Juniper vs. Arborvitae for hedge w/ ducks

[DKFarms]

Hi, It's been quite a while since I've posted anything here.... still very much a learner and a lurker too.

We will be getting ducks next spring (or summer, perhaps) and we have dogs that live next door. We have a chain link fence separating them, but the ducks will be housed on that side. I want to provide an 'evergreen' hedge along the fence (camo for the ducks), and I've read that junipers are a good way to go. I know yews and some other evergreens are poisonous to them, but was curious about anyone's insight about Arborvitae (ie: thuja). Any notions as to whether or not that can be planted w/ ducks?

Thanks greatly!!!
Sue Knigge

 

[lomine]

Neither juniper nor arborvitae are on this list of toxic plants. http://www.poultryhelp.com/toxicplants.html

I guess since they are both safe it would be up to you to decide what suits you best. I would consider how tall and how wide they grow, how fast they grow, maintenance/pruning needs, and water usage. My family calls junipers the garbage bush, because everything gets stuck under them.

 

[DKFarms]

Thank you!!!! I did a search for shrubs here, and I knew juniper was ok.... just not sure about the rest. It's been a while - and when doing your searches while at work... doesn't always make for a well looked over search.

I appreciate you attaching the link! And yes, size/width/height/over-all bigness, makes a huge difference!!!!!!!


Thank you!
Sue Knigge

 

[Lady Chicken Keeper]

I have just put an upright juniper in my chicken run and am going to transplant a dwarf Arborvitae in the run as well. Birds love Juniper berrries in the wild and I don't think they are harmful. The Arborvitae is in the cedar family. I guess if birds ate them they would be poisonous but I'm pretty sure they won't eat them.
http://www.homenursery.com/blog/bid/239358/Upright-Junipers-Vs-Arborvitae-Reviews

 

[CrystaBub]

I have 3 Arborvitae near my duck pen. They walk past them everyday and never try to eat them. The hollies are a different story