Do chickens play with toys?

[Sarahbethk]

It's really strange for me to have an animal who doesn't really seem to 'play.' Every pet I have ever owned did some sort of play. Horses, goats, dogs, cats, parakeets.... etc.. So, do you consider chickens 'playful'?

 

[Petej]

Oh yes!

Playful indeed!

Tie a head of cabbage or lettuce up and hang it where the chickens can peck at it. They go crazy!

 

[Judy]

Maybe not as much as a dog or cat, but yes, they will play. I've read of several instances on here. Bird toys, mirrors, short roosts, platforms to hop onto, hanging foods like suet or a head of cabbage, come to mind. A lone chick will cuddle up to a small stuffed animal. They will peck at most anything out of curiosity.

 

[gryeyes]

And some of the dashing, chasing, running around after each other is NOT merely pecking order issues, but actual playfulness with a buddy.

 

[thndrdancr]

With my first two ladies in town, I had one of those dog ball thingies that expel treats. It was before the KONG ideas, but I would fill it full of B.O.S.S. and they learned to kick it around to get the sunflowere seeds out.

They had a great time with it,and it was huge for them! Took two weeks to figure it out but then heaven forbid if I didnt fill it regular like, then I was a bad momma!

 

[nwfl]

My birds have a thing for food items not really toys. If you grow your own sunflowers and bottle necked gourds you can tie those up to make them workout. I have a dogberry bush in my layer pen that is entertaining and yaupons growing wild everywhere that produce lots of delicious high jumping rewards.

 

[newchickgal]

Quote:
As soon as mine get a little older I'm going to try that!

 

[MrsPinkKitty]

mine look like they play tag....

 

[FuzzyButtsFarm]

My chicks played foot ball with a piece of scrambled egg. It was hilarious and went on till the eggs were gone.

 

[noodleroo]

When they are still babies, a low perch in the brooder seems to be fun for them. Also an empty toilet paper roll is interesting for them too.