Enrichment Items for Chicks

[Head of Lettuce]

I have 6 baby chicks that are 1-2 weeks old. Even though I spend time with them when I am at home and in the morning, I have a long workday. I was wondering if anyone recommends any enrichment items for them. I have a small 3 tired wooden perch with mirror attachment on the way but is there anything else I should get right now? I know they are very young so I can't start giving them treats or let them outside just yet, but I bet they would appreciate a little excitement during the day

Ideas?

 

[rosemarythyme]

If you have the coop or run ready no reason they can't spend a little time outside, depending on the weather. I know mine get absolutely stir crazy until I let them out at 10 days old, so even if it's only for 1 or 2 hours it lets them burn off energy and they calm right down.

 

[Head of Lettuce]

If you have the coop or run ready no reason they can't spend a little time outside, depending on the weather. I know mine get absolutely stir crazy until I let them out at 10 days old, so even if it's only for 1 or 2 hours it lets them burn off energy and they calm right down.

okay great!! I will definitely take that advice!

 

[Abravenewworld]

Following. I have kiln dried logs at home for the open fire. I'm wondering if these would be safe as something to sit/stand on/investigate.

Thinking of tree stumps/branches for the brooder and/or the run once they go outside too.

Any types of wood/tree to avoid? Anything to consider?

I saw somewhere about adding shiny marbles and colourful balls. Again, any materials to avoid? Should marbles be a larger size?

 

[rosemarythyme]

Following. I have kiln dried logs at home for the open fire. I'm wondering if these would be safe as something to sit/stand on/investigate.

Thinking of tree stumps/branches for the brooder and/or the run once they go outside too.

Any types of wood/tree to avoid? Anything to consider?

I saw somewhere about adding shiny marbles and colourful balls. Again, any materials to avoid? Should marbles be a larger size?

I assume nothing is added to kiln dried logs (I don't know so I have to ask) - if so then yes they're fine, though I'd make sure to secure them if they're smaller so they don't accidentally roll over onto a chick.

Woods to avoid would be very freshly cut wood of any sort (due to sap and aromatics), Eastern red cedar due to how aromatic it is, and perhaps black walnut due to juglone which is toxic to horses at least and maybe other livestock as well.

Marbles are meant to make it harder for chicks to drown themselves in a waterer. Really no reason to give them marbles as toys of any sort. Chickens don't really play with toys the way some other animals do.

 

[Abravenewworld]

I assume nothing is added to kiln dried logs (I don't know so I have to ask) - if so then yes they're fine, though I'd make sure to secure them if they're smaller so they don't accidentally roll over onto a chick.

Woods to avoid would be very freshly cut wood of any sort (due to sap and aromatics), Eastern red cedar due to how aromatic it is, and perhaps black walnut due to juglone which is toxic to horses at least and maybe other livestock as well.

Marbles are meant to make it harder for chicks to drown themselves in a waterer. Really no reason to give them marbles as toys of any sort. Chickens don't really play with toys the way some other animals do.

Thanks for the reply. I read they like the marbles because they're shiny. Not to play as such, but for something to investigate/peck at. But I've no experience with them to know what's true. Hahaha

Nothing is added to the logs. They're dried in hot air to remove moisture from them so they burn better. The logs I have a birch.

BUT...They're cut for the fire. Some are more smooth than others, some have loose bark. I'll attach pics. I just thought they looked a perfect height for little chicks to stand on.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Thanks for the reply. I read they like the marbles because they're shiny. Not to play as such, but for something to investigate/peck at. But I've no experience with them to know what's true. Hahaha

A similar idea would be to put black dots on the wall of the brooder with a marker (the idea is they look like bugs). Though I find that makes them a little obsessed with pecking at those so personally I'd only do that if they need a distraction from picking at each other.

Nothing is added to the logs. They're dried in hot air to remove moisture from them so they burn better. The logs I have a birch.

BUT...They're cut for the fire. Some are more smooth than others, some have loose bark. I'll attach pics. I just thought they looked a perfect height for little chicks to stand on.

Should be fine. I'd likely nail a couple together for stability, or make sure to pick pieces that sit nice and so that there's no risk of rollover.

Another "fun" addition is a clump of dirt and weeds from the run area which gives them something to tear through and also introduces outside pathogens to their immune systems early, or a small dust bath (if you don't mind the mess!) as their instinct to dust bathe is strong even as babies (these 10-day-olds are enjoying their first bath).

 

[Abravenewworld]

Great! Thank you! From what age can they dust bath? I've 3 chicks that still have a little scab on their umbilicus. I'm guessing I need to wait until these have gone first?

 

[rosemarythyme]

Great! Thank you! From what age can they dust bath? I've 3 chicks that still have a little scab on their umbilicus. I'm guessing I need to wait until these have gone first?

At any point really. A mama hen would take her babies after hatching and they'd copy her behavior, so I'm sure that applies to dust bathing as well.