Pica?

[sweeble]

I am cleaning out the coop for spring and i piled all the old straw and the droppings in the corner of my property to compost. I thought they would spred it around but they ate two entire wheel barrows loads in three hours. There is nothing left! they have done this two days in a row so i have been paying attention. why would they do this? should i worry? they are fat and healthy birds. I have had no problems with them in two years. they are also eating coco coir bricks that my son has stacked against the garage. they have access to food 24/7 and they free range all day. could this be pica?

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I am cleaning out the coop for spring and i piled all the old straw and the droppings in the corner of my property to compost. I thought they would spred it around but they ate two entire wheel barrows loads in three hours. There is nothing left! they have done this two days in a row so i have been paying attention. why would they do this? should i worry? they are fat and healthy birds. I have had no problems with them in two years. they are also eating coco coir bricks that my son has stacked against the garage. they have access to food 24/7 and they free range all day. could this be pica?

Welcome To BYC!

How many birds do you have?

It's not too uncommon for chickens to dig through composting material or to eat things maybe they shouldn't (Styrofoam, Insulation, Plastic!!).

As long as they have Grit (Crushed Granite) available, they should be able to process materials they consume.