Chickens and rhubarb

Bagpuss · « **on:** July 05, 2007, 08:14 »

My chickens have been eating the leaves of my rhubarb. Aren't rhubarb leaves supposed to be poisonous, is that only for people? Should I move them, or do chickens know what they are doing?

slowef · « **Reply #1 on:** July 05, 2007, 09:56 »

My guinea pigs and chickens ate my Rhubarb as well and seem to have no ill effects, maybe its just us humans its dangerous to!

richyrich7 · « **Reply #2 on:** July 05, 2007, 12:23 »

I know you need to eat a lot of leaves to make you feel bad about 15 !, personally I wouldn't let them eat it you may get a slow build up of toxins.

Bagpuss · « **Reply #3 on:** July 05, 2007, 12:57 »

Thanks both

purplebat · « **Reply #4 on:** July 05, 2007, 13:53 »

I don't know if it's right maybe the bloke that told me was talking out of his rear end again, but when some rhubarb appeared at the edge of my chicken run, he said to move it pronto cos it would kill them; whether it's true or not I don't know as I moved it straight away (didn't want to take the risk) as to amounts I should imagine that the sheer size of chickens compared to us would mean that they wouldn't have to eat much if it is dangerous.
my advice would be to fence the rhubarb off with a bit of chicken wire just to be on the safe side

Bagpuss · « **Reply #5 on:** July 05, 2007, 16:10 »

Oh dear. They had about four leaves yesterday before I caught them. I hope they will be OK. They are showing no ill signs yet today, so fingers crossed. I shall feel like a murderer if they die.

How is you poorly puddytat by the way Purplebat?

Bagpuss · « **Reply #6 on:** July 05, 2007, 16:30 »

I've been scouring the net to see if I should do anything but have just read on another site that rhubarb leaves are natural wormers for hens and won't harm them, so feel a bit better now. But the rhubarb is definately going somewhere else.

purplebat · « **Reply #7 on:** July 05, 2007, 17:49 »

Quote from: "Bagpuss"

I've been scouring the net to see if I should do anything but have just read on another site that rhubarb leaves are natural wormers for hens and won't harm them, so feel a bit better now. But the rhubarb is definately going somewhere else.

that's brilliant that you found that bagpuss! I shall feel better now if any more should come up

thank you

Aunt Sally · « **Reply #8 on:** July 05, 2007, 17:53 »

Quote from: "Bagpuss"

I've been scouring the net to see if I should do anything but have just read on another site that rhubarb leaves are natural wormers for hens and won't harm them, so feel a bit better now. But the rhubarb is definately going somewhere else.

Can you post that link here bagpuss - if you can find it again that is

mercury · « **Reply #9 on:** July 05, 2007, 19:33 »

Quote from: "Bagpuss"

I've been scouring the net to see if I should do anything but have just read on another site that rhubarb leaves are natural wormers for hens and won't harm them, so feel a bit better now. But the rhubarb is definately going somewhere else.

Just delving among the cobwebs in the back of my mind, i seem to recall hearing that before

richyrich7 · « **Reply #10 on:** July 05, 2007, 19:42 »

Quote from: "Aunt Sally"

Quote from: "Bagpuss"
I've been scouring the net to see if I should do anything but have just read on another site that rhubarb leaves are natural wormers for hens and won't harm them, so feel a bit better now. But the rhubarb is definately going somewhere else.

Can you post that link here bagpuss - if you can find it again that is

Yes please, that would be excellent Bagpuss, good idea Aunty.

MontyTom · « **Reply #11 on:** July 06, 2007, 00:16 »

Just for the record, you can put rhubarb leaves into the compost too, as the oxalic acid eventually breaks down, so when applied to plants as compost it is safe for us to eat them.

If it was nasty for the chickens I'm sure they would stop eating it, they have good taste you know!

Mine are fussy eaters when it comes to plants.

Gloria · « **Reply #12 on:** July 06, 2007, 15:31 »

Mine seem to love rhubarb leaves and devour it like there's no tomorrow. We've not had any bad reactions either

GrannieAnnie · « **Reply #13 on:** July 06, 2007, 15:36 »

Chickens are pretty knowledgeable about what's good for them I think. Ours won't eat nettles, and they won't eat any ragwort if it grows in their run.

Bagpuss · « **Reply #14 on:** July 06, 2007, 20:15 »

http://www.allotments4all.co.uk/smf/index.php?topic=33244.msg332224;topicseen

This is the site I found it on. It's another allotment type forum. you have to scroll down a bit.

Glad to report that the chickens and still alive and well.

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