Entertainment for chickens?

[BlueHorse17]

When I don’t have my pullets free ranging I have one who is very vocal in the pen. Any ideas for entertaining them without giving treats? I don’t want to throw off their diet from their normal feed. I have heard maybe mirrors or re-arranging their perches.

 

[OreoH]

When I don’t have my pullets free ranging I have one who is very vocal in the pen. Any ideas for entertaining them without giving treats? I don’t want to throw off their diet from their normal feed. I have heard maybe mirrors or re-arranging their perches.

You could try a chicken swing. It's a stick that hangs off of the roof of the run. Also, you can fill a plastic bottle with their normal food and cut some holes, and they'll roll it around trying to get food to spill out. Any food they don't eat will attract ants, and the chickens will run after the ants too. Also, any sort of item they can stand on is good. I have an old lawn chair and a wooden perch I made in my run.

 

[mviera101]

I have perches(branches) and a big mirror, who knew chickens were vain?. I've also got them Suet boxes. I want a swing or rather they do

 

[BlueHorse17]

Thanks! I was debating on getting them a swing but I thought that it wouldn’t be sturdy. Guess they do like them? I was also thinking of adding more perches. For now they have a log perch and a tall cement block; both sturdy.

 

[Justso]

Add a table. Mine love their old picnic table!

 

[BlueHorse17]

Add a table. Mine love their old picnic table!

Good alternative idea!

 

[rosemarythyme]

Mine don't really use the swing but it's there if they ever want it.

Otherwise more perches, more clutter: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/a-cluttered-run.1323792/ , piles of dried leaves or weeds to pick through and kick around.

 

[BlueHorse17]

Great ideas! I love them. Please keep them coming.