21 CRAZY Chicken Coop Toys Your Hens Will LOVE! (Free & Fun!)
Chickens are intelligent creatures that thrive on stimulation and toys in their coop are a lifesaver! It prevents chickens’ boredom and reduces stress! It also promotes exercise and mental engagement.
This guide covers 21 top toys that act as boredom busters for chicken coops, including both homemade and store-bought options. From simple DIY projects to specially designed products, there’s something for every flock. You’ll find exciting toys like Hanging Treats, Herb Dust Bath, Pinecones, Pecking Blocks, Swinging Perches, Chicken Xylophones, and more!
These toys will keep your chickens entertained, active, and happy, enhancing their overall quality of life. Want to see the full list of these amazing, crazy toys for the chicken coop?
Let’s dive in and pick your flock’s new favorite playthings! You’ll love watching how they interact with them!
Table of Contents
Why You Should Add Toys for Chicken Coop?
Chickens get bored the way we do. So, we offer chicken coop toys! But how do such things benefit us? Let me share it with you!
- Prevents boredom: Chickens are curious and active animals. Toys keep them engaged and entertained.
- Reduces stress: Occupied chickens are less likely to develop stress-related behaviors like feather pecking.
- Encourages exercise: Toys promote movement, helping chickens stay physically active and healthy.
- Stimulates natural behaviors: Many toys allow chickens to express instinctive behaviors like scratching and foraging.
- Improves flock dynamics: Shared toys can reduce aggression and promote positive interactions among chickens.
- Enhances mental health: Mental stimulation from toys contributes to overall well-being.
- May increase egg production: Happy, stress-free chickens often lay more eggs.
- Provides environmental enrichment: Toys add variety to the coop environment, making it more interesting for chickens.
List of 21 Homemade and Store-bought Toys for Chicken Coop
Bored chickens can lead to destructive behaviors. Excited to check the best toys for chicken coops? Here’s the list you’ll love for your flocks!
1. Hanging Treats
Say goodbye to boring snack time! Hanging Treats turn any chicken coop into a mini playground where hens peck, hop, and play for their favorite goodies.
Real chicken owners often hang fruits, vegetables, or other treats on a rope or a smooth, non-sharp hook, like a fun little chicken “piñata”.
Corn, watermelon, cucumbers, squash, or even alfalfa hay can keep hens busy for hours. For hot weather, freezing fruits and veggies adds a refreshing twist that also helps them stay cool.
Your chickens will love pecking at these tasty treats, keeping them busy and stimulated.
Made from sturdy, safe materials, Hanging Treats are built to last, super easy to clean, and bring both mental stimulation and physical activity to your flock.
It’s a simple yet effective way to add some fun to their day.
Fun Score / Engagement Rating
Rating (5/5) – Chickens are naturally curious, and Hanging Treats turn that curiosity into nonstop fun.
Unique Tips & Hacks
- Rotate Treats Frequently: Mix up the types of fruits, veggies, or hay you hang. Corn, watermelon, cucumbers, squash, and alfalfa hay are all great options. Changing treats keeps hens curious and excited every day.
- Try Frozen Treats in Hot Weather: Freeze fruits and vegetables before hanging them. This not only provides a refreshing snack but also helps your flock stay cool while they play.
- Vary Hanging Heights: Hang the treats at different levels in the coop or run. Higher placements encourage hopping and stretching, while lower ones are perfect for more relaxed pecking.
- Use Safe Hooks or Ropes: Always choose smooth, non-sharp hooks or sturdy ropes to prevent injuries. A safe setup ensures fun without any risk.
- Combine Treats for a Challenge: Mix smaller items like berries or chopped veggies with larger ones like corn or squash. This “piñata” effect encourages hens to problem-solve and stay engaged longer.
- Monitor Engagement: Watch how your hens interact. Some may prefer one type of treat or height over another. Adjust according to their activity to maximize fun and mental stimulation.
Now, give Your Hens some ultimate hanging toys!
2. Bale Spears
Stuff straw, hay, or crumbled paper into a hollowed-out log or pumpkin and hang it up. This DIY toy encourages foraging behavior as chickens peck and pull at the filling, providing mental and physical stimulation.
3. Shiny Mobiles
String together CDs, pie tins, or colorful keys to create a dazzling, reflective mobile. The shiny objects will catch the light and attract your chickens, offering both visual and mental stimulation.
