The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Pigs => Topic started by: Susannah on December 02, 2012, 09:51:57 pm

Title: Pigs and rhubarb
Post by: Susannah on December 02, 2012, 09:51:57 pm

We are wanting to put our Kune kunes in the shelter belt in the hope that the hard ground there will stop them rooting and get them back to grazing as they are supposed to. Next to the trees is a strip of rhubarb which although has died back still has a few soggy leaves and I was wondering if any body knew if it would harm the pigs if they ate them? Also if the pigs should decide to root and eat the rhubarb crowns would that harm them too?
A friend told me that they had enough sence not to eat anything that would harm them but just wondered if there was any differing opinions out there.
Thanks.

Title: Re: Pigs and rhubarb
Post by: Tudful Tamworths on December 02, 2012, 10:03:25 pm

Rhubarb can be toxic to both pigs (and other animals) and humans, because of the oxalic acid. Affects the way the body deals with calcium and can lead to kidney problems. It might well be that the pigs would know not to eat it (they seem to avoid several dangerous plants) but I wouldn't risk it.

Title: Re: Pigs and rhubarb
Post by: Susannah on December 03, 2012, 04:37:16 pm

Thank you Tudful Tamworths. I shall take your advice and keep them off the rhubarb.

Title: Re: Pigs and rhubarb
Post by: bigchicken on December 03, 2012, 05:28:14 pm

Hi Susannah Rhubarb & custard  :innocent: not Rhubarb & kune  :thumbsup: