HELP!

[ChickenCharmer]

We're going on vacation and we have to put all the chickens in the basement to keep them safe from predators. Some of the broody hens have chicks and I can't have the others picking the chicks. I thought of putting up some toys to keep the adults busy so they won't pick the peeps.

So... who knows of the funnest chicken toy? What's most entertaining to chickens? Suggestions very welcome! Please!

 

[crait]

Hanging up lettuce with some string. It'll keep them entertained.
How about you just separate the broody hens and chickies from the others completely?

 

[chickenwhisperer123]

Quote:
If it is possible to seperate then by all means seperate.
Have you considered putting them together before you leave so you can see how they get along? That way if something needs to be done, you are there to help.

 

[cmom]

I am wondering also if you can separate the broodies and their chicks from the other birds? Is someone going to look in on them while your gone?

 

[ChickenCharmer]

We will have all chickens together in the same place. We have two automatic waterers there and if we were to separate all the broodies, it would not only be impractical, but also very risky, having to give each one a different waterer, etc. The safest is to have them all together. Believe me, I've thought about it.

Yes, the chicks mingle with the flock every day, and most of the flock leave them alone, except for a few very bad-tempered hens. Normally this comes to no harm, because they're free-range and therefore have more space, but if they were to be cooped up together in the basement, the mean hens might get bored and pick on the chicks. there is no easy solution to this, just putting up as many distractions as possible. And like i said before, doing separation stuff is even more risky and is not an option.

So any more suggestions for chicken toys? I really need help...

 

[crait]

Maybe you could seperate the broodies from the flock with the babies but allow them to move to the waterer too.
Like, having a boxed in area with a little door so that it discourages chicks from leaving and bigger chickens from going in except the mamma to be with her babies. If you set up a nest and stuff in a big cardboard box and cut a good sized hole into, that could be a good deal.. Then, tape the box against the wall.

 

[cariboujaguar]

can chickens have any of those wild bird feeder treats? Like the seed/suet thingies? I have been wondering this for awhile and keep forgetting to ask... maybe bring some real turf in, grass, roots, dirt etc... or lots of deep bedded hay with 'treats' hidden in it for them to scratch in? stale bread... hmmm...