4. Herb Dust Bath
Turn your chicken coop into a spa retreat! Herb Dust Baths aren’t just fun, they’re a healthy, natural way for hens to stay clean, pest-free, and relaxed.
Chickens instinctively love rolling and fluffing in dust, and adding herbs makes bath time extra special.
Real chicken owners recommend using a mix of fine sifted dirt, play sand, and a pinch of food-grade diatomaceous earth (DE) to manage mites and lice.
Some also add wood ash, peat moss, or dried herbs for even more benefits. (Important note: always use food-grade DE sparingly to avoid respiratory irritation, and skip charcoal grill ashes since they may contain food residue.)
For the ultimate Herb Dust Bath, blend a base of dirt, sand, DE, and hardwood ashes with dried herbs like lavender, rosemary, oregano, marjoram, or savory.
Herbs provide anti-parasitic support, smell amazing, and help your flock feel calm and pampered. Keep the bath dry and covered so it stays loose, fresh, and effective year-round.
Fun Score / Engagement Rating
(5/5) – Chickens never get tired of dust bathing, and adding herbs makes it irresistible.
Unique Tips & Hacks
• Mix Herbs Generously: Use lavender, rosemary, oregano, marjoram, or savory for their anti-parasitic and calming effects.
• Keep It Dry: Place the dust bath in a covered or sheltered area so it stays fluffy and usable year-round.
• Rotate Ingredients: Change up the herbs or add peat moss and wood ash occasionally for variety and added benefits.
• Use DE Sparingly: A little food-grade diatomaceous earth goes a long way—too much can cause respiratory irritation.
• Perfect Depth: Aim for at least 6–8 inches of dust mix so hens can fully roll and fluff their feathers.
• Shared Fun: Make a big enough bath for multiple hens—chickens love dust bathing together like it’s a group spa day.
Let’s get it for your chicks!
5. Hidden Mealworms
Hidden Mealworms turn snack time into a thrilling treasure hunt that chickens absolutely love.
Instead of just scattering them in plain sight, tuck these crunchy protein-packed treats under straw, in a foraging toy, or inside little hiding spots around the run.
Scatter a few mealworms in the coop bedding, and your hens will scratch, dig, and peck with excitement until they uncover every last morsel.
Mealworms aren’t just tasty—they’re loaded with protein, which supports feather growth, egg production, and overall flock health.
Real chicken owners rave about how these treats keep their birds active, busy, and well-nourished.
Tucking them away in bedding or toys sparks my hens’ natural foraging instincts, and I can see how much joy they get from the chase.
Fellow owners on chicken forums often share how their birds get a “frenzy of excitement” during mealtime when mealworms are in the mix.
The protein boost makes it especially valuable during molting season or for hens that need extra energy.
Fun Score / Engagement Rating
(4/5) – Mealworms are like candy for chickens, but healthy candy loaded with protein.
Unique Tips & Hacks
- Hide in Layers: Bury mealworms under straw, hay, or dirt to encourage scratching and digging.
- Use Foraging Toys: Fill treat-dispensing balls or hanging toys with mealworms for added challenge.
- Mix with Feed: Blend a small handful of mealworms into regular feed to surprise your flock with protein-packed bites.
- Reward During Training: Use mealworms as a positive reinforcement when teaching chickens to return to the coop.
- Perfect for Molting Season: Protein helps feathers grow back stronger—mealworms are an ideal supplement.
- Rotate Locations: Change hiding spots often so hens never know where the next tasty hunt begins.
Buy Now & Give Your Hens the Ultimate Protein Hunt!
6. Cardboard City
Who says chicken toys have to be fancy? Cardboard City is proof that the simplest things bring the biggest joy.
Build tunnels, little “houses,” or even a maze out of cardboard boxes, and watch your flock explore like excited kids on holiday morning.
They’ll hop in and out, peck at corners, and even turn boxes into secret nap spots.
Cardboard is cheap, easy to set up, and you can change the layout anytime for fresh fun.
Real owners love how it keeps young chicks especially busy in an indoor brooder or on a safe, enclosed porch.
But here’s the key reminder: cardboard is not predator-proof. Outdoors with no protection, it’s way too risky.
Raccoons can chew right through chicken wire, so you better believe cardboard is no match for them. Save this one for safe indoor play only!
How to Make It (Quick DIY Guide)
- Grab a few medium or large cardboard boxes (clean, no tape, no ink).
- Cut doors and windows with scissors or a safe craft knife—round or square works fine.
