Hens eating sealant around side door -- will bitter apple spray work?

[PrincessPeggy]

I noticed the girls were pecking away at the sliding glass door this afternoon. After about 10 minutes of nobody leaving and continuing to peck I got curious. Turns out, they were eating the sealant around the glass in the door! I shooed them away but they keep going back. Is there something I can spray on the sealant to make it less yummy to them? I've got bitter apple spray that I used for the dogs; is it safe for chickens? Any other suggestions?

 

[MrFluffyandGirls]

I don't think it'll hurt to try but I'm thinking they might like apple. You can always put duct tape over it but it will look a bit redneck.

 

[Dephora]

I have tried that "pick no more" rooster booster brand ointment. It is grape seed oil which they hate the taste of. If you have some on hand that could be a very easy solution to smear some along the sealant. I will say it needs to be reapplied often on a bird, but I am thinking one taste of it should keep them away, so long as you add something new to entertain them, maybe a hanging cabbage?