Chickens enjoy playing with objects like balls, mirrors, and foraging toys that stimulate their curiosity and encourage natural pecking behaviors.
Chickens are curious, intelligent creatures that need mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. Providing toys and enrichment activities prevents boredom, reduces aggression, and encourages natural behaviors. From DIY projects to store-bought options, discover what chickens love to play with.
Why Chicken Toys Matter
Chickens thrive when they have activities that mimic their natural foraging instincts. Without proper stimulation, they may develop bad habits like feather pecking or egg eating. Toys also help when chickens are confined during bad weather or when you’re away on vacation.
Signs Your Chickens Need More Enrichment
- Excessive feather pecking
- Bullying behaviors
- Restlessness or pacing
- Egg eating
Top Chicken Toys & Enrichment Ideas
1. Hanging Treats (The Classic Favorite)
Chickens love working for their food. Hang whole vegetables like cabbage, lettuce, or corn cobs from strings or bungee cords. The movement challenges them and provides hours of entertainment.
Best Hanging Treats:
| Food | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Cabbage | Lasts several days, packed with nutrients |
| Corn on the cob | Great for winter, provides warmth when digested |
| Melons | Hydrating summer treat, seeds are edible |
2. Foraging Stations
Create simple foraging areas by scattering scratch grains in leaf piles or hiding treats in a shallow tray of sand. According to Get Strong Animals, chickens will happily dig through compost piles for bugs and worms.
DIY Foraging Ideas:
- Old stumps or logs (bugs collect underneath)
- Shallow kiddie pool filled with dirt and mealworms
- Cardboard boxes with treat-filled holes
3. Mirrors & Shiny Objects
Chickens are fascinated by reflections. Hang old CDs, small mirrors, or metallic objects at their eye level. This also helps when training chickens to come when called, as they’ll investigate new items in their space.
Seasonal Play Ideas
Winter Entertainment
- Pumpkins or squash (let them peck at whole ones)
- Hanging suet cages with greens
- Deep litter method for bug hunting
Summer Activities
- Kiddie pool with shallow water and floating treats
- Frozen fruit in blocks of ice
- Shaded dust bathing areas
Chick-Specific Toys
Baby chickens need safe, small items to peck at. Try:
- Plastic measuring spoons on a string
- Toilet paper rolls stuffed with greens
- Small cat balls with bells inside
For more ideas on caring for young chickens, check out this comprehensive guide from Backyard Chickens.
Advanced Enrichment Projects
Chicken Jungle Gym
Create a multi-level play area with:
- Sturdy branches at varying heights
- Small platforms for perching
- Hanging toys at different levels
Treat Dispensers
Make your own by:
- Drilling holes in a plastic bottle
- Filling with scratch grains
- Hanging at chicken head height
Safety Considerations
- Avoid small parts that could be swallowed
- Remove sharp edges or loose strings
- Rotate toys weekly to maintain interest
- Supervise new toys for the first few hours