- Connect boxes side by side to create tunnels or stack them for “chicken apartments.”
- Scatter some straw or shavings inside for extra scratching fun.
- Rearrange boxes every few days to keep the “city” new and exciting.
Fun Score / Engagement Rating
(5/5) – Total hit for chicks indoors, but loses points since it’s not safe outside.
Unique Tips & Hacks
- Switch It Up: Rearrange boxes every few days to keep things new and exciting.
- Cut Fun Doors: Make round or square cut-outs so chickens can pop their heads through or play hide-and-seek.
- Tunnel Adventures: Line up boxes to create tunnels or mazes—hens love exploring “new routes.”
- Use Clean Boxes: Always choose boxes free of ink, tape, or chemical residue.
- Keep It Indoors: Great for brooders, garages, or enclosed porches—but never outdoors unprotected.
- Easy Cleanup: When boxes wear out, toss them in the compost and replace—super low effort!
7. Toilet Paper Roll Treat Dispenser – Simple, Cheap, and Crazy Fun
Who knew yesterday’s empty toilet paper roll could turn into today’s favorite toy? Stuff a cardboard tube with scratch, herbs, or veggie scraps, pinch the ends, and let your hens go wild.
They’ll peck, roll, and chase it across the coop, working to get every last treat out. It’s one of the cheapest DIY toys out there, but the fun factor is huge.
Backyard chicken owners love this hack because it keeps hens busy and cuts down on waste.
Plus, it’s safe, eco-friendly, and easy to replace when the roll gets destroyed (and trust me, it will).
Real users say their flocks treat it like a puzzle—rolling, scratching, and tugging until the final crumb drops.
Fun Score / Engagement Rating
5/5 – Dirt cheap, easy to make, and endlessly entertaining.
Unique Tips & Hacks
- Pack It Right: Use grains, chopped veggies, or dried mealworms for a tasty surprise.
- Seal the Ends: Fold or pinch the roll’s edges so treats don’t fall out too quickly.
- Make It Tougher: Add a little hay or paper inside to slow down the snack release.
- Roll It Out: Place it on flat ground so hens can push and chase it around.
- Keep It Safe: Don’t use rolls with shiny coatings or leftover glue.
- Swap Often: Replace once pecked apart—fresh rolls keep the game going.
8. Pinecone Paradise – Nature’s Fun Snack and Toy for Your Hens
Pinecone Paradise is a natural, easy way to keep your flock entertained. Hang pinecones in the coop or scatter them on the floor for chickens to peck, scratch, and roll around.
Pinecones provide mental stimulation while encouraging natural foraging behavior. They’re also safe, cheap, and eco-friendly, making them a perfect backyard enrichment tool.
Many owners recommend adding a few drops of vegetable oil or spreading a small amount of scratch grains on the pinecones to make them extra exciting.
Chickens enjoy pecking off tiny bits of food while working their way around the cones, keeping them busy for long stretches.
Fun Score / Engagement Rating
5/5 – Chickens love figuring out how to peck and move the cones, making it an engaging and healthy activity.
Unique Tips & Hacks
- Add Treats: Sprinkle scratch grains, seeds, or small bits of dried veggies on the pinecones to encourage pecking.
- Hang or Scatter: Hang pinecones at different heights or scatter them on the ground for varied activity.
- Use Food-Grade Oil: Lightly coat pinecones with vegetable oil to make them shine and more attractive to hens.
- Rotate Pinecones: Swap old cones for fresh ones regularly to keep hens interested.
- Safe Placement: Ensure pinecones are in areas free from predators and hazards.
- Combine With Other Toys: Mix with hanging treats or dust bath spots to create a fun, multi-activity area.
Get Pinecone for Your Flock Today!
9. Pecking Blocks – Keep Your Hens Busy and Healthy
Pecking Blocks are a great addition to any chicken coop. These solid blocks are made from minerals and grains that chickens love to peck at throughout the day.
Pecking helps prevent boredom, encourages natural scratching behavior, and provides extra nutrients to support feather health and egg production.
Owners often place Pecking Blocks on the floor, hang them from a rope, or attach them to a wall for variety.
Chickens enjoy figuring out how to get small pieces off, keeping them active and mentally engaged.
Real users on chicken forums say these blocks are a “lifesaver” for reducing feather pecking and keeping flocks busy when the coop is small or during winter months.
