How to tell if chickens are happy and what do chickens like to play with

[Bryce Thomas]

I was just wondering how chickens show happiness and what do they like to play with? I might put whatever you guys suggest in their coop/pen so they can play with it. Sometimes they just seem kinda bored

 

[cherrynberry]

I was just wondering how chickens show happiness and what do they like to play with? I might put whatever you guys suggest in their coop/pen so they can play with it. Sometimes they just seem kinda bored

My chickens really love to dig. I have a huge goat waterer for them and when I change that out everyday, I dump it in one spot. Their digging spot. Then, I use a hoe and loosen up the soil. Sometimes a dog will do it for me. Either way, it really keeps the birds busy.

The soil type I have does not really have earthworms, but they do find grubs.

 

[MysteryChicken]

I was just wondering how chickens show happiness and what do they like to play with? I might put whatever you guys suggest in their coop/pen so they can play with it. Sometimes they just seem kinda bored

Chickens will wag their tails to show they're happy.

Mine like xylophones, mirrors, & treat balls/cages.

 

[TheOddOneOut]

Chickens will wag their tails to show they're happy.

Mine like xylophones, mirrors, & treat balls/cages.

Wag their tails? Nuh-uh!
They do that to itch, flick water or dust off, or fling away loose feathers.
Unlike dogs, they don't wag their tails when happy.

 

[MysteryChicken]

Wag their tails? Nuh-uh!
They do that to itch, flick water or dust off, or fling away loose feathers.
Unlike dogs, they don't wag their tails when happy.

I've always seen mine itch their tails with their beaks.

 

[TheOddOneOut]

I've always seen mine itch their tails with their beaks.

Yes, but they don't wag them like a dog.

 

[MysteryChicken]

Yes, but they don't wag them like a dog.

Not constantly, or consistently. Short, & fluidly.

 

[MysteryChicken]

@sourland

 

[TheOddOneOut]

Not constantly, or consistently. Short, & fluidly.

*Sigh.* I know, as I have seen mine do it. But it's not an actual response to a flood of oxytocin or anything.

 

[aart]

Guessing here that it's the keeper that is bored, not the birds.