Chicken ate silicon window seal

[zinia8]

Chickens were free ranging and came across silicon from when my DBF resealed the windows in the fall. I thought at first they found an eathworm. Then i realized what it was chased them through the yard but before I could catch the one she ate the silicon. a 3 inch long piece gone in seconds. What are the chances that she'll pass it or should I be watching out for impacted crop? I don't know how many of my 6 chooks ate the silicon or how much they ate just caught the one.
It amazes me the stuff they find to eat.

 

[paperdragonfarm]

Silicon is fairly non-toxic, if I remember correctly. So I would just worry about it passing rather than being bad for them.

 

[Denninmi]

I can't imagine a 3" piece would cause any problems -- it should pass harmlessly through. When animals (like puppies) eat LONG pieces of things like dental floss, it can get wrapped up in there and cause obstructions, or even slice into/through things like a string cheese slicer. But a piece that small should be harmless, and yes, in its solidified form, its inert and pretty non-toxic because it doesn't react with much of anything, not water, acids, alcohol, oils/lipids, alkali, etc., which is why its such a good sealant in the first place.

 

[zinia8]

Thank you very much for the replies. No one seems no worse for wear. I still will keep an eye on them. God only knows how much they actually ate. Oh the things they find,thought my kids could find strange things to put in their mouths at least I didn't have to chase them across the yard.

 

[copperbob]

One of my hens has just swallowed a similar piece of silicon window sealant. I tried to get to her before it disappeared down her throat but I was too late. After reading the posts I am consoled that there may not be too much of a problem. I shall have to keep an eye out for her droppings. It would be a shame to lose her after being just a month into lay and a good example of a copper maran.

I would be pleased to read any other similar experiences and outcomes. Thanks, Bob

 

[zinia8]

silicon has become one of their favorite parts of their diet. None of my doors or windows has any left on them. If the chooks can reach it its gone.
I try to chase them down but its a losing race. Plus the neighbors think I've lost my mind.

 

[copperbob]

Thanks for your comforting comments. They are all still OK after scoffing the silicon worm. As this material is so inert, I have wondered whether it will stay in their crop or whether her body will try to pass it.....shall we say that I haven't found it on the ground yet!!

They might well be a bit confused about certain types of food as they are a French breed, brought over from France as day-olds, now living in Cornwall, UK.

They are fairly heavy birds, not known for being prodigious layers, but as young birds they are providing us with an egg a day each at the moment, and the eggs are a deep brown colour with bright orange yolks....yummy!

 

[nicandjim0315]

Chickens were free ranging and came across silicon from when my DBF resealed the windows in the fall. I thought at first they found an eathworm. Then i realized what it was chased them through the yard but before I could catch the one she ate the silicon. a 3 inch long piece gone in seconds. What are the chances that she'll pass it or should I be watching out for impacted crop? I don't know how many of my 6 chooks ate the silicon or how much they ate just caught the one.
It amazes me the stuff they find to eat.

Just posted the very same questions. Chickens were okay I'm guessing. I'm freaking out