Lupines?

[NHMountainMan]

Does anyone know if lupines are poison for chickens? A search of this site shows some older questions about it - most saying not to worry. Google searches say that lupines are poison in most animals in quantities.
We've got fields of wild lupines growing. So far I haven't begun free ranging for fear of lupine poison risk.

Thx as always for helping us newbies.

 

[JanetMarie]

Free roaming chickens seem to know what to eat and what not to eat. I've never had a problem with them eating wrong or poisonous vegetation.

What you need to watch out for is broken glass, (I find broken glass around here quite a lot) strings, bits of things that can't be broken down in the digestive system, and long grass.

 

[NHMountainMan]

Free roaming chickens seem to know what to eat and what not to eat. I've never had a problem with them eating wrong or poisonous vegetation.

What you need to watch out for is broken glass, (I find broken glass around here quite a lot) strings, bits of things that can't be broken down in the digestive system, and long grass.

Long grass - like hay fields?

 

[JanetMarie]

Long grass - like hay fields?

No, long lawn grass. If you've let your time in between mowing go too long. I've only had a problem once in 12 years, and I don't always get out to mow to keep the grass as short as what I would like.

 

[RhodeIslandRed5]

I am a plant nut, and know that lupines are poisonous. To be on the safe side, I'd keep them away from them. And I'm afraid I disagree, chickens don't know what to eat and what not to due to major curiosity, which is how mine ate a piece of old duct tape once.

 

[WannaBeHillBilly]

There are two different types of lupines: Only the seeds, containing bitter alkaloids are poisonous. There are non-bitter lupine breeds available that are safe for human consumption.
Bitter Lupine seeds have caused deaths in livestock in the past. I could not find any reference to how those alkaloids may impact poultry. They might be entirely harmless for birds, just like the alkaloid Capsaicin is causing a burning sensation in our mouths but birds don't feel that and gulp down even the hottest peppers with joy.
Or take Theobromine, which is found in Cocoa (and chocolate) and is very poisonous to dogs and cats, yet of little harm to us humans.
@casportpony have you any more information about Lupines and poultry?

 

[NHMountainMan]

There are two different types of lupines: Only the seeds, containing bitter alkaloids are poisonous. There are non-bitter lupine breeds available that are safe for human consumption.
Bitter Lupine seeds have caused deaths in livestock in the past. I could not find any reference to how those alkaloids may impact poultry. They might be entirely harmless for birds, just like the alkaloid Capsaicin is causing a burning sensation in our mouths but birds don't feel that and gulp down even the hottest peppers with joy.
Or take Theobromine, which is found in Cocoa (and chocolate) and is very poisonous to dogs and cats, yet of little harm to us humans.
@casportpony have you any more information about Lupines and poultry?

I've read that is the dried seed pods that are poisonous, but it seems like it may only be in some varieties. I think I may check with the local university to see if they know. Lupines are wild and wide spread throughout the New Hampshire mountains. I think they're beautiful - just wish I knew I'd they were safe.
Thx for the info on the varieties.

 

[RhodeIslandRed5]

There are two different types of lupines: Only the seeds, containing bitter alkaloids are poisonous. There are non-bitter lupine breeds available that are safe for human consumption.
Bitter Lupine seeds have caused deaths in livestock in the past. I could not find any reference to how those alkaloids may impact poultry. They might be entirely harmless for birds, just like the alkaloid Capsaicin is causing a burning sensation in our mouths but birds don't feel that and gulp down even the hottest peppers with joy.
Or take Theobromine, which is found in Cocoa (and chocolate) and is very poisonous to dogs and cats, yet of little harm to us humans.
@casportpony have you any more information about Lupines and poultry?

Thanks for the plant info! I need to write that down!

 

[JanetMarie]

I am a plant nut, and know that lupines are poisonous. To be on the safe side, I'd keep them away from them. And I'm afraid I disagree, chickens don't know what to eat and what not to due to major curiosity, which is how mine ate a piece of old duct tape once.

I should have specified, what I meant is that chickens seem to know what is good to eat and what is toxic pertains to PLANTS, and insects. That's why I wrote to pick up bits of things (MAN MADE) that chickens won't know what it is, like the duct tape, because it's not natural.

 

[RhodeIslandRed5]

I understand. I can't stand it when people litter, either. My step-dad is bad about leaving stuff in the yard, such as wires and plastic stuff. And people that drive by on our dirt road will litter as well.