How to Keep Chickens from getting bored

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If you are having issues with hen pecking in your coop, then this article on how to keep chickens from getting bored will help.

Giving a thriving environment for your entire flock will help you when raising chickens. Happy chickens lay more eggs, get sick less often, and live longer, happier lives. Let’s go over some tips that you can start using today.

Backyard chickens seem to be a staple on most homesteads, even for us, chickens were some of the very first animals we added to our setup.

The reason they are so popular, other than the eggs of course, is how easy it is to raise them. I like to call them self-sufficient because you can set things up to coast only needing to tend them every other day or so.

The most important part of raising a healthy flock is providing them with a coop that is comfortable, protective, and stimulating to the flock. Bored chickens tend to get into trouble and may not thrive as much as they need to.

Luckily, there are things you can do to keep your flock from getting bored some ideas are dust baths, different perches, treat stands, and toys.

What are the Benefits of keeping chickens active and engaged?

Chickens are naturally curious animals who love to explore the ground around them. Scratching is not only an instinct for chickens it relaxes them and keeps them calm.

Scratching is when a chicken rakes the ground with each foot loosening the soil to bring up bugs or worms they can eat.

Scratching is also a form of stimulation which can reduce stress levels, encourage natural foraging behaviors, and help build stronger immune systems. This can lead to a longer and healthier life as well as improved egg production.

How do you tell if your chickens are bored?

Signs that your chickens are bored may include:

• Decreased appetite.
• Feather picking of their own feathers or the feathers of other flock members.
• Acting sluggish or lethargic.
• Aggression towards other hens or roosters.

If you notice any of these signs, you will want to inspect things further to see if there is an issue that needs your attention.

How to Keep Chickens from getting bored

Luckily, there are a few quick and easy things you can do that will not only prevent boredom but also allow your flock to flourish.

#1. Dust baths

Dust baths are an important part of a chicken coop setup and they are how your hens will keep their feathers and skin clean.

A dust bath is a container that holds loose materials large enough for your hen to lie down in. A few ideas for a container are:

1. Wash tub
2. An old tire
3. Kitty litter box
4. A shallow hole in the ground.

When a chicken takes a bath, she uses her feet to kick up loose soil into other feathers. She then uses her beak to work the soil deep down and flaps them to shake the soil out. This helps to remove oils, pests, and debris.

Dust baths also help to calm chickens, allowing them to relax. You can often see chickens sleeping on the ground covered in soil. You can read all the benefits of a dust bath here.

How do you make a dust bath in your coop/run?

Making a homemade dust bath in your coop or run is easy. All you need is a container to hold the mixture, an area that is protected from the weather so the material stays dry, and a few ingredients.

You can include things like dry soil, mulch, sand, ash, diatomaceous earth, and a few dry herbs.

Harris Diatomaceous Earth Food Grade, 5lb with Powder Duster Included in The BagWash Basins – Rectangular Plastic Hospital Bedside Soaking Tub [1 Pack] Small 7 Quart Graduated Bucket – Portable Washbasin for Washing, Cleaning, Foot Bath, Washing Dishes, Face Cleansing Bowl8lb XL Chicken Dust Bath – White Volcanic Ash Dust Bath for Chickens – Fine Mesh Chicken Bathing Dust – Quail Coop Chinchilla Dust Bath & Chicken Coop Accessories – Chicken Supplies – Chicken Powder

 

Dust baths are essential for chickens’ physical and mental health. Not only does it help keep their feathers clean and free of parasites, but it also helps to keep them from getting bored.

Chicken Toys

Adding toys, either purchased or DIY, to the coop gives your chickens something fun to do and can encourage them to use their natural instincts. and exciting to explore.

If you look online, you can find some pretty amazing coop toys that are fun for them and fun for us as owners to watch!

Love These Chicken Toys

• Chicken Xylophone Toy 
• Chicken Vegetable Hanging Feeder Toy
• Large Chicken Chewing Toy

Chicken Swing Toys and Chicken Toys Xylophone, 2pcs Chicken Toys for Poultry Run Rooster Hens Chicks Pet Parrots Macaw Entertainment Stress Relief for BirdsVehomy Chicken Swing Chicken Perch Chicken Wood Stand Handmade Chicken Coop Toy for Hens Chicken Coop Accessories Chicken Ladder for Poultry Run Large Bird Parrot Hen Macaw Rooster Chick ToyPETSFIT Chicken Toys for Coop Accessories, 5 Chicken Perches with Swing are Perfect for 8-10 Chickens, Wooden Chicken Ladder for Pet’s Healthy & HappyGSHWXD Hanging Chicken Feeder – 7.1 Inch Large Iron Chicken Veggie Treat Ball – Sturdy Chicken Treat Holder with 15.7 Inch Hanging Chain – Black

 

How to create your own stimulating toys for chickens

You can also make toys for your coop that are easy to make requiring little or no skills. Here are a few ideas.

#1. Treat Toy

Try these fun treat toys that are easy to make.

1. Fill an empty water bottle with scratch or seeds.
2. Poke holes all over the bottle that are large enough for the seed to fall out when it is pushed around.
3. Put in the coop or run.
4. Let your chickens peck at the bottle, spilling out scratche and seeds onto the ground.

#2. Treat Pinada

Or you can hang large produce for a swinging option.

1. Put a nail in the ceiling of your coop.
2. Attach a chain or sturdy string from the nail.
3. On the lower end, attach a head of cabbage or lettuce.
4. Let the chickens peck at it for a fun snack.

#3. Treat Stand

Last year I made this simple treat stand for my chickens and they used it for hours! All you need is a tomato cage and some of your chicken’s favorite treats.

1. Take a tomato cage and turn it upside down inside your run or out in an open area.
2. Use rocks to hold it in place so it will not tip over.
3. Skewer tomatoes, cucumbers, apples or other produce favorites.
4. Let your chickens enjoy!

Roost and Perches

Providing chickens with perches both inside the coop and out in the run is important for both physical exercise and mental stimulation.

See how to make a simple DIY Chicken Roost here.

Perches are an essential part of any chicken’s living environment. They provide a safe place for chickens to roost on at night allowing them to sleep more soundly because they feel safer up off the ground.

You can make your own perches using thin boards, branches, or even an old ladder. Be sure whatever you create is the right size and has enough space for the size of your flock.

How much room does a perch need?

When it comes to perches, you want to be sure there is enough space for your hens to roost without feeling crowded.

It is recommended to have at least 8-12 inches of space for each bird. You will want more for larger breeds and less for smaller ones.

A ladder-style chicken roost should have bars or rungs that are at least 2″ wide, but 4″ is better. This is because chickens prefer to have their feet flat on the surface when roosting.

You will want to change up produce weekly to keep things fresh and fun. Try strawberries, carrots, or heads of lettuce.

Temporary Run

Giving your chickens a new place to explore and scratch is a great way to change things up for your flock. We like to setup temporary areas for our chickens around our yard on days when we can’t free range them.

You can build a temporary chicken run in a new area to give your flock access to fresh ground. This will encourage them to scratch, which is relaxing to chickens. READ: How to Build a Temporary Chicken Run

Chickens need stimulation and entertainment, just like any other animal. Providing your chickens with a variety of different toys, dust baths, and perches can help keep them from getting bored and engaging in healthy behaviors.

Get creative and start providing your chickens with some fun activities today!

More Chicken Resources:

• How to Keep Chickens Cool in the Summer
• What is Molting in Chickens?
• How to Build a Chicken Run