Mental stimulation for chickens???

[jak2002003]

Yes chickens need mental stimulation. If they get bored they are more likely to start fighting and pecking at each other. This can lead to feather pecking, egg eating, and also wounding each other.

They don't need much to interest them. Just throw in a lettuce or some vegetable scraps. Or throw some scratch on the floor. Also some new thing for them to explore is good, like a wooden box, big plant pot, something to fly up onto. They love a place to dust bath too.

If they can free range, or have a large outdoor run, then they will get all the stimulation they need themselves.

 

[Yukonchick]

I've been sprinkling Diatomeceous earth in for them. They seem to like that stuff and it keeps it dry in there. They're not quite old enough for the outdoors yet. kinda cold up here and I"m going out today to put chicken wire over their run. We got a multitude of birds of prey up here in the Yukon.

 

[Tutz67]

Hi there - I'm new to chooks but also thought they may need stimulation, I put a ladder in the yard and have been putting treats on different steps - they are now up and down throughout the day - seem to be enjoying themselves!!