Bantam ate silica gel packet beads

[belindaschicks]

My bantam ate silica packet gel beads. I don't know if I should be worried or not. I have lots of water and fresh greens to hopefully flush them out. Any thoughts on what may happen? Or what I should do?

 

[Cluckcluck1215]

It's non-toxic to humans, but chickens?
I'm not sure.....
@TwoCrows @HeavensHens88 @PeepersMama @Wyorp Rock @Ravynscroft @ANYONE

 

[HeavensHens88]

Silica Beads are generally harmless and non-chemically reactive. Some contain moisture indicators, and those are put as "mildly carcinogenic"- toward humans.
In other words, chickens definitely won't develop spontaneous cancer cells from ingestion.
I just did a quick slew of research, and none of the active ingredients comprising the beads themselves are decreed toxic to chickens/birds in general.

All I can advise is what you've been doing. Keep an eye on them, and certainty keep them hydrated. Garlic is a great way to flush out a chicken's system. Try chopping up some fresh cloves and lacing it into readily accessed feed.

 

[Chickassan]

They'll get pooped out and everything will be fine, doubt they'll even digest any at all.

 

[belindaschicks]

I have garlic tonic. I will add that to the water. She is one tough little hen in 6 weeks she a survived a hawk attack and managed to loose 2 toe nails in freak accident. Due to the cold and injuries she has been in the guest room. Thats how she got the silica pack. I was cleaning her cage when she crawled into a shoe box and found it. Hoping to start reintergration soon.

 

[Chickassan]

I'm sorry i laughed at this. Your hen will definitely be fine, after all you've been through with that one I can't believe you're worried about some silica beads.

I have garlic tonic. I will add that to the water. She is one tough little hen in 6 weeks she a survived a hawk attack and managed to loose 2 toe nails in freak accident. Due to the cold and injuries she has been in the guest room. Thats how she got the silica pack. I was cleaning her cage when she crawled into a shoe box and found it. Hoping to start reintergration soon.

 

[Ravynscroft]

Actually, garlic is *not* recommended to be safe for birds...

Activated charcoal would absorb any toxins though, if you are worried...

 

[Cluckcluck1215]

Actually, garlic is *not* recommended to be safe for birds...

Activated charcoal would absorb any toxins though, if you are worried...

Haha.

Really? I have owned chickens for almost 9 years. I feed my chickens garlic quite often, nothing has ever happened.

 

[Ravynscroft]

Haha.

Really? I have owned chickens for almost 9 years. I feed my chickens garlic quite often, nothing has ever happened.

Yes, really... just because they haven't had an issue doesn't make it good for them...

The allium plant is toxic to many animals, including dogs and cats... it *can* cause anemia, then organ failure and subsequently death...

Many have fed their birds avacados and potatoes without issues, yet the oils in the skins are well known to be toxic and *have* caused deaths...

 

[Cluckcluck1215]

Yes, really... just because they haven't had an issue doesn't make it good for them...

The allium plant is toxic to many animals, including dogs and cats... it *can* cause anemia, then organ failure and subsequently death...

Many have fed their birds avacados and potatoes without issues, yet the oils in the skins are well known to be toxic and *have* caused deaths...

It may be toxic to cats, dogs, and the like,but it has cured and helped cured many things in my flock.