I found something to keep them busy

[bsruther]

I wanted to find something to keep the chickens from hanging out in the coop all day, so I got an onion bag, filled it with old bread and hung it from the roof of the run, at their head level. It took them a couple days to figure out what it was and get over their fear of it swinging, every time they bumped into it. Now that they've caught on to the concept, they peck at it all day, until the bread is gone. Next time I fill it, I'm going to raise it a few inches over their heads to make it more of a challenge for them although, it's pretty funny to watch them dodge it as it swings back towards their head, after they peck it.

 

[chicmom]

That's a neat idea. I'll have to remember that, come winter time. They need things to do when the snow gets too deep or it's cold, and they're stuck indoors.

Thanks for sharing!
Sharon

 

[Debob]

I use a cabbage,hung fom a tree. Lots of fun to watch.

 

[En Plein Air Farms]

I've done that. I found they pecked through the fibers on the bag until the goodie fell out, I have pretty smart chickens though

 

[bsruther]

I have pretty dumb chickens. Makes it that much more fun to watch.

 

[coldinnh]

I know that suet is not the idea snack for chicks- but our summer has not really been a summer- but I tethered a suet block in a cage (one in and one out of their roosting/brooding area). At first the swinging did throw them off and some wait until bits drop- but one chick has figured out that if she pecks at the bottom she doesn't have to worry so much about the swinging.