Chickens eating styrofoam insulation

[Pickled Egg]

Our 3 hens and 1 rooster have been eating the exposed Styrofoam type insulation in their coop (which I've since covered up). They have also been pecking at and probably eating some old and yellowed spray-foam type insulation outside the barn when they are free roaming.

They all seem to be fine, but I worry that this is not something they will pass or that will become toxic in their system.

Any thoughts or suggestions would be greatly appreciated : )

 

[Imp]

Several people have posted that their chickens have eaten styrofoam or insulation with no ill effects.

Imp- probably not a good idea tho.

 

[horsejody]

Chickens eat a lot of strange things. I once chased mine all over the yard because they had styrofoam packing peanuts in their their beaks. No, I didn't catch them, and, yes, they ate them. Nobody got sick. Just keep an eye on them.

 

[PatS]

I had sheets of foam insulation exposed under the roof of my coop when my chicks were still very small. (Maybe five weeks old.) A couple of panels fell down one night and by the time I had discovered it, quite a bit had been eaten. I worried, but they have suffered no ill effects. (Thank goodness!)

 

[gritsar]

This too will pass. As will glass and metal. I have a hen that thinks she's a magpie.

 

[SF Farmgirl]

My little chicks did that when they were first figuring out what's supposed to be eaten. I'm pretty sure that styrofoam is an inert ingredient, and won't create any toxins. Mine would act like it was a great prize and would run around with it. If I caught them, I would snatch it out of their beaks. Like other readers, I saw no ill effects.

 

[Quadog]

Maybe it will help keep them warm inside!!

 

[Imp]

Quote:

 

[Pickled Egg]

Well, it's a relief to know that a) my chickens' bizarre snack choice is normal and b) that their bizarre snack choice will not make them ill.

Lol.. and if it keeps them warm from the inside than that means less for me to worry about too : )

 

[Uppity Peon]

My chickens have been attacking the styrofoam vent blocks in the foundation wall of my house.