Toy's for Chicks?

[bluelucky]

I was wondering if anyone knew of anything I can make or buy to keep my chicks entertained some while in the run? Either homemade or store bought is ok.. Just wondering !!

 

[LearninDeChooks]

Glad you asked this as I've been wondering the same thing too!

 

[goldnchocolate]

I made a swing, for my chicks, out of a branch and clothesline tied at both ends and hung from the rafters. They loved it!

 

[nurse_turtle]

I placed large logs in the run and rotated them daily. The girls love to peck at the bark and climb on it. When I turn it daily, there are usually several little bugs which are quickly devoured. I have also been known to hang pieces of fruit (apple, grapes, strawberries) on a string and they have quite a time chasing it around. A simple small pile of hay will entertain.

 

[jak2002003]

My chicks, and adults, like to fly up onto things and jump off. I have upturned flowerpots, wooden boxes and some tree stumps.

They also like to dust bath.......make them a dry area to do that.

Throwing in a whole cabbage will keep them busy for hours tearing it up.

If you run has no grass, you can throw in a lump of turf , they love to pick at it and look for bugs.

 

[bluelucky]

What if they are only 6 weeks old?

 

[linkedsilas]

Being a zoo keeper we do this all the time. If you google ANIMAL ENRICHMENT you will see many ideas.

 

[Babe77]

Try these out: http://www.squidoo.com/Chicken_Toys

http://www.woodgreen.org.uk/pet_advice/423_chicken_enrichment

 

[carolsparkle]

Awesome time to start teaching them HOW to play with toys. Start with small balls and then add little bit bigger every few days till its a small beach ball size. Perches in their run are important. Hanging safe grass, weeds, veggies like a pinata is alot of fun. Tin plates or mirrors is fun. Look at birds toys and think of how to convert it to chicken toys. Be careful of hanging something like a necklace that they could get tangled up in. Parakeet size is easier for them to handle then large bird toys because of their beak size. Make sure it is strong plastic that wont break. Use rope, or string, that is safe for birds. There are videos on chickens playing with balls and other toys that you can watch. Take a small coke bottle -- make it hard by carefully pouring boiling water in it- put 3 or 4 holes all around it -- fill with scracth -- and let the have at it.

 

[canesisters]

I googled chicken enrichment and got this.....

http://www.recipe4living.com/recipes/enrichment_chicken.htm