Plants Chickens Won't Eat: A Comprehensive Guide for a Beautiful and Safe Garden

When it comes to planting a garden, it's important to consider which plants are safe to grow. For those who have chickens, finding plants that they won't eat can be a challenge. Chickens are known to be voracious eaters and will devour just about anything they can get their beaks on. However, some plants are safe from their beaks and claws. In this article, we will explore some of the plants that chickens won't eat, and provide a guide to help you choose the best plants to grow for a beautiful and safe garden.

Before we delve into what types of plants you should be planting, it's important to know which plants to avoid. Some plants are toxic to chickens and could cause serious health problems if ingested. For instance, plants like foxglove, hemlock, and nightshade are all toxic and should not be grown in areas where chickens will have access to them. If you're not sure about a certain plant, it's better to err on the side of caution and avoid planting it altogether.

Now that you know which plants to avoid, it's time to explore some of the plants that are safe from your feathered friends. Here are a few examples:

Marigolds are a bright and cheerful addition to any garden. They are easy to grow and come in a variety of colors. The good thing about marigolds is that they are bitter-tasting, which means chickens won't want to eat them.

Lavender is a fragrant and versatile plant that can be used in a variety of culinary and household applications. Chickens tend to avoid eating lavender due to its strong scent and taste. This makes it an excellent choice for planting around your coop or garden.

Daffodils are popular spring-blooming bulbs that can add a pop of color to any garden. They are also toxic to chickens, which means they won't eat them. Just be sure to avoid planting them in areas where other animals or small children may be able to get access to them.

Peonies are popular garden plants that produce large, showy flowers in a range of colors. They are also toxic to chickens, which means they won't eat them. Peonies also don't require much maintenance, making them an easy addition to any garden.

Rosemary is a hardy, fragrant herb that is often used in cooking. It has a strong flavor and scent, which makes it unappealing to chickens. It's also a great plant to have around your coop, as it has natural insect-deterring properties.

Sage is another herb that is often used in cooking. It has a strong, distinct flavor that makes it unappetizing to chickens. Like rosemary, it's a great plant to have around your coop to ward off insects.

Ornamental grasses are a great way to add texture and movement to your garden. Chickens don't typically eat grasses, so they're a safe choice for planting in their vicinity.

Poppies are beautiful and delicate flowers that can add a pop of color to any garden. They are also unappetizing to chickens, making them a safe choice for planting.

Planting a garden that is both beautiful and safe for your chickens can be a challenge, but by choosing the right plants, it can be done. By keeping toxic plants out of your garden and planting those that are unappetizing to chickens, you can create a space that is both visually appealing and safe for your feathered friends.