Hen ate Foam and Died

[MarissaHill013]

My chickens are just shy of a year old and seemingly healthy. I get perfect eggs everyday, poop all looks normal, fresh food and water and regular checks for mites or lice, etc. A few months ago I found one dead in the coop. Her body was untouched, just dead. After some research and talking with friends I decided it was a fluke. Something happened that was beyond my control. Heart attack or something. Well today I found another one dead this time in the run. Again, untouched body in perfect condition. I went to get there eggs from the nesting boxes and noticed one of the foam pads I had under all of their shavings was dug up and half eaten. Could that have been the cause of death? If so, what should I do about the others? They seem fine, but are they at risk as well? I saved the body this time thinking that tomorrow I might call and get a necropsy. Any advice would be helpful!

 

[sourland]

sorry for the circumstances. Having a necropsy performed would be a good move.

 

[gimmie birdies]

I have a momma hen and baby chicks, and since it was cold put a foam pad (like you sleep on when you camp) on the wall. Mom found it and tore it up in to little pieces, I am sure the mom and maybe the babies ate some, no one died or even got sick. I would not advise using, and I will not use foam in the future.

 

[Mellowmalt]

Chickens will try to eat anything... so a thin wooden board is best to cover anything they shouldn't eat although cardboard works surprisingly well too in a pinch.
I can't say what was in the foam pad you used, it could have been soaked in something less than ideal, you will never know unless maybe the vet can find out.