My free ranging chickens have eaten insulation, is it safe to eat their eggs?

[sweethavenchick]

Hi, I hope that I am posting this under the correct thread. Here is my situation: I let my chickens free range, as they insist and just fly over the fence anyway. They have always enjoyed their freedom and are usually safe, except that I discovered that they have been picking at the foam insulation (which is covered by a thin layer of cement) on the outside of my basement walls. At first I was worried for the health of my chickens, but they all seem to be healthy and well. The damage to my house is another issue. But our family has not been eating our chickens' eggs (and unfortunately throwing them out) because I was not sure if it was safe to eat the eggs after they ate or picked at the insulation. I would really like to eat the eggs, but I just do not know if it is safe. Has anyone ever experienced this or know the answer? Thanks!

 

[Folly's place]

I doubt anyone can answer this one; try your veterinary school or state path lab. Chickens love that stuff! I ate the eggs when mine got into it, never occurred to me to worry about it. Mary

 

[donrae]

I've eaten lots of eggs laid after the birds feasted on Styrofoam and not had any problems. Why they're drawn to that stuff is a mystery, but we sure can't leave it in reach of a single bird without them devouring it.