What's One Accessory That's Made Chicken Life Better?

[Tami2]

Here is some that you can get for them. But remember, all in moderation like any treat.View attachment 3154193View attachment 3154194

I'd invest in this to. Helps keep the run dry, also helping to prevent bacteria that likes wet environments.View attachment 3154199

Thank you very much. I will get some & the bedding recommendation. Perfect!!

I saw a chicken block, similar to the deer blocks I buy at Tractor Supply. But, I didn't pick it up as it was the same day I brought home my chicks. I just figured they'd be too young for something like that. 5 of them are 4 weeks & 2 are 3 weeks, now. So, as soon as they are old enough, I'm gong to buy one of those blocks as well.

 

[Tami2]

Found this on Amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/Happy-Hen-Tr...uet+mealworms+for+chickens,aps,60&sr=8-7&th=1

 

[Anime2lover]

Thank you very much. I will get some & the bedding recommendation. Perfect!!

I saw a chicken block, similar to the deer blocks I buy at Tractor Supply. But, I didn't pick it up as it was the same day I brought home my chicks. I just figured they'd be too young for something like that. 5 of them are 4 weeks & 2 are 3 weeks, now. So, as soon as they are old enough, I'm gong to buy one of those blocks as well.

Alright. Chickens that are cooped up can easily become bored, and are more likely to pick up unsavory habits like feather plucking.

 

[Anime2lover]

Found this on Amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/Happy-Hen-Treats-Square-Mealworm-Peanut/dp/B06XX2CX57/ref=sr_1_7?crid=1TEUVIBP8IKMX&keywords=flock+party+suet+mealworms+for+chickens&qid=1655608630&sprefix=flock+party+suet+mealworms+for+chickens,aps,60&sr=8-7&th=1

That would work. You should be able to fit them in normal suet cages.

 

[Tami2]

Oh good to know. I wasn't aware chickens pluck. I know parrots do, but had no idea chickens do as well.

 

[Tami2]

That would work. You should be able to fit them in normal suet cages.

K, thx

 

[Anime2lover]

Oh good to know. I wasn't aware chickens pluck. I know parrots do, but had no idea chickens do as well.

They do.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Oh good to know. I wasn't aware chickens pluck. I know parrots do, but had no idea chickens do as well.

Chickens are more likely to pick at each other if they're bored.. If they're plucking their own feathers there's something else going on.

Keep in mind that by offering too many treats like flock blocks, you're also lowering their protein intake which can lead to more feather picking. I pick up flock blocks maybe once a year, mostly to use if the birds are semi confined due to snow, or need to be fully confined to coop due to flooding, as that amount of confinement is definitely more upsetting to them.

 

[Anime2lover]

Chickens are more likely to pick at each other if they're bored.. If they're plucking their own feathers there's something else going on.

Keep in mind that by offering too many treats like flock blocks, you're also lowering their protein intake which can lead to more feather picking. I pick up flock blocks maybe once a year, mostly to use if the birds are semi confined due to snow, or need to be fully confined to coop due to flooding, as that amount of confinement is definitely more upsetting to them.

Exactly. Thats how we use our treats like that to. Had to
Confine mine for a few months due to hawks in my area.

 

[3KillerBs]

Is it safe to give wild bird suet to the chickens?

So, as soon as they are old enough, I'm gong to buy one of those blocks as well.

Treat foods should be limited to less than 10% of the chickens' diet -- which amounts to a tbs or so.

Giving them free choice fat and carbs is like feeding kids on chips and cake.

A really good "treat" is their regular feed wetted into an oatmeal-like consistency. They go nuts over it.

Alright. Chickens that are cooped up can easily become bored, and are more likely to pick up unsavory habits like feather plucking.

Better to enrich the environment than offer fatty or carb-heavy treat foods.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/a-cluttered-run.1323792/

Or, at least, make the boredom-buster treats something like a pile of garden weeds, a wedge of cabbage, a cucumber, etc.