Poor forage

[Jennlloyd]

I have six chicks that are free range in my back yard in the city in FL, the grass is poor as it has such a sandy soil and months before we even thought of getting chickens my hubs sprayed for insects a couple of times so not much for the chicks to peck at. I`m concerned even though I feed well with starter and wholesome treats that they will try and fly out of our six foot privacy fence out of pure boredom. What can I do to keep them in and liven up the grounds a bit? They are four and six weeks of age so flight isn't dire right now but ugh the pecking sucks. Any ideas?

 

[3riverschick]

I have six chicks that are free range in my back yard in the city in FL, the grass is poor as it has such a sandy soil and months before we even thought of getting chickens my hubs sprayed for insects a couple of times so not much for the chicks to peck at. I`m concerned even though I feed well with starter and wholesome treats that they will try and fly out of our six foot privacy fence out of pure boredom. What can I do to keep them in and liven up the grounds a bit? They are four and six weeks of age so flight isn't dire right now but ugh the pecking sucks. Any ideas?

Hi Jenni!
Get a small cabbage and hang it on a cord so the cabbage is high enough they have to stretch a bit to peck at it. Cabbage is good for chickens and good exercise pecking at it. If you have a shank end ham for dinner, hang the bone that's left on a cord same height . They will clean it right away and you can take it down before bugs become a problem.
Best Success,
Karen in western PA, USA

 

[Jennlloyd]

Ha, kinda like a stall ball I used to give my horses. Cool! Will do ASAP. Thank you thank you Karen! Love this forum!