Sky Posted April 23, 2009 Share Posted April 23, 2009 I am sure that this has been asked before but is it safe to feed rhubarb leaves to my chickens, there seem to be varying differences of opinions everywhere? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olly Posted April 23, 2009 Share Posted April 23, 2009 I would not feed them to them, they are poisonous in large quantities. Having said that, all the leaves on my plant have been eaten when I wasn't watching ... and my chickens are still alive! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lewis Posted April 23, 2009 Share Posted April 23, 2009 Ours got onto them last year when we'd cut the rhubarb and thrown the leaves by the compost heap, they just stood on them and scrathed them all up, and they're fine, but I'd be careful intentionally feeding them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alih Posted April 24, 2009 Share Posted April 24, 2009 Mine scoffed a load of rhubarb once when I was not looking and have lived to tell the tale but I would not feed it deliberately. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doodle Posted April 24, 2009 Share Posted April 24, 2009 During the war, my father-in-law killed off their small flock of chickens by giving them rhubarb leaves. He was only a little boy at the time but he carried the guilt to his own grave! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scramble Posted April 24, 2009 Share Posted April 24, 2009 We had a rhubarb plant which I loved but we dug it out as I read that the leaves are poisonous for them Instead we've replaced it with pumpkins so I don't complain personally, I'd rather be safe than sorry and not feed it to them, but if other people have successfully given them leaves them I'm not really sure! Just do what feels best for you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sky Posted April 24, 2009 Author Share Posted April 24, 2009 Thanks everyone, have decided that rhubarb leaves are best kept away from my little darlings - can't take the risk and wouldn't want to. My girls are so precious now that I will only feed them on "tried and tested" treats - what would I do without this forum Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted April 25, 2009 Share Posted April 25, 2009 You can use rhubarb leaves to kill of bugs on veggies and plants - steep them in water until they dissolve and add the liquid 10.1 to your watering can! Best not eat them though - but chickens would have to eat an awful lot to be poisoned! Louise Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Valkyrie Posted April 26, 2009 Share Posted April 26, 2009 Mine have completely ignored the rhubarb, but scoffing my hostas. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sunshinesupernova Posted April 30, 2009 Share Posted April 30, 2009 I've only just found this post. I've got a huge rhubarb crown in the garden. Made a heap of rhubarb jam only 2 weeks ago..... Then the rhubarb started looking like it had a mass caterpillar infestation or similar - but couldn't find any bugs on it. Monday, I spotted one of the chickens pecking at it. Since then, she's been attacking that rhubarb numerous times a day. There is little left. I'm going to have to lift it before she kills it. Not a thing wrong with chicken and she's laying well Ironically, chicken is callled Custard !!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daphne Posted May 1, 2009 Share Posted May 1, 2009 Like most of the others have said I would not intentionally feed rhubarb leaves or allow them to be eaten, although mine have eaten leaves and lived to tell the tale. However, as I like rhubarb I cover the growing stalks/leaves with plastic netting (1/4 or 1/2 " holes I think) and weigh them down with bricks, allowing enough room for growth and adjusting the hairnet if necessary. It works for me - no more scoffing except by me Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
