Hen eating snow, should I worry?

[Margaid]

Let the chickens out this morning, filled their drinker and put it back on the block and watched them wander around a bit. Cocky and Henny started in on breakfast but Pink hen was round the side of the house and I realized she was pecking at the snow and swallowing it. I watched her for a bit and she was pecking up small lumps of snow and eating them as though they were grain. After what I've read about icy water not being good for them, what on earth do I make of this? I used to eat snow when I was little and it never did me any harm - but a hen?

 

[foxy]

Don't worry, they are just naturally pecking at the snow and it won't do any harm..indeed one of my friends pekins got stranded in deep snow and attempted to "snow eat" her way back to her pen, luckily she was rescued by her owner

 

[Marigold]

Do you think that wild birds eat snow when the water is all frozen?

 

[chrismahon]

Ours love eating snow -initially. Then they realise it's a bit cold. It's only water at the end of the day Margaid. Very clean as well with no Chlorine or Fluorine, or any additives. Bit of air pollution of course.

 

[Margaid]

Our water doesn't have chlorine or fluorine or any other chemicals or bacteria. We have an artesian borehole which is 88' deep. It was just so curious to watch - she was initally pecking the snow that had drifted against the side of the hen house, then she went around the back and started picking up little lumps. She still doesn't get to eat until the other two have eaten but she seems to be OK.

 

[Chuck]

No harm at all for whatever reason. Mine were all at it this morning using it to quench their thirst before I could re fill the frozen drinkers.

Wild birds certainly use it as a source of water when other water freezes.