Chickens enjoy playing with items like balls, mirrors, and foraging toys that stimulate their natural instincts and provide mental and physical enrichment.
Chickens are curious, intelligent birds that need mental stimulation just like other pets. Providing toys and enrichment activities prevents boredom, reduces aggression, and keeps your flock happy. From simple DIY projects to store-bought toys, there are countless ways to entertain your chickens.
Why Chicken Toys Matter
In nature, chickens spend their days foraging, dust bathing, and exploring. Confined chickens without enrichment may develop bad habits like feather pecking or egg eating. Toys encourage natural behaviors while keeping chickens active and engaged.
According to poultry experts at Backyard Chickens, enrichment is especially crucial during winter when birds spend more time indoors. Simple toys can make a big difference in flock happiness.
Best Chicken Toys & Activities
1. Hanging Treats
Suspend vegetables like cabbage, lettuce, or corn from a string. Chickens love pecking at swinging food. This mimics natural foraging while providing exercise.
2. Chicken Swings
Install a simple wooden swing in the coop. Many chickens enjoy perching and gently rocking. Swings also help young birds develop balance for roosting.
3. Mirrors
Chickens are fascinated by their reflection. Hang unbreakable mirrors at their level for entertainment. Some may even “talk” to their reflection.
4. Dust Bath Areas
Create designated dust bathing spots with loose dirt or sand. Add wood ash or diatomaceous earth to help control mites. Learn more about why chickens dig holes for dust baths.
5. Perches & Jungle Gyms
Chickens love climbing on different levels. Use branches, ladders, or build a chicken playground with multiple perches at varying heights.
6. Treat Dispensers
Repurpose plastic bottles or buy chicken treat balls. Fill with scratch grains or mealworms for pecking fun that rewards with food.
7. Compost Piles
Turn kitchen scraps into entertainment. Chickens will happily dig through compost for bugs and tasty morsels while helping break it down.
8. Pumpkin Smashing
After Halloween, give chickens old pumpkins to peck apart. The seeds and flesh make a nutritious snack while the activity provides hours of fun.
9. CD Mobiles
Hang old CDs to catch sunlight. The reflections entertain chickens and may help deter hawks. Some enjoy pecking at the shiny surfaces.
10. Chicken TV
Place a protected screen near the coop showing nature videos. Some owners report their flocks enjoy watching other chickens or wildlife.
11. Sandboxes
Fill a shallow container with sand or dirt for digging. Bury treats to encourage natural scratching behaviors.
12. Cat Toys
Small balls, rattles, or stuffed mice make great chicken toys. Choose durable options without small parts that could be swallowed.
13. Frozen Treats
In summer, freeze fruits or veggies in ice blocks. Chickens enjoy pecking at the cold treats to release the food inside.
14. Tunnels
Create simple tunnels from PVC pipes or cardboard boxes. Chickens love exploring enclosed spaces and playing hide-and-seek.
15. Music
Some chickens seem to enjoy calm music. Try classical or nature sounds to create a relaxing coop environment.
Chick Playtime Tips
Baby chicks need different toys than adults. Avoid food-based toys until they’re eating regular feed. Good chick toys include:
- Small mirrors
- Shredded paper
- Mini perches
- Shallow dust baths with chick-safe materials
For more on raising happy chicks, see our guide on getting baby chickens to like you.
Safety Considerations
When choosing chicken toys:
| Do | Don’t |
|---|---|
| Use natural, non-toxic materials | Use small parts that could be swallowed |
| Secure hanging items properly | Leave strings that could tangle legs |
| Rotate toys to maintain interest | Use sharp edges or breakable items |
Remember that chickens explore with their beaks, so avoid anything that could splinter or break into dangerous pieces.
Making Your Own Chicken Toys
Many great chicken toys can be made from household items:
- Punch holes in a plastic bottle and fill with treats
- Nail wood scraps into a small climbing structure
- Fill an old tire with dirt for a dust bath
- String popcorn or cranberries for edible garlands
- Make a veggie pinata from a mesh produce bag
The key is observing what your flock enjoys and adapting toys to their preferences. Some chickens love certain toys while others ignore them.
When to Introduce New Toys
Change up toys regularly to prevent boredom. Good times to introduce new items include:
- Season changes
- After adding new flock members
- During extreme weather when confined
- If you notice increased pecking or aggression
Research from the Poultry Extension shows that environmental enrichment can reduce stress and improve overall flock health.
Signs Your Chickens Need More Stimulation
Watch for these boredom indicators:
- Excessive feather pecking
- Egg eating
- Aggressive behavior
- Over-preening
- Lethargy
If you notice these signs, try adding new toys or rotating their environment more frequently. A stimulated chicken is a happy, healthy chicken!