How to keep a chicken entertained?

[Grwldog]

Hey BYC. I was thinking on how to keep chickens entertained throughout the day. Because In june, We are getting pekins. And I want as many info as I can find. The entertainment can include Treats, Perches etc. What do you think is good?

 

[A_Fowl_Guy]

A cabbage on a string hanging from the top of the coop always gives my birds something to do. Dust baths are not just useful for cleaning but they seem entertained by it. Outdoor perches in their run (if you’ll have one) give them more to do.

 

[Grwldog]

A cabbage on a string hanging from the top of the coop always gives my birds something to do. Dust baths are not just useful for cleaning but they seem entertained by it. Outdoor perches in their run (if you’ll have one) give them more to do.

The Cabbage one sounds good. I'll remember this info.

 

[A_Fowl_Guy]

The Cabbage one sounds good. I'll remember this info.

Yeah, unfortunately if you have a lot of birds you’ll need more than one. My 30 RIRs can take out a cabbage in 5 minutes.

 

[21hens-incharge]

Cabbage are big. If you have just a few birds....an apple or ear of corn are smaller and just as entertaining.

 

[Grwldog]

Yeah, unfortunately if you have a lot of birds you’ll need more than one. My 30 RIRs can take out a cabbage in 5 minutes.

I was thinking of getting 4-5 pekins. It should take an hour or more I'm guessing.

 

[aart]

Better to have lots of space with things to roost on and climb on and under than using food.
Make sure your coop and run are more than adequately sized for the number of birds you want to keep.

Oh, and...Welcome to BYC! @Grwldog
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[Acre4Me]

They don't need the same entertainment as for humans, and they are flock animals with pecking order considerations.

Treats should be less than 10% of their daily diet, and should not be entertainment as they will gobble up their treat in less than 10 seconds.

Like @aart shows, providing perches and blinds (like the leaning pallet) serves many purposes: Shade, shelter, protection from higher pecking order flock mates, space for the more introverted of the flock (we have a hen that just likes her space, a bit like an introvert). Plus entertainment as they can fly up, look around, fly down, rest, etc. But, keep in mind - do not create a dead end because if a lower pecking order pullet/hen gets trapped, they might get injured or killed if they cannot get away from whomever is after them from a pecking order situation.

Add a dust bath area(s): loose dirt, add some sand and clean wood ash. They love to dust bathe, and it help them control pests like mites and lice.

Toss in some chopped straw for them to scratch through - they will send a lot of time with this activity.

 

[SurferchickinSB]

Better to have lots of space with things to roost on and climb on and under than using food.
Make sure your coop and run are more than adequately sized for the number of birds you want to keep.

Oh, and...Welcome to BYC! @Grwldog
Where in this world are you located?
Climate, and time of year, is almost always a factor.
Please add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, (laptop version shown), then it's always there!
View attachment 1741445

Yep, I agree! The more space the better!

 

[Grwldog]

Thanks for the tips guys! I'm sure my flock will be happy.