Fun Score / Engagement Rating
5/5 – Chickens love the challenge of pecking at the block, and it keeps them busy and happy for hours.
Unique Tips & Hacks
- Place Strategically: Put blocks at different heights or areas of the coop to encourage movement.
- Hang for Challenge: Attach blocks with a rope to increase curiosity and activity.
- Rotate Flavors: Some blocks come with herbs or seeds—switch types to keep hens interested.
- Combine With Treats: Sprinkle a few grains on the block to make pecking extra fun.
- Monitor Wear: Replace blocks when they get too small or crumble to keep hens safe.
- Use in Winter: Great for keeping chickens busy when outdoor foraging is limited.
Get Pecking Blocks and Keep Your Flock Engaged Today!
10. Pecking Balls – Fun, Rolling Snacks for Your Hens
Pecking Balls are a playful way to turn snack time into a full-on activity. These balls are usually made from grains, minerals, or seeds packed into a ball shape that hens can push, peck, and roll around the coop or run.
It encourages natural foraging behavior, keeps chickens moving, and provides extra nutrients for healthy feathers and strong beaks.
Owners often hang Pecking Balls from a rope or place them on the ground so chickens can chase them around.
Chickens love trying to move the balls while pecking off little bits of food, keeping them entertained for hours.
Users on chicken forums report that Pecking Balls are especially useful in smaller coops or during bad weather when outdoor foraging is limited.
Fun Score / Engagement Rating
5/5 – Chickens love chasing, pecking, and rolling these balls, making them highly engaging and rewarding.
Unique Tips & Hacks
- Hang or Place on Floor: Hanging encourages pecking and stretching, while floor placement allows chasing fun.
- Rotate Balls: Swap in new flavors or types to keep hens curious.
- Combine With Treats: Sprinkle seeds or grains on the ball to make pecking extra exciting.
- Use Indoors or Outdoors: Safe for both, as long as the area is secure from predators.
- Supervise for Safety: Watch for overly aggressive pecking to ensure no injuries.
- Group Play: Place multiple balls to encourage social play and friendly competition.
Get Pecking Balls toy and feeds and Turn Snack Time into a Game!
11. Chicken Xylophone – Fun for Your Flock
The Chicken Xylophone is a unique toy that combines sound, movement, and play. Chickens peck at colorful wooden or metal bars, creating different notes while staying active and entertained.
This toy encourages curiosity, foraging instincts, and gentle exercise, all while adding a fun, interactive twist to their daily routine.
Owners often place the xylophone at coop level or hang it slightly above the ground so hens can comfortably peck each bar.
Many users on chicken forums report that their flocks quickly learn which bars make interesting sounds, and the musical element keeps hens coming back for more.
It’s an excellent way to stimulate minds, especially in flocks with limited outdoor space.
Wanna Hear The Chickens’ Voice?
“Cluck! What’s this? Every peck makes a sound! Tap, tap, tap… oh, that one is high, that one is low.
I feel smart figuring out the noises. It’s like a little game every time I peck, and I love showing my friends the fun notes I can make!”
Unique Tips & Hacks
- Place at Pecking Height: Ensure all hens can comfortably reach the bars without straining.
- Vary Placement: Move it around occasionally to keep interest high.
- Combine With Treats: Sprinkle small seeds on or near the bars to make pecking extra rewarding.
- Monitor Use: Check the xylophone regularly for loose pieces or wear to ensure safety.
- Introduce Gradually: Let hens explore it at their own pace to avoid overwhelming shy birds.
- Group Play Encouraged: Multiple hens can enjoy making music together, adding social enrichment.
Get a Chicken Xylophone and Make Coop Time Fun!
12. Swinging Perch – Fun and Fitness for Your Chicks
The Swinging Perch turns an ordinary coop into an exciting playground. Chickens love hopping onto the perch and feeling it sway beneath them.
It encourages balance, strengthens their legs, and provides mental stimulation as they figure out how to stay steady while swinging.
Owners often hang the perch at different heights or slightly tilt it to make it more challenging.
Many users on chicken forums share how their hens flock to the swinging perch every day, using it for naps, preening, or just a fun break from the ground.
It’s a simple, low-cost way to keep chickens active and engaged indoors or in a safe outdoor run.
Unique Tips & Hacks
- Adjust Height: Hang the perch so all hens can comfortably reach it without strain.
- Use Sturdy Material: Ensure the perch is strong enough to support multiple hens at once.
