Rhubarb rant

[catlikethief]

Yes, I know rhubarb (leaf, flower and seeds) are poisonous.

I've read so many contradicting things. Some people with chickens write saying they have it in their backyards/farm and chickens instinctively know not to eat it, others say their chickens have nibbled it and been fine. I haven't read anywhere saying someones chickens have become ill or died from eating rhubarb (I believe it's possible given the right amount digested. I'm sorry if someone reads this who has had a chicken sick or die from eating rhubarb, i'm not trying to be insensitive)

I am conflicted, i planted some this weekend with out doing research first, in my backyard, where my chickens free range with supervision.

Do I want my chicken to get sick from eating rhubarb no, but they'd get sick from eating my tomato plants (they seem to be invisible to my chickens ) And we all grow those.
I also feed them unpeeled uncored apples every weeks with no ill effects. Am I lucky, probably.

My grandmother says in the old days they wouldn't worry about these things on the farm and that today we're being over protective and hanging on to the **WHAT IF's** for too long.

So who has rhubarb in their garden and what have you noticed with your chickens?

 

[farm_mom]

I've had rhubarb in my garden for 3 years. Last year's layer flock was allowed supervised ranging in my garden and they never touched it. Now, the cherry tomatoes on the other hand.......

 

[dangerouschicken]

I personally don't grow it, just to be safe (and my chickens are even cooped with a run!) I just buy the rhubarb locally when in season.

 

[Ang]

We have it and have never had a problem with the chickens eating it. They will eat everything else in the garden given the chance except the rhubarb.

 

[Maleficent265]

My chickens ate some the other day and most were fine... the chicks were sick for a few days. My adults have picked around on it before... The babies were dumb and torn into it. I think I’m moderation , it’s fine.

 

[Red-Stars-in-RI]

Can you build a little fence around it (chicken wire and a few posts) to give yourself peace of mind?

Most things that are “poisonous to chickens” either aren’t or they seem to know better, but always good to be safe.

On apple seeds - I make cider every fall and the squeezings (including all the seeds) go to my flock. I’m talking 10-20 bushels of apples worth...and never an issue.

 

[Punkybrewster]

Listen to your grandma.
Shes full of wisdom i bet.