My eco solution to rat problems

[tonywig]

I am worried.

Last night I went out to give the girls a treat of a corn on the cob (which they love) to find them all attacking a lump of Polystyrene which must have blown into the garden. Looking at it I can only guess they had consumed a fair bit of the lump (though not being sure how big it was to start with I cannot say for sure - just guessing by the shape).

 

Clearly this is not a GOOD thing for them to eat but should I be worried?

Any ideas anyone?

 

Thanks in advance.

[Mel (& Paul)]

a breeder once recommended that we use those small polysterene balls that you get in packing to prevent boredom in the run - and said it would pass through harmlessly. I have not tried it myself.

Not sure whether it would really cause a problem so until anyone with more knowledge than me posts (shouldnt take long ) I would just keep an eye on your girls - make sure they are drinking and eating.

[Egluntyne]

I'm not sure that I'd risk it as a regular boredom buster......I'd be scared about it causing impacted crop, or poisoning, as it is full of toxins, but I'm, sure the odd bit as your have eaten Tonywig, won't do too much damage.

[Chickybaby]

My chickens have managed to get hold of the odd bit of polystyrene from time to time with no ill effects so you should be ok. For some reason they seem to love it and it takes me ages to run round the garden trying to get it off them.

[tonywig]

Thanks all.

I feel better now.

 

I'll keep an eye on them (of course) but always good to know I'm not the first this sort of thing has happened to.