Paint chips

[Hardknockshomestead]

I agree with Mary. Any lead they eat can affect their eggs or meat indefinitely.
We had lead testing done before buying our home. It's nasty stuff.

 

[Folly's place]

Older homes and buildings all have lead paint; the plan is to avoid eating any of it, or having our critters eat it. Most of us more mature folks will have some blood lead level, from those 'good old days' but avoiding it where ever possible is important!!!
Mary

 

[Puffles]

Paint chips? Naw... my girls look for pieces of glass! Paint chips are nothin’!

I’m just kidding, chickens aren’t the smartest creatures, so.... ahem... ya gotta keep a close eye on them.

 

[Folly's place]

Glass; more grit for the gizzard? Who knew?
Mary

 

[Fishkeeper]

It might be something about the appearance that looks like a prime tidbit to them. After all, chickens aren't wired to avoid paint chips, there's no evolutionary need for it. Theoretically one could selectively breed for paint-chip-avoiding chickens, but it might be better to just keep them away from the paint. Maybe repaint whatever they're getting chips off of.

 

[Hardknockshomestead]

Mine are little troublemakers!

I LOVE 'em!