Can chickens eat rhubarb?
No – toxic. Chickens should never eat rhubarb. UF/IFAS Extension lists rhubarb under “never feed,” and UC Cooperative Extension and Colorado State say to avoid it. The British Hen Welfare Trust says it can have a laxative effect, and frost-damaged rhubarb can contain enough oxalic acid to be fatal to hens.
Did your chicken eat some?
If your hen ate something toxic or seems unwell, call your vet – the RSPCA says to always contact a vet if you’re concerned. Keep a sample of the feed (Merck Veterinary Manual).
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435 (a fee may apply)
- Tell your vet what your hen ate, how much and when.
Better choices, for example
Questions
My chicken ate rhubarb. What should I do?
If your hen ate something toxic or seems unwell, call your vet – the RSPCA says to always contact a vet if you’re concerned. Keep a sample of the feed (Merck Veterinary Manual).
Sources
- UF/IFAS Extension – AN239: Raising Backyard Chickens for Eggs
- UC Cooperative Extension / UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine – Feeding your Flock (Pitesky, Reimers)
- Colorado State University Extension – Raising Poultry the Organic Way: Disease Control and Feeding
- British Hen Welfare Trust – A guide to chicken treats; everything in moderation (2024)
Last checked: November 2026