Chickens and foam

[Rondack]

Many chickens like eating foam.... Is that bad? Is foam good or bad for chickens?

 

[The Phantom]

Not sure if it is bad, but I wouldn't let them just eat it.

 

[The Moonshiner]

I've had chickens that have eaten it many times and never died but it can't be good for them and I would think quite hazardous.

Sure can't think of any way it would be good for them unless you want them to float.
That's how we made duck decoys back in the day.
Take a good ol mallard, shove a hand full or two of split shot stinkers down them then let them fill up on foam.
Once they're full we'd hit with a good hefty shot of freon. That would humanely end their lives and also add a hard protective shell to 'em.

 

[Rondack]

I wonder if it affects the eggs....

 

[rosemarythyme]

While it might not be immediately harmful (like poison) it also means they're filling up their stomachs with something that's not digestible. If they have problems passing the foam from their system over time it could possibly build up and block their digestive tract, I'd imagine.

 

[GreySoul]

My chickens, ducks, and guineas all eat Styrofoam and it drives me nuts. I'm constantly searching for the source of the foam that escapes me.

 

[Rondack]

My hamburg likes eating foam from the garage foundation... I keep covering the places where she can get it but then she finds another place!

 

[aart]

While it might not be immediately harmful (like poison) it also means they're filling up their stomachs with something that's not digestible. If they have problems passing the foam from their system over time it could possibly build up and block their digestive tract, I'd imagine.

Ditto Dat^^^

Sure can't think of any way it would be good for them unless you want them to float.