Raising chickens in your backyard is a fun and rewarding experience! Chickens are very intelligent animals and it’s important to make sure they’re happy and healthy. Keeping chickens entertained with activities provides mental and physical stimulation. Most importantly, it can prevent boredom and promote overall well-being. Here are 10 simple chicken activities for a backyard flock:
1. Rent-A-Coop Treat Dispenser
Add a Rent-A-Coop treat dispenser that releases treats as the chickens peck at the tubes. These tubes come with two different end attachments to dispense grubs or scratch.
2. Natural Perches
Use natural materials, such as logs, to give your chickens a comfortable and stimulating place to roost. Logs can also help to wear down their nails and promote foot health.
3. Fodder
Grow fodder trays by sprouting seeds like barley, wheat, or alfalfa. Fodder provides chickens with a nutritious treat and greens to forage too.
4. Skewer Feeder
Use a skewer feeder to hang vegetables or fruit as a pecking activity. Chickens will also enjoy pulling food off the skewers.
5. Herbs
Provide fresh herbs, including basil, oregano, and rosemary, for chickens to forage and peck the plants. Herbs can be a great addition to your backyard chicken’s diet.
6. Xylophone
Hang a xylophone for chickens to peck and make musical sounds. It can also be a fun way to create different melodies for your chickens to interact with.
7. Hay Bales
Provide hay bales for chickens to peck and scratch through the hay. You can also use hay bales to create hiding spots or tunnels for your chickens to explore.
8. Chicken Swing
Install a chicken swing in the coop run or yard for chickens to play on. Chickens enjoy swinging back and forth or using it as a perch.
9. Happy Hen Basket
Hang a Happy Hen treat basket and add a treat square as a swinging treat. Vegetables or fruit can also be added inside to stimulate their natural foraging behavior.
10. Dust Bathing
Provide a designated area with construction sand or dirt for chickens to take dust baths. This also keeps their feathers clean and healthy while also preventing mites and lice.
Supplies List
All the chicken activities and my favorite chicken-keeping supplies are linked for you on my Amazon Storefront.
As you can see, these simple activities can help keep your chickens entertained and active. These activities can also provide your chickens with daily mental stimulation. Remember, a happy chicken is a healthy chicken!
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