CHICKEN SWING

[azygous]

Older chickens can be put off by something new like that. And may I say it's a mighty fine swing?

I put the swing back up I had made a couple years ago (that got ignored) when I got chicks last summer. Those little ones took right to the swing, and a couple still use it now that they're going on eleven months old.

So, it's the younger ones in your flock that are most likely to warm up to your splendid new swing, and if you get chicks, they'll use it for sure!

 

[Jim Phelps]

I agree with the above post. As I stated earlier, my baby chicks began using it right away. Now as hens, they continue to use it. When I first tried it with older chickens, they would not use it at all. My swing is very similar to yours except made of wood. (See avatar.) One suggestion that MIGHT help: Use a suspension that doesn't swing so freely. I used rubber-type tarp straps that control the amount of "swing." And it could be that your PVC doesn't give enough of a solid feel to the swing. I do think the most important thought is to start them out with a swing when they are a week or two old.

 

[bantambarnyard]

I have never heard of such a thing!

 

[FlyWheel]

Been thinking of adding one of these to my run when I first saw it, Reading this thread and some of the problems some have mentioned gave me a few additional ideas as well.

• I am going to make a small version for the brooder as well in the hopes the chicks will use and like it. If they do they may be able to teach/inspire some of the older fogeys in the run later.
• I will be using a chain, but to prevent it from looping or snagging on the chicken's feathers I will also employ a very simple solution (which I am surprised no one else has brought up): slide the chain through a thin plastic tube.
• Some have mentioned their birds getting freaked by the wild motion upon mounting the swing. However in the posted video I noticed the person had placed a stump near it so the chickens could mount and dismount from closer, that way it wouldn't swing so wildly when they do. Good idea!

I'll let y'all know how/if these 'innovations' work out.

 

[TURKEYNUTT]

I have heard of these chicken swings but have never bought one before I think I might buy one for my hens, do you think turkeys would like something like this? I have two turkey s a male and a female

 

[TURKEYNUTT]

Has anyone had trouble with there chicken swing before? Do your hens like it?

 

[aart]

I have heard of these chicken swings but have never bought one before I think I might buy one for my hens, do you think turkeys would like something like this? I have two turkey s a male and a female

Welcome to BYC!

If you read back some of this thread....you'll see others opinions.
Seems young birds might get used to it and like it, older birds not so much.
Chicken and turkeys are mostly ground birds tho they do roost in trees...not like parrots or parakeets who love to swing being upper story birds.
My opinion, save your money.

 

[Member 441608]

is there a way to teach my chickens to use a chicken swing? I have one but they do not use it.

 

[lazy gardener]

Where do you have it mounted? Perhaps start it out about 6 - 12" off the ground.

 

[Member 441608]

oh.... I have it like 2 - 2 1/2 ' off the ground......