toys for chicks?

[greytmommy]

I read about using some common bird toys for chicks. Since it might be a few days before I can get to the store, any suggestions of good toys for them that I might have laying around the house? I have a mirror, so I can put that in there. Anything else I can do? I feel bad I cant hold them more during the day, but I run a small inhome daycare, so I have kiddos to deal w/ all day long!

 

[sunny & the 5 egg layers]

Well I have a thermometer in my brooder and they wont leave it alone! We place the thermometer leaning on the side of our brooder and then all the chicks gather around it and peck at it. They do this until the thermometer falls down! It is so cute! Then after it falls they all stand on it!

 

[Marylizbet]

My chicky's love a box. I cut out the ends, and they go in it, and on it, and sleep with their heads hanging off it. At first I had this styrofoam "bridge" but they started eating it... There's way more suggestions on BYC for toys, go look it up. : )

 

[Chickeninthemeadow]

A 'hiding' place away from the lamp to me seems like a good idea, I'll probably take an extra shoebox I have laying around and cut it up so they can get into it or stand on top of it. I may try taking several lids from like soda/water bottles and milk jugs and string them up too. Once again, I'd keep most toys away from the heat source though as I'd worry about the toy getting too hot and hurting one of the babes. If they are exceptionally small chicks, then perhaps a toilet paper tube (but they'll outgrow it quick). Perhaps even make some toys from PVC pipe from your local hardware store will be good too.