how to occupy my bored chickens?

[Nutcase]

My chickens get really bored during the day. Sometimes they have nothing to do in the run so they concoct a scheme, get out of the run and destroy our garden! What little toys/treats could I use to keep them occupied?

 

[15shenyl]

You could try a Flock Block, it's a big block of what looks like to be a bunch of seeds and other things. Give them scratch grains. Or put like greens they can pick on through the day. I never tried the Flock Block before, my chickens are able to free range.

 

[WestVermont]

Break the string on a bail of hay and let them scratch in it and spread it.

Hang suet baskets with treat around the run

hang a cabbage like tether ball and let them eat and play

freeze treats in a block of ice, broth or soup

toss scratch grains for them to search for

play with them

 

[Doubleyolker]

My girls received a seedblock from Santa . Its been so cold I thought it would keep them busy inside. They have shown some interest but aren't crazy about it. Of course they are spoiled and probably holding out for something better.

 

[azygous]

Take empty Gator aid bottles and drill 1/4 in holes in them. Fill with scratch grain and BOSS. The fun lasts all day.

 

[Nutcase]

Thanks for your help everyone. One dumb question: what is BOSS?

 

[cyw iar]

Black Oil Sunflower Seeds. Took me forever to figure that one out, too.

 

[mnhomestead]

Take empty Gator aid bottles and drill 1/4 in holes in them. Fill with scratch grain and BOSS. The fun lasts all day.

I love the 'shades' on the one in the back.

The bottle look like a fun idea, I will have to try that.

I brought in a large branch the other day and they enjoyed talking to it and sizing it up for a bit and then jumped and walked on it.

 

[nwredrooster]

What are the shades all about? Is that photo shop? It doesn't take much, but, I'm confused.

 

[donrae]

They're pinless peepers. Used to prevent an aggressive bird from pecking on her flockmates.