Unhealthy gaming fun
Help, my chickens have eaten polystyrene
For whatever reason, chickens love polystyrene. It is assumed that it is the crunchy texture that really freaks them out when they discover some. Never leave it within reach of your chickens during construction work. They must not see the insulation in the hutch either, let alone reach it, otherwise they will quickly pick at it. Many chickens will try to peck at it with all their might. Then they will gobble it up as if it were the best thing ever.
That is why unprotected polystyrene is not a suitable insulation for a chicken coop! It is made from petroleum and anyone with half a brain can imagine that it cannot be healthy. In addition, bird mites will feel quite at home behind the insulation. You can then only fight them with poison.
Some chicken farmers deliberately feed their poultry such things. It is cheap and fills the stomach quickly. We don’t know whether the polystyrene can also lead to a blockage of the crop, but it’s better not to risk it.
Some chicken keepers also think it is a good idea to keep chickens busy with polystyrene waste. People really do come up with the strangest ideas! Of course you should feed your chickens when, for example, there is bird flu and therefore a coop obligation. This results in fewer rank fights and arguments in the henhouse.
Alternatives to polystyrene as a chicken activity
Offer your chickens a natural alternative with a similar consistency as a treat. For example, puffed rice cakes or homemade - not sugared or salted - popcorn. Our chickens absolutely love the crispy treat!