My chickens were walking around an area that had oleander leaves on the ground. It didn't seem to me that they ate any of the leaves. There was no beak marks on them. One hen was standing on the leaves, though, very briefly. What is the possiblity that they will become ill? Can they become sick from a brief exposure? It has been 2 hours and they still are eating and running around. Good sign?
Thank You
I think my chickens have been exposed to oleander...now what
They will not get sick from just walking in the oleander leaves....they would have to eat them. And, in my experience, they rarely eat anything they shouldn't when they are free ranging. If they are penned up and it is the only thing green and interesting around, they might, and that would be bad.
My chickens love wisteria, oxalis, and poke weed...all listed as toxic. I assume it is a question of how much and in what stage of growth the plant is most toxic. Oleander, however, is always very toxic. Still I have never seen a wild bird try to eat it though it is everywhere here. It is pretty tough and leathery.
I bet your chickens will be fine.