[hendreary]

I noticed one of my hens in the garden with a piece of polystyrene in her beak, she actually managed to eat some before I got it off her. Has anybody got any idea if this will harm her? She has eaten normally since then and seems absolutely fine, but I'm just a bit concerned.
Thank you.

[orchardlady]

I've never had this problem but understand that some hens just love polystyrene. I think the only thing you can do is wait and see for a few days. If she continues to be fit and healthy you can then breath a sigh of relief. I believe one of the problems with polystyrene is that it does not show up well on X Rays so if it does get stuck it's nearly impossible to locate.

OL

[helens-hens]

Hi Hendreary. From what I have read, polystyrene is basically plastic that is 'blown up' to make it light. I would imagine that it would probably just pass through her system without being absorbed. If she didn't have much I would just keep an eye on her.

[jinty1911]

There was a post about this awhile ago and they seem to be fine after eating. Mine dug up some old stuff in the garden (and window sealant) and ate it to no ill effect. 

[hendreary]

Thanks for your replies, I'll rest a bit easier now.

[Lindeggs]

There was a post about this awhile ago and they seem to be fine after eating. Mine dug up some old stuff in the garden (and window sealant) and ate it to no ill effect. 

And some people actually throw it to their hens as a distraction!  You're right, there was quite some discussion about this a while ago, but I don't recall anyone saying they had a hen who actually had any health problems caused by polystyrene.

[asd1]

one of my hens ate some last summer but shes 100% fine so i wouldnt worry

[Kathie]

apologies for jumping in here but this has put my mind at ease as I have spent the last few weeks "stealing" polysytrine, sealant and a myriad of other things builders have left behind- much to the girls disgust.

[Chookiechook]

A couple of winters ago I sat the indoor birds drinker on a thick block of polystyrene to help it not freeze..... I was unable to get to the birds for a week (someone else was checking them) and when I returned there was a perfect circle left under the drinker but the rest had been eaten away!!!  It was a huge amount and they were only little silkies, but they were fine!!!!

I think as they peck at it that it will only be small pieces and pass through unhindered

[hendreary]

Thanks for all your replies, she seems absolutly fine today so I guess its a case of no harm done!