Chickens are eating insulation

[ChickenGirl555]

I have 8 pullets and 6 of them are going nuts for the insulation of the bottom of the coop. It’s just plain styrofoam, but I’m worried if this will harm them. I try to stop them, pushing them away from it when they try to eat it, but they’re sneaky and do it while I fill the waterer or the feeder. I really hope this won’t kill them. They can only eat it when the door’s open though, so it’s not like they have 24/7 access to it. Is this normal? HARMFUL? And can I stop it?

 

[theoldchick]

The only way to stop it is to cover it up. As to if it is harmful, who knows? This is called pica and has several causes: stress, boredom, lacking nutrition, or just because....

 

[ChickenGirl555]

The only way to stop it is to cover it up. As to if it is harmful, who knows? This is called pica and has several causes: stress, boredom, lacking nutrition, or just because....

I bet it’s boredom since there’s so much snow that they won’t go outside

 

[theoldchick]

Try adding some form of entertainment for them.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...important-and-how-you-can-provide-them.66136/

 

[Frazzemrat1]

Definetly cover it up though! You don’t want those chemicals in your eggs!

 

[ChickenGirl555]

Definetly cover it up though! You don’t want those chemicals in your eggs!

Oh my gosh, I completely forgot about eggs! Do you think simply putting a boring paint color over it will make them less interested? I don't have the time or materials to cover it up currently, but I can quickly paint over it.

 

[kwhites634]

I bet it’s boredom since there’s so much snow that they won’t go outside

At least now they're warm Be glad it's foam, & not fiberglass.