Ideas for bored chicks...

[chickpip]

The chicks are 4&5days old... We have used empty tissue boxes cut with a hole so they wouldn't get trapped, in the past but what else would be good? what else can I put in with the chicks for some stimulation and play? This is only my 3rd time with chicks.

 

[HorseFeatherz NV]

I give mine a sand box, or clump of grass from the yard (with dirt attached). Half an apple, half a cabbage, some rolling cat toys, feather duster, hand full or two of cut grass or hay - make sure that if you do give them things to eat/pick at that they have sand or grit in their brooder (I start mine on sand/dirt their 3rd day after hatch, this is when my broodies usually leave the nest with chicks to start scratching and pecking in the dirt)

Put down a sheet or towels in the living room and let them run around. If it is a nice day (2" of snow here) take them outside for a bit - will sleep like logs when you bring them in.

 

[chickpip]

Quote:
We don't have sand or grit at the moment because the chick starter has grit in it... Should I hold off until I do have sand or grit?

 

[HorseFeatherz NV]

If you can get a clump of grass/weeds with dirt from the yard, they will pick thru the dirt for small grit/rocks/pebbles. You can also give them a dirt box instead of sand, dirt from the yard (I put mine into one of those plastic sandwich type tupperware containers) But if you cannot get dirt, wait to give them anything needs chewing or grinding to eat (for example - eggs, hard boiled or scrambled are fine to feed without grit but grass, cabbage, apple, bugs need to be "chewed" or ground in the gizzard which needs grit to grind).


You can also put a stick or two into the brooder for them to jump around on and inspect. A stuffed animal, or different stuffed animal.