- Add Variety: Slightly tilt or angle the perch to challenge balance and coordination.
- Indoor or Enclosed Outdoor Use: Keep it safe from predators and harsh weather.
- Combine With Treats: Hang a small treat nearby to encourage hopping and activity.
- Check Regularly: Inspect chains, hooks, and the perch for wear to keep it safe.
Get a Swinging Perch and Add Fun to Your Coop Today!
13. Chicken Ladder – Step Up to Fun and Fitness
How about a sturdy ladder attached to the coop wall for climbing and exploring? It’s great!
The Chicken Ladder is a simple but highly engaging toy for your flock. Hens love climbing up and down the rungs, which strengthens their legs, improves balance, and keeps them active.
It’s a fun way to mimic natural perching and roosting behavior while adding mental stimulation.
Owners often place the ladder in the coop, run, or indoor brooder so chickens can explore freely.
Many users on chicken forums report that hens quickly learn to hop from rung to rung, using the ladder for exercise, preening, or even as a lookout spot. It’s easy to set up and works well in both small and large flocks.
Unique Tips
- Adjust Placement: Place the ladder at angles or levels that challenge hens without risking falls.
- Use Sturdy Materials: Make sure the rungs and frame support multiple chickens safely.
- Indoor or Outdoor Use: Works best in enclosed spaces to keep hens safe from predators.
- Combine With Perches: Connect to existing roosts or platforms for a mini obstacle course.
- Monitor Use: Check rungs and supports regularly for wear and tear.
- Add Treats for Fun: Sprinkle a few grains along the rungs to encourage climbing and exploration.
Get a Chicken Ladder and Keep Your Flock Active!
14. Chicken Swing Set – Fun, Balance, and Playtime
Who says playgrounds are just for kids? The Chicken Swing Set brings all the giggles and thrills right into your flock’s world.
The moment one brave hen hops on and starts swaying, the rest can’t help but crowd around, curious and excited.
Before long, they’re taking turns like it’s recess time. Not only is it hilarious to watch, but the gentle rocking also gives them exercise, balance practice, and a boredom-busting activity they’ll never get tired of.
Many chicken owners say their hens practically line up for a swing. Some even nap while rocking gently, while others flap for more speed. It’s simple, safe, and guaranteed to turn your coop into the talk of the neighborhood.
How will Chickens enjoy it? Imagine…
“Wheee! This is the best! I hop on, flap a little, and suddenly I’m flying higher than ever.
My sisters are all watching—yep, they’re jealous. Sometimes we swing together, sometimes I hog it all to myself. Either way, snack time and swing time? Now that’s living the dream.”
Real Tips & Hacks
- Adjust Height: Start low so timid hens gain confidence, then raise it for more of a challenge.
- Choose a Solid Seat: A flat, sturdy swing is easier for hens to balance on than thin ropes.
- Mix It With Snacks: Scatter treats nearby to lure in first-timers. Once one hen figures it out, the rest will copy.
- Keep It Safe: Place it in a predator-proof run or coop to keep the fun worry-free.
- Create a Play Zone: Pair the swing with ladders or perches for a full-on chicken playground.
- Check Hardware Often: Make sure ropes or chains stay strong—your hens won’t forgive a broken swing!
Bring Home a Chicken Swing Set and Watch the Fun Begin!
15. Shatterproof Mirrors – The Coop’s Secret Comedy Show
If you’ve never given your hens a mirror, prepare for some of the funniest coop entertainment you’ll ever see.
Shatterproof Mirrors are a safe way to let chickens check out their reflections, and boy, do they react!
Some hens strut proudly, others tilt their heads and cluck like they’ve found a long-lost twin, and a few even “chat” with the bird in the glass. It’s silly, harmless fun that also keeps them busy and mentally sharp.
Backyard chicken keepers often swear by mirrors for keeping flocks entertained, especially during long winters when outdoor activity is limited.
The shatterproof design means you don’t have to worry about sharp edges, and the mirrors are easy to hang at eye level in the coop or run. Many owners on chicken forums say it quickly becomes “the favorite toy” because hens love returning to their “friend in the glass” over and over.
Get a Fun Mirror and let the Coop Fun Begin!
16. Foraging Basket – The Snack Hunt Game
The Foraging Basket turns snack time into a challenge your hens will go wild for.
Instead of dropping treats on the ground, you hang or place goodies in the basket so the flock has to peck, tug, and work to get their prize.
