Silly birds eating anything

[Chambertin]

Anyone else "discover" that chickens and turkeys have little idea what is good for them?

I got a package today that came with the typical styrofoam sheet for packing. I left some of it near the kitchen and the rest blew out the window with a gust of wind.

Unknown to me the turkeys were on it almost instantly and tearing it apart like we humans would tear into a free jumbo bag of tater chips. Luckily I caught them after a few minutes and took the remaining foamboard out of the balcony.
The two dumb dumbs chased the little white kernels around the rest of the day and oh if they caught one the other would chase the lucky one around hoping to see it dropped and gobble it down for themself. I had to rip the last chunk out of the hens mouth as I had seen them buzzing around chasing each other for about 5 minutes.
Gonna be some interesting poops tomorrow.

The chickens were slightly smarter but they were still trying to eat up the foam next to the kitchen after they discovered they could peck it into bite sized pieces.

I just can’t believe how happy they were to eat styrofoam.
Still it makes you think how we humans look to any other species gobbling up mounds of fast and or processed foods to any onlookers up there.

Sorry, no pics, didnt think of grabbing the camera.

 

[theoldchick]

They don't have a clue do they?

I think this is the remains of a tomato from 5 days ago. Or an unlucky slug.

 

[chickenneighbor]

My neighbors had to fence in their hens because they were pecking the exterior insulation off homes in the 'hood, and eating it! I miss seeing them in my yard!

 

[A.T. Hagan]

Probably not any worse for them than the potato chips. I have no idea why chickens and turkeys have this fascination with Styrofoam, but they do. You have to be careful not to let them get to any. Doesn't seem to hurt them, but it can't be doing them any good either.

 

[cmom]

I put styrofoam boards in the ceiling of one of my coops to help keep the heat out in the summer. I had a high roost and the birds were just tall enough that they could stretch out on tip toes and peck at the styrofoam. I put some pieces of vinyl over the styrofoam that is over the roost. Now they can't get at it but you are right they sure seem to think it's good.

 

[Chambertin]

Yeah it's amazing.

Insulation even, hah!
I've never seen the turkeys "fight" over anything. Sure they are in a race for the choice kitchen scraps, and every so often a quick mouth pluck happens. However this was a full on chase with flapping and everything. They are hesitant to jump on the rail of the balcony to get away from the dogs, after the scare they got looking down the first time I had to carry them to the floor. But I bet they would take the 20 story leap for some styrofoam peanuts any day.

I know this for sure now: life is much more interesting with poultry.

 

[cluckcluckgirl]

It's amazing what they'll eat. I also find ducks try to eat weird things, such as insulation (ate), a stick, and big rocks. My chickens have succeeded at eating a styrofoam plate when I forgot it was in there.