Are you wondering how to keep your chickens entertained? Do they really need to be stimulated? Maybe it’s winter and you’re wondering if your chickens are bored.
Remember that time when the Wi-Fi went out, and you found yourself staring at the ceiling, contemplating your life choices? Yeah, chickens get bored, too, believe it or not.
So, let’s put our creative hats on and whip up some cluck-tastic toys to keep our beaked buddies entertained. Trust me; it’s not as complicated as trying to find your phone while in silent mode.
These are ideal for anyone with a small chicken coop and run, if you are pasture raising your chickens, you won’t need to provide any of the following, but sometimes it’s just fun!
1. Veggie String Delight
This one’s my favorite, and boy, do the chickens love it! All you need is some string and your chickens’ favorite veggies (mine go crazy for cucumbers and lettuce). Thread the veggies onto the string, hang it up in the coop, and voila! You’ve got yourself a pecking pinata.
You can buy the ones above on Amazon here.
2. Mirror, Mirror on the Wall
Before you roll your eyes, let me tell you, chickens are VAIN. I once caught my rooster, Sir Clucks-a-Lot, admiring his reflection in the water trough for 20 minutes. So why not provide them with a mirror for their vanity? Just make sure it’s a shatterproof one (safety first!).
Chickens do like mirrors.
Depending on your age, the cheap route is to use an old CD and hang it in the coop.
3. The X-Files…I mean, X-Blocks
Take a trip back to your childhood and bring out those old building blocks. Create a fun structure or tower for your chickens to knock over. It’s like Jenga but with more feathers. Chickens love to play and scratch.
Anything that you can build that they can climb up on and explore will keep them entertained. They love to have areas to roost on. Look around your home for things you must use in your chicken coop, like an old cane!
They actually have a lot of chicken toy packages on Amazon! You aren’t the only one wanting to keep your birds happy and busy!
4. Treadmill Treats
No, I’m not suggesting you get a miniature treadmill for your chickens (although, how cute would that be?!). But a stationary treat dispenser will keep them moving and occupied. Fill a plastic bottle with their favorite treats( I like to get the scratch grains or sunflower seeds), hang it just within reach, and let them peck away!
You can fill a net with treats or even heads of lettuce and hang it up. Of course, on Amazon, they have everything you need to make your chicken coop a playground!
Remember, folks, happy chickens lay eggs. And while these DIY toys might not transform your coop into a chicken amusement park, they’ll certainly add some much-needed fun to their routine. Plus, the sight of chickens playing with toys you crafted? That’s priceless.
So, here’s to happier, busier chickens and an end to the monotony of endless pecking at the ground. Let the chicken games begin!