Poll on flock toys — please answer if possible!

[SwampPrincessChick]

Going to put something here again. I forgot to mention that the non-food item that chickens enjoy the most would be sticks. Yes, sticks. Chickens, especially bantams, want to have things to climb on and it is good for them to practice their balance, jumping and flight. Branches can be put in their pen if they are confined. If they are free-ranged, you can build something to hold the branches (but do not expect free-ranged chickens to like using branches as much as those confined, since they have more to do). And if you want to go even further with building for confined chickens, you can use random pieces of spare wood you have to make some sort of climbing toy for them!

 

[Pampered chicken girl]

The only "toy" I've given mine was a perch stand that was meant for parrots. They perched on it a few times.

 

[My Very First 6 Chickens]

If you cannot freerange, changing up the layout of the run a bit provides many days of enrichment. Adding a log or 2 is very nice. Roost bars made of branches, handfuls of dry leaves or DRY grass clippings. Hanging a veggie or fruit is stimulating as well. Hang it a little higher for a needed stretch or hop. Whatever you do be sure to consider your flocks safely first. I have had hens injure legs from horsin' around too much. Older, heavier hens dont need to be hopping down from high spots here and there. Raking and making little piles while cleaning the run seems to be a pleasure for the hens as they pick through all the debris and find a new rest spot for a bit. Keeping hens stimulated and curious, allowing them to explore effects a large part of their overall health. My hens free range a large part of the day and something happens that I've never seen in the run. They'll all choose a location and start scratching . I mean Scratching!!! A gentle rhythm takes effect similar to dust bathing. Their eyes sorta glaze over and those fluffy butts start swinging. Back and forth back and forth. In my opinion, that action makes up a certain necessary % of overall health. I love witnessing chicken behavior. Sorry for the super long rant!

 

[SandyRiverChick]

My opinion on giving chickens toys is it is more for the chicken keeper who is feeling guilty that chickens are confined. If you offer a chicken nature, to scratch and do chickens behaviors in vs. a pile of toys, you know what they're going to pick......

 

[The Welch Chickens]

My opinion on giving chickens toys is it is more for the chicken keeper who is feeling guilty that chickens are confined. If you offer a chicken nature, to scratch and do chickens behaviors in vs. a pile of toys, you know what they're going to pick......

Exactly

 

[Ilovemychicks08]

My opinion on giving chickens toys is it is more for the chicken keeper who is feeling guilty that chickens are confined. If you offer a chicken nature, to scratch and do chickens behaviors in vs. a pile of toys, you know what they're going to pick......

Not everyone can do that. I cant free range due to town rules. So i bring the things to my chickens. I give them piles of weeds weekly.

 

[KimbosKluckers]

Great thread. Thanks for the tag. When mine were tiny they enjoyed the mirror in their brooder, now it’s hanging in their coop so they can check their feathers before going out each morning In their run they have a sandbox and about 30’ of roost bars at different heights that they love. Each day they get access to our big yard that has a sandpit, tree stumps, and old flower pot with dirt in it (on its side so like a cave) and there’s 5 trees that have ladders and perches in them. Their favorite toy is our pig. All get along great and absolutely love each other.

 

[AntiqueB]

I forgot about my tunnels! I bought kids' play tunnels, and made them into U-shapes. The chickens like to go in those. They hide and sleep in them.

Play tunnel, blue/green

https://ingka.page.link/Fq4CRpgE8hz8YmX29

 

[Pampered chicken girl]

Not everyone can do that. I cant free range due to town rules. So i bring the things to my chickens. I give them piles of weeds weekly.

X2, I can't free range because we have hawks living on our property and a lot of coyotes and bobcats around.

 

[The Welch Chickens]

X2, I can't free range because we have hawks living on our property and a lot of coyotes and bobcats around.

We can’t free range all day for the same reason, but we let them out from about 4:00-5:00 (less hawks out then) under supervision. It works well and they are a very happy flock.