I was looking up chicken activity ideas for my 4 hen flock. I have a rather large back yard enclosed with a 6' privacy fence and in the morning the coop is opened and they have the run of the yard. I seen online a guy took an old swing set attached a pole near the ground so his chickens could perch on it while in the yard. I wondered if this was a good idea. One, would they even use it during the day and two, if they do would it deter them from going into their coop at the end of the day. Note; if I were to make one I have a spot thick with trees where they would be pretty safe from winged predators.
I made a chicken swing and mine never even sat on it but I've seen a YouTube and the chickens loved it. It's worth a try. I use my swing chains to hang a drinker.
I've never had a swing, but my Silkies (who don't get to free range unless supervised) have several low perches in their run. They love to sit on them during the day but they're great about returning to their coop in the evenings.
They don't really need activities. Pecking and scratching and sunning themselves and bug hunting are all the activities they need while free ranging. You could make a swing for them but from what I have read most chickens that didn't have one as chicks don't take to them. Do feel free to try it though, it won't hurt anything.
Thanks for your comments. Doesn't sound like it's something that will go over with most Chickens. I think I'll give it a try though. I have all I would need to put one together so what could it hurt. (My husband mows the yard). If they by chance get use out of it I'll be sure to post some pictures. Thanks again.
