fertilizer = snack?

[sparklechicken]

Ok, hopefully this hasn't been posted on here before! My chicken's favorite snack is those white foam things in potting soil. They're all over my garden! Every time I let her out, they're the first thing she goes for. Is this toxic? What is the purpose of those things anyway, are they fertilizer or an anti-compacting thing for the soil?

 

[classicsredone]

I think you mean perlite. It is a heated form of obsidian. In that case, make sure that she has grit available to her. If she's going after artificial fertilizer, that is NOT a good thing.

 

[ella]

I think they pretty much eat anything. We had a flock strip the Styrofoam from around our foundation in 20 min. Without I think lasting damage, so that's good news!

 

[sparklechicken]

Yes, it's perlite, I'd forgotten the word! I do have grit provided. Is perlite at all toxic or harmful? Thanks!

 

[classicsredone]

No, it shouldn't be harmful. The only time it is harmful is when you purchase a big bag. There is a LOT of powder in the bags that can be inhaled, so you have to wet down the perlite before you can use it.

 

[sparklechicken]

Oh, wonderful! Thanks, you answered a chicken question AND a gardening question that I've always wondered about!