Author Topic: Pigs and rhubarb  (Read 8203 times)

Susannah

  • Joined Sep 2012
  • Pencaitland
Pigs and rhubarb
« 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.
Jacob sheep, Shetland cows, Pygmy goats, Chinese geese, Khaki Campbell ducks.

Tudful Tamworths

  • Joined Aug 2009
    • Liz's website
Re: Pigs and rhubarb
« Reply #1 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.
www.lizshankland.com www.biggingerpigs.com
Author of the Haynes Pig Manual, Haynes Smallholding Manual, and the Haynes Sheep Manual. Three times winner of the Tamworth Champion of Champions. Teaching smallholding courses at Kate Humble's farm: www.humblebynature.com

Susannah

  • Joined Sep 2012
  • Pencaitland
Re: Pigs and rhubarb
« Reply #2 on: December 03, 2012, 04:37:16 pm »
Thank you Tudful Tamworths. I shall take your advice and keep them off the rhubarb.
Jacob sheep, Shetland cows, Pygmy goats, Chinese geese, Khaki Campbell ducks.

bigchicken

  • Joined Nov 2008
  • Fife Scotland
Re: Pigs and rhubarb
« Reply #3 on: December 03, 2012, 05:28:14 pm »
Hi Susannah Rhubarb & custard  :innocent: not Rhubarb & kune  :thumbsup:



Shetland sheep, Castlemilk Moorits sheep, Hebridean sheep, Scots Grey Bantams, Scots Dumpy Bantams. Shetland Ducks.

 

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