Is it OK for chickens to eat ice?

[Ginmary]

If an ice cube drops they play soccer with it trying to eat it. If is a small piece they eat it with gusto.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

It's fine. It isn't anything more than frozen water. It could have the effect of restricting capillaries in hot weather.

 

[Ginmary]

I was wondering if the cold could effect them so if they are in the house in room temperature then I shouldn’t worry about it.
Thanks

 

[ChickenCanoe]

I was wondering if the cold could effect them so if they are in the house in room temperature then I shouldn’t worry about it.
Thanks

As I said, extreme cold in hot weather and hot birds can restrict capillaries.
At least that is what a poultry nutritionist told me. Cool water is good but it isn't a good idea to give chickens ice water.

 

[aart]

but it isn't a good idea to give chickens ice water.

Learned this after watching a hen guzzle ice water, she staggered around with what I surmised was an 'ice cream headache'. I thought she was going to keel over and die.
She didn't and I didn't ever give ice water again.