur, veterinary advice is still recommended.
Especially relevant: Overconsumption
Basil is known to be non-toxic for humans and some pets. Likely safe in moderation as a treat for chickens, as it contains no known specific toxins for poultry. Overconsumption may lead to...
Suitable: Root (taproot), Leaves (in moderation)
Critical: Leaves (in large quantities)
Observe the animal over the next few hours. Seek veterinary advice if unusual behavior or symptoms develop.
Possible symptoms: Gastrointestinal upset (with excessive leaf consumption), Harmless discoloration of urine and stool (beeturia)
Especially relevant: Excessive consumption of leaves, Consumption of raw leaves in large quantities
The root (taproot) is generally safe for chickens and can be given as an occasional treat or as part of a balanced diet. The leaves contain oxalic acid and should only be fed in moderation...
Suitable: Fruits
Critical: No critical parts listed
Based on the available information, no action is usually required. If symptoms occur, veterinary advice is still recommended.
Possible symptoms: Diarrhea with excessive consumption
Especially relevant: Overconsumption may cause diarrhea due to high fiber and acid content., Intensely pigmented fruits may temporarily stain beak and feathers blue (cosmetic, not harmful).
Berries are generally safe for chickens as an occasional treat. No known toxic compounds in Vaccinium myrtillus. Part of natural diet for many wild bird species.
Suitable: flower buds, tender stems, young leaves
Critical: verholzte Stielteile, verfaulte oder verschimmelte Partien
Observe the animal over the next few hours. Seek veterinary advice if unusual behavior or symptoms develop.
Especially relevant: Overfeeding can cause gas and digestive discomfort. Rotted or moldy parts may contain mycotoxins.
Broccoli is suitable for chickens in small amounts as a treat. Flower buds, tender stems, and young leaves are safe. Woody stems and spoiled parts should be avoided. Overfeeding may cause...
Suitable: Buds (sprouts), Young leaves
Critical: No critical parts listed
Based on the available information, no action is usually required. If symptoms occur, veterinary advice is still recommended.
Possible symptoms: Gas, Bloating
Especially relevant: Overfeeding may cause gas or bloating.
Brussels sprouts are suitable for chickens in small amounts as a treat. Young sprouts and leaves are preferred. Due to high fiber and sulfur content, feeding should be limited to avoid...
Chicken
The available evidence for this plant-animal combination is currently insufficient.
20 Plants
Suitable: No clearly suitable parts listed
Critical: No critical parts listed
The urgency cannot be assessed reliably. When in doubt, seek veterinary advice.
No reliable species-specific assessment is available.
Suitable: No clearly suitable parts listed
Critical: No critical parts listed
The urgency cannot be assessed reliably. When in doubt, seek veterinary advice.
No reliable species-specific assessment is available.
Suitable: No clearly suitable parts listed
Critical: No critical parts listed
The urgency cannot be assessed reliably. When in doubt, seek veterinary advice.
['Young leaves and flowers of borage can be suitable as an occasional treat for chickens in small amounts. Older leaves, stems, and seeds contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids that may be...
Suitable: No clearly suitable parts listed
Critical: No critical parts listed
The urgency cannot be assessed reliably. When in doubt, seek veterinary advice.
No reliable species-specific assessment is available.
Suitable: No clearly suitable parts listed
Critical: No critical parts listed
The urgency cannot be assessed reliably. When in doubt, seek veterinary advice.
No reliable species-specific assessment is available.
Suitable: No clearly suitable parts listed
Critical: No critical parts listed
The urgency cannot be assessed reliably. When in doubt, seek veterinary advice.
No reliable species-specific assessment is available.
Suitable: No clearly suitable parts listed
Critical: No critical parts listed
The urgency cannot be assessed reliably. When in doubt, seek veterinary advice.
Normal amounts of fresh or dried leaves are safe for chickens and can be fed as a herbal supplement. Concentrated essential oils or high doses of thujone-containing preparations can be...
Suitable: No clearly suitable parts listed
Critical: No critical parts listed
The urgency cannot be assessed reliably. When in doubt, seek veterinary advice.
No reliable species-specific assessment is available.
Guides
Guide
Learn how to design a chicken-friendly garden with suitable plants, protected beds, and well-planned activity areas.
Guide
Keep your garden dog-safe by managing windfall fruit, seeds, stored crops, and potentially problematic plant parts.
Guide
Learn how to identify risks near horse pastures, fences, turnout areas, fruit trees, and garden planting zones.
Guide
Learn how to create a pet-safe herb garden with suitable herbs, thoughtful layouts, and practical maintenance strategies.
Guide
Learn how to grow tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, and eggplants safely in pet-friendly gardens and understand plant-part risks.
FAQ
The overview shows which plants are rated as suitable, restricted, critical, or unclear for chicken. Always check the specific plant part, such as fruit, leaves, stems, seeds, or tubers.
Restricted means that the plant or certain plant parts are not automatically unsafe, but may only be suitable for chicken in appropriate amounts, under control, or with extra caution.
Critical means the plant or certain plant parts should not be fed. Depending on the plant, access control in the garden may also be useful.
No. The information helps with garden safety decisions, but it does not replace veterinary advice. If risky plant parts were ingested, symptoms appear, or behavior changes, contact a veterinarian.
