To play with chickens, provide treats like grains or vegetables, engage them in gentle games, and allow them to explore while ensuring a safe environment.
Chickens are smarter than most people think and love interactive play. While they won’t fetch like dogs, they enjoy games that stimulate their natural behaviors. Here’s how to bond with your flock through play.
Understanding Chicken Play Behavior
Chickens are curious creatures with distinct personalities. Some breeds like Rhode Island Reds are particularly social, while others may be more reserved. Their play mimics natural behaviors:
- Foraging and scratching
- Dust bathing
- Perching in high places
- Pecking at shiny objects
Signs Your Chicken Wants to Play
- Following you closely
- Gentle pecking at your shoes
- Excited clucking when you approach
- Head tilting to observe you
Interactive Games to Play
1. The Treat Chase
Scatter treats like mealworms or chopped greens and watch your chickens hunt them down. Try hiding some under leaves for extra challenge.
2. Chicken Soccer
Use a small ball (golf ball size) and gently roll it toward your chickens. They’ll peck at it and chase it around. According to Backyard Chickens, this mimics their natural pecking behavior.
3. The Zipper Game
One owner reported success with a jacket zipper pull. Chickens will tug at the tab while you gently pull it back up, creating a fun back-and-forth game.
DIY Chicken Toys
1. Chicken Swing
Hang a sturdy wooden perch about 12 inches off the ground. Some chickens love gently swinging back and forth.
| Swing Type | Materials Needed |
|---|---|
| Basic Swing | 2×4 wood, rope |
| Ladder Swing | Small ladder, chains |
2. Treat Dispensers
Make simple puzzle feeders from:
- Plastic bottles with holes
- Muffin tins covered with balls
- Tennis balls with treat-filled slits
3. Dust Bath Station
Create a designated area with:
- Fine sand
- Wood ash
- Diatomaceous earth
Training Your Chickens to Play
Like training chickens to come when called, play training works best with positive reinforcement:
- Start with short 5-minute sessions
- Use high-value treats
- Be consistent with cues
- End on a positive note
Teaching Simple Tricks
Chickens can learn to:
- Jump onto your arm
- Navigate simple obstacle courses
- Ring a bell for treats
Safety Considerations
Always supervise play and watch for:
- Overheating (panting, wings spread)
- Aggression between birds
- Small parts that could be swallowed
According to The Happy Chicken Coop, chickens need about 30 minutes of active play daily for optimal health.
Seasonal Play Ideas
Summer
- Frozen treat blocks (fruit in ice)
- Shallow wading pool
Winter
- Hanging cabbage piñatas
- Indoor obstacle courses
When Chickens Don’t Want to Play
Respect their moods. If they’re:
- Molting
- Broody
- Stressed
Try again later. For more on chicken behavior, see our article on why chickens follow their owners.