missdiane Posted July 29, 2009 Share Posted July 29, 2009 Trying to find some ideas for things to put in the run to occupy them. Not got them yet, but trying to get ready for everything so I don't feel disorganised. So far I have Mealworms in a bottle Cabbage on a string CD's on string Dust baths Old tyre? veg s"Ooops, word censored!"s in an onion net. Can you help me out with any more? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Henhathnofury Posted July 29, 2009 Share Posted July 29, 2009 I don't know how big your run is but the most popular thing for my chickens is a plastic box turned upside down. I actually have three graduated boxes for them in a free-range run under my trees. They climb up and do chicken step aerobics. They rest their bosoms on the lowest one or they just sleep up there during the day. They really really love their boxes. They also have a small inflatable football but it is kicked by accident, not by design............ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Abbey Road Girl Posted July 29, 2009 Share Posted July 29, 2009 Peckablock? Have only just got one and it's quite problematic. Short stem to hang it from the top of the Cube, but even more worryingly there is a sharp spike at the bottom. Have not been able to figure out just yet how to make it attractive and useable for the chooks. I have finally popped open a bottle of Cava which provides a cork to protect the hens from the sharp spike at the bottom. Still, I will have to figure out how to dangle the peckablock within reach of the hens. (Where is all this rain coming from!!!!! ) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Surfnirvana Posted July 30, 2009 Share Posted July 30, 2009 When I go to work, I give them a couple of "cat Treat Balls". I fill them with corn and mealworms and chuck them in the cage. They love them and it's a bit like chicken football . Here's a link for them:- http://www.petstuffgalore.co.uk/keywords/cat-treat-balls/ I did have just the one, but top hen Doris was nasty to lowest hen Louie and wasn't letting her near it, so I got another one and all is happy now! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bessandra Posted July 30, 2009 Share Posted July 30, 2009 I love the cat balls..I've just ordered some! Also, bales of straw is a good idea, again, for climbing. And my girls love the chair i have in the run - which I also use to hang broccoli and things from. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Henhathnofury Posted July 30, 2009 Share Posted July 30, 2009 We are forgetting the best toys of all though: US!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patricia W Posted July 30, 2009 Share Posted July 30, 2009 My peckablock has a red circular " tray" at the bottom hiding the sharp bit - maybe your's is a faulty one. Although you can make your own - there's a recipe on here - somewhere... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Abbey Road Girl Posted July 30, 2009 Share Posted July 30, 2009 My peckablock has a red circular " tray" at the bottom hiding the sharp bit - maybe your's is a faulty one. Although you can make your own - there's a recipe on here - somewhere... Thanks for this info, Patricia. I'll contact the seller. I thought it might be meant to be used to stick the block in the ground. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bessandra Posted July 30, 2009 Share Posted July 30, 2009 We are forgetting the best toys of all though: US!!! Well of course! It just goes without saying! I just made the peckablock and used an apple to cover the sharp end - but wow, the cork off a bottle sounds brilliant. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plum Posted July 30, 2009 Share Posted July 30, 2009 Great way to keep them amused and yourself rolling on the ground is to hang cooked spaghetti around the garden/run on branches etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JS1 Posted July 30, 2009 Share Posted July 30, 2009 Have not been able to figure out just yet how to make it attractive and useable for the chooks. I have finally popped open a bottle of Cava which provides a cork to protect the hens from the sharp spike at the bottom. That is the best excuse for having a drink I've heard in ages. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chick wiggle Posted July 30, 2009 Share Posted July 30, 2009 Have not been able to figure out just yet how to make it attractive and useable for the chooks. I have finally popped open a bottle of Cava which provides a cork to protect the hens from the sharp spike at the bottom. That is the best excuse for having a drink I've heard in ages. Here, Here, must remember that one Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xScrunchee Posted July 30, 2009 Share Posted July 30, 2009 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
missdiane Posted July 30, 2009 Author Share Posted July 30, 2009 Aww some great ideas, thanks very much Especially the cava one Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
