Do chickens play with toys?....

[redhen]

I was wondering if there are any things you guys use?...like maybe some types of bird toys or homemade things?..i was thinking espically for the winter time or when its raining when they wont be outside as much...thanks, .wendy

 

[CarriBrown]

I've never done this, but I've heard of people hanging a head of lettuce up for them to peck at. The lettuce will swing around like a ball, making it harder to peck, and keeping them busy longer.

 

[Wildsky]

Chickens are only MOTIVATED by food, any toy or activity would need to involve food

I don't think they'd play with something just to play!

 

[redhen]

good idea...

..i'll be using that this summer!..thanks,Wendy

 

[redhen]

wildsky..i wonder..you ever see those bird toys..made of wood..or strong plastic..and you put a nut or treat in them and the parrot has to get the treat out/..um..think they would use that...put a meal worm in it or something..

..Wendy

 

[calee]

Our chicks have been pecking at and knocking around an old cockatiel toy we have in the big cage that we've been using as a brooder. They're chicks, though. They peck at and knock around their own poop...

 

[mullers3acers]

our chickens go for bread

 

[redhen]

all good ideas!...thanks..if you guys have any more, keep them coming...thanks, Wendy

 

[S0rcy]

My chickens even as chicks, loved rubber cat toys, balls with bells, and mirrors!

 

[wingnut1]

I have a few toys/mirrors at the bottom of a chicken run -- some of the chickens ignore them, and some interact with them -- the blue cochin (Cloudy) likes to ring the bell of one toy - the gold laced wyandotte (Gracie) likes to look at the birdie in the mirror -- I introduced toys early on by placing them in their brooder, and I kept them in their environment when they moved outdoors.

Hard to know if they are "playing" as opposed to just pecking at a toy because it is there, if you will. The one thing I would say is that these 2 birds in particular return to the toys fairly often --so they must consider it reinforcing at some level -

here is a pic of Gracie looking at the birdie in the mirror. *such* a good looking bird! *lol*