Odd Chick behavior

[Relaxing with the Reds]

Granted, this is my first year raising chicks but I find this behavior a little odd. My chicks are 3 weeks old and I've been using paper towels on the bottom of their brooder dashed with some pine shavings, the amount of, I have systematically increased (read in that may help prevent cocci). Well, just went to check on the chicks b/c there has been such a ruckus today and discovered that one chick will pick a piece of paper towel, run around the brooder, another will steel it, continue around with others in hot pursuit, and then when the chase has grown old, the chick will CONSUME the said piece of paper towel! What explains this??? Are they bored? I've been taking them outside for a couple of hours a day, but the last two days have been raining and chilly. I never suspected I had to provide play things for chicks!
Suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Until then I will continue to scratch my head in confusion.

 

[SimplyForties]

Frequently called "chick football", this is a common behavior! Enjoy the laughs it will bring you.

 

[GaNewChick]

I have marbles that are flat on the bottom and rounded on the top ~ assorted colors. I put them in there and they play with them off and on all day ~ especially when one gets covered up by the shavings and then gets uncovered...they've found a new toy.

 

[Gonzo]

how cute! ours do that with earthworms. its pretty cute to watch. you can also put in those cat toys that have a bell in them. they really seem to enjoy that.