Something for the chicks to play with?

[mrsgibber]

Is there something I can place in the brooder for my four week old chicks to play with/peck at during the day?

 

[sherrydeanne]

I put some dried leaves and a few sticks in my brooder yesterday and they had a ball. Snacks always keep them busy awhile as well.

 

[mrsengeseth]

I can't remember who it was, but they took one of those little cereal boxes, cut off a front, laid it down and put in clumps of grass or something similar and the chicks had a ball. search for "cereal box" and I am sure it'll come up somewhere.

 

[redhen]

i hung bird toys in their brooder....

 

[mrsgibber]

Great. The cereal box thing sounds like a great idea. I just wonder what crumbles are?

 

[kuntrygirl]

All of those are great ideas. I was wondering the same thing. I have (20) 3 week old Buff Orpington pullets and I wondered about this as well. Thanks for your suggestions.

 

[chickensioux]

I tie (very tightly) little pieces of string to the sides of the brooder. Mine are in a dog cage and I tie 3'-4' pieces of string hanging into their area. They pull and tug for hours.

 

[blondiebee181]

I was definately considering the string thing, or the box, I just don't want to give anything that will make them sick or they can't digest if eaten. I am hoping it will distract them from destroying their bedding, the little turds especially the duck...I have 4 chicks and a duck about 2 weeks

 

[ci_cyfarth]

I think this falls into the treats category as well, but last night I picked some edible wild violets -- one per chick -- and dropped them into the brooder. It was absolutely the most hilarious thing in the world watching them chase each other around, trying to claim them.

They got at least an hour or two of play out of it. Plus, it's a treat from the area they'll be living outside, so it's a gentle exposure to that environment as well.

 

[blondiebee181]

Do they have to be a certain age before introducing outside material? My first time raising, so just curious....I'm not using medicated feed either.