To entertain chickens, provide them with toys, treat balls, dust baths, and varied foraging opportunities to stimulate their natural behaviors and curiosity.
Chickens are intelligent, curious creatures that need mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. Bored chickens may develop bad habits like feather pecking or egg eating. These creative ideas will keep your flock entertained for hours.
Create an Adventure Playground
Chickens love to climb, perch, and explore elevated spaces. Build them an exciting playground with these elements:
1. Multi-Level Perches
Install wooden ladders, stumps, and branches at varying heights. Chickens enjoy surveying their domain from high vantage points. Rotate these weekly to maintain interest.
2. Chicken Swings
Hang a sturdy wooden swing just 6-12 inches off the ground. Chickens enjoy the gentle rocking motion. Use untreated wood and secure it properly.
3. A-Frame Structures
Repurpose old ladders or build simple A-frames from 2x4s. These provide shade, shelter, and climbing opportunities all in one.
Stimulate Their Natural Behaviors
Engage your chickens’ instincts with these foraging and pecking activities:
4. Treat Dispensers
Fill a plastic bottle with holes or a hanging treat ball with scratch grains. Chickens will peck at it to release the food.
5. Leaf Piles
Rake leaves, straw, or wood chips into piles. Chickens love scratching through them to find hidden treats. Learn why chickens scratch and how it benefits them.
6. Straw Bale Buffet
Place a whole straw bale in the run. Hide treats in it and watch them dig through the strands. Replace when soiled.
DIY Chicken Toys
Simple household items can become chicken entertainment:
7. Mirror Magic
Hang shatterproof mirrors at ground level. Chickens are fascinated by their reflections and will peck at them.
8. CD Mobiles
String old CDs together and hang them where they’ll catch sunlight. The reflections and movement intrigue chickens.
9. Veggie Kabobs
Skewer chunks of cabbage, melon, and apples on a string. Hang at beak height for a healthy, engaging snack.
Environmental Enrichment
Change up their surroundings regularly to prevent boredom:
10. Rotating Furniture
Move perches, ramps, and platforms every few weeks. Novelty keeps chickens engaged with their environment.
11. Seasonal Decor
Add pruned evergreen branches in winter for cover and pecking. In summer, provide shade with potted plants.
12. Dust Bath Stations
Create designated areas with sand, wood ash, and diatomaceous earth. Dust bathing is essential chicken behavior.
Food-Based Entertainment
Make mealtime fun with these ideas:
13. Frozen Treats
Freeze berries or corn in ice blocks for hot days. Chickens will peck at them as they melt.
14. Scratch Gardens
Plant chicken-safe greens in raised beds or containers within their run. They’ll enjoy foraging the fresh growth.
15. Bug Buffets
Place logs or rocks to attract insects. Chickens will flip them to find tasty morsels underneath.
Social Stimulation
Chickens are social animals that enjoy interaction:
16. Flock Toys
Add xylophones or bells they can peck together. The sounds and group activity provide mental stimulation.
17. Training Sessions
Teach simple commands using mealworms as rewards. Chickens can learn to come when called or jump through hoops.
18. Observation Posts
Place perches near windows or busy areas so they can watch household activity safely.
Seasonal Entertainment
Tailor activities to the weather:
19. Summer Sprinklers
Set up a mister or shallow kiddie pool for cooling off. Most chickens enjoy playing in water.
20. Winter Warmers
Hang cabbage heads or suet feeders to peck at. The activity helps keep them warm.
21. Spring Greens
Allow access to fresh grass in a movable pen. The new growth provides nutrition and entertainment.
Safety Considerations
Always prioritize your flock’s wellbeing:
- Avoid small parts that could be swallowed
- Ensure all structures are stable and won’t tip
- Remove any treated wood or toxic materials
- Provide shade and fresh water at all times
For more chicken care tips, check out our guide on building trust with your flock.
Remember, the best entertainment comes from activities that mimic natural chicken behaviors. Observe your flock to see which activities they enjoy most, and rotate their toys regularly to prevent boredom. A happy, engaged chicken is a healthy chicken!