Identification problems

[Clarry]

Hi

We're in the process of setting ourselves up for chickens. The father-in-law has been to visit and said he thinks one of the bushes we've got is poisonous to chickens. Trouble is I'm not sure what it is so that I can check. I was wondering if anyone can help.

It has bright deep pink flowers (well did have, they've pretty much died off now) which are almost bell shaped and the leaves have a red edge to them.

I did think viburnum, but looking at some of the pictures online I don't think it is now.

Does anyone have any idea?

(I forgot to get a picture and it's gone dark now)

Thank you

[Davie Crockett]

it sounds like Wiegelia
Post a pic and we'll have a bash at identifying it.

[Clarry]

Hi Davie,

Thanks for the help.

This is what it looks like at the moment:

[prison break fan]

Looks like Japanese Knotweed to me! Don't know if it is poisonous or not, but it spreads like mad. pbf.

[chickenchargrill]

Definitely not Japanese Knotweed - but if it was, knotweed is edible, apparently tastes like rhubarb.

[niknik]

I have absolutely no idea what it is..

However if you go to http://wiki.omlet.co.uk/index.php/List_ ... o_chickens

there is a ( long) list and you could then check for images of each one listed and see if it matches, and also identify any others that may be harmful

[niknik]

having had a brief look at the list, it shows alfalfa as being bad..........BUT on some other more chicken related places, they seem to love it , with no ill effects.... so others listed could be the same,
and most animals seem to know which plants to saty away from quite naturally

[Clarry]

No I don't think it's Japanese Knotweed either. It's quite contained and does look a lot like the pictures of weigela I've found.

I read a bit on poisonous plants last night and as you said niknik, the general thought is that chickens generally stay away from anything they shouldn't eat.

Thanks for your help guys

[Davie Crockett]

Ah! It is Wiegela...looks like a variety called Bristol Ruby.

http://www.gardensandplants.com/uk/plan ... nt_id=3521

[Clarry]

Spot on Davie! That's the one.

Cheers

[Thomzo]

I have wiegela in the garden and the chickens are fine. They do stay away from anything they can't eat - apart from paint, they stick their beaks in the pot if you let them.

Zoe

[Clarry]

I have wiegela in the garden and the chickens are fine. They do stay away from anything they can't eat - apart from paint, they stick their beaks in the pot if you let them.

Zoe

Ha ha cheers for the tip. I'll make sure I remember that one!