Is Gypsum dangerous for chickens?

[Laurelm]

Someone asked me this weekend if using Gypsum around their trees would be dangerous or leathal for chickens - I have no idea? Does anyone know?? Thank you!!

 

[Fred's Hens]

Potentially. It can make a brick in the digestive tract. Goes in dry, chickens drink water, and presto... a solid mass can form. I'd hope they didn't gorge on it, but you never know with chickens.

 

[Farmer_Dan]

whew, I thought someone was going to ask if it was OK to use drywall in their chicken coop!

 

[Mac in Wisco]

Fred's Hens :

Potentially. It can make a brick in the digestive tract. Goes in dry, chickens drink water, and presto... a solid mass can form. I'd hope they didn't gorge on it, but you never know with chickens.

It won't hurt them. It can be used as a feed supplement and is a good source of calcium.​

 

[Laurelm]

After alittle more research I read that some large scale broiler operations are using it as bedding mixed with shavings so I guess it must be okay.

Thanks for your feedback.

 

[Mac in Wisco]

Quote:
Yes, we pour prilled gypsum into the litter beneath our waterers. It helps to bind the ammonia.

 

[brianpatrickpellerin]

Sounds good. I have a few rocks I could break up for them. Saves on buying a bag of shell.

 

[galanie]

Potentially.   It can make a brick in the digestive tract.   Goes in dry, chickens drink water, and presto...  a solid mass can form.  I'd hope they didn't gorge on it, but you never know with chickens.

Plaster of Paris is gypsum but it's been heated to around 500 degrees or more. This may be what you're thinking of? Once heated, then it will set up. But the garden kind will not. I actually tested this by putting some gypsum meant for the soil in the oven at 500. After roasting it for a while and letting it cool, it did indeed turn into plaster when mixed with water. But it doesn't otherwise.