My DIL wanted some vines to plant on the wire of her rather large chicken pen to provide more shade for her "girls". She bought 2 rather lovely Carolina jasmines yesterday and then read last night that this plant is toxic for chickens. There is so much misinformation on the web that I decided to ask here so the true experts can advise us. Some sites said No, No. Others said the chickens will not bother the plants. Opinions?

I do not know how toxic the jasmine is, but the chickens are almost certain to sample it.

All parts of Carolina Jessamine (Gelsemium sempervirens) contain highly toxic alkaloids.

From Wikipedia:
~ All parts of this plant contain the toxic strychnine-related alkaloids gelsemine and gelseminine and should not be consumed. The sap may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals. Children, mistaking this flower for honeysuckle, have been poisoned by sucking the nectar from the flower.The nectar is also toxic to honeybees, which may cause brood death when gathered by the bees.

From Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center:
~ The flowers, leaves, and roots are poisonous and may be lethal to humans and livestock. The species nectar may also be toxic to honeybees if too much is consumed and honey made from Carolina Jessamine nectar may be toxic to humans.

I had actually read these statements from the internet, but was hoping someone would say - not true, old wives tale, etc.(although, of course, I did not expect that). Also, we would not have dared to plant the vines on the "girls" pen just to see what happens. I guess the lovely vines will go on the front fence and something else planned for Kate and Sunflower (and the new 3 little girls who are living in the garden shop now under the brooder until it gets reliably warm). Thanks.

Stillwood - one other thing about the lovely C. Jessamine ...we had it planted ( and it did well ) near a walkway....the bees and wasps covered it. It made it difficult to walk and then when my husband got stung by a stinging insect and had a significant reaction...we pulled it out.

I have seen them on mailboxes and wondered about the stinging possibility for the postman. It appears these two are going on the front fence where they will look good and not bother anyone as it is not a walkway.

Real pretty scent.

Enjoy!