It mimics natural foraging, keeps them moving, and adds a whole lot of excitement to an ordinary day.
Chicken keepers on backyard forums say baskets are perfect for stuffing with leafy greens, fruits, or veggie scraps.
Hens love the chase, and it keeps their minds and beaks busy in a positive way.
Plus, it cuts down on wasted food since treats don’t just get trampled into the dirt.
A sturdy wire or mesh basket is best, and many owners mention it lasts season after season with minimal cleanup.
Unique Tips & Hacks
- Hang It High or Low: Adjust the basket height so hens have to stretch, jump, or casually peck, depending on the challenge you want.
- Pack It With Greens: Kale, lettuce, spinach, and herbs work great for pecking fun.
- Mix It Up: Add fruits like apple slices or cucumbers for variety.
- Use a Sturdy Basket: Wire or mesh is best; avoid anything flimsy that could break.
- Rotate Treats: Change up the goodies so hens stay curious and excited.
- Keep It Clean: Wash the basket regularly to prevent old food from sticking.
Grab a Foraging Basket and Turn Snack Time Into Playtime!
17. Treat Ball Maze – The Rolling Snack Chase
The Treat Ball Maze isn’t just a feeder—it’s a game. Fill the ball with scratch grains, dried mealworms, or small treats, and your hens have to push, peck, and roll it around to make the food spill out.
It turns an ordinary snack into a challenge that gets the flock moving, thinking, and competing for every little bite.
Chicken owners on backyard forums say treat balls are lifesavers for rainy days or confined runs.
Hens will spend ages chasing the rolling snack, and it keeps them too busy to pick on each other. It’s easy to clean, refill, and reuse, making it a long-lasting boredom buster.
After getting this, your chicks might be thinking – “Wait—did that thing just move? Peck, peck… oh wow, food came out! Quick, push it again before the others get it. Run, chase, peck, score! This is the most exciting snack time ever.”
Get a Treat Ball Maze and Watch Your Hens Chase Down Fun!
18. Hanging Feeder with Treats
A hanging feeder filled with pecking materials like dried corn or seed heads. This provides a variety of interesting textures and tastes for chickens to explore, keeping them engaged.
19. Dust Bath Tub
A shallow container filled with sand or commercially prepared dust bath mix. Chickens will use this to clean their feathers and keep parasites at bay, ensuring they stay healthy and happy.
20. Hanging Net with Greens
A net bag filled with fresh herbs or chopped vegetables. Chickens will peck at the greens, enjoying the fresh treats and staying busy, making this a nutritious and entertaining addition to their diet.
21. Chicken Seesaw – Balance, Bounce, and Coop Comedy
The Chicken Seesaw is like a playground ride made just for your flock. Place it in the run or coop and watch as one curious hen hops on, tips it, and suddenly the whole gang wants a turn.
It challenges balance, builds leg strength, and provides nonstop amusement as the board rocks back and forth under their weight.
Chicken keepers often share that it quickly becomes the “main stage” of the coop.
Some hens perch proudly on one end, while others race up and down just to feel the movement.
It’s simple, sturdy, and endlessly entertaining for both birds and their owners.
Unique Tips & Hacks
- Place on Flat Ground: Keeps the seesaw steady and safe for hens to climb on.
- Use a Sturdy Board: Solid wood or a premade perch ensures long-lasting fun.
- Add Traction: Sand or rubber strips on the board prevent slipping.
- Start Low: Keep it close to the ground so all hens, even shy ones, feel safe trying it out.
- Pair With Treats: Scatter a few grains on top to encourage first-time use.
- Mix It Into Play Zones: Combine with ladders, swings, or perches for a mini chicken playground.
Bring Home a Chicken Seesaw and Watch the Fun Unfold!
See the given video to get more ideas about toys for chicken coops!
10 Tips for Introducing New Toys to Chickens in the Coop
Adding new toys to your coop is a great way to keep your feathered friends happy and stimulated. But it’s important to introduce them properly to avoid any stress or confusion.
Here are some tips to ensure a smooth introduction:
- Start slowly: Introduce one or two new toys at a time. This prevents overwhelming your chickens and allows them to explore each toy fully.
- Observe their reactions: Watch how your chickens interact with new toys. This helps you understand their preferences and adjust accordingly.
- Use familiar treats: Place some of their favorite treats near or on the new toy to encourage interaction and create positive associations.
- Rotate toys regularly: Switch out toys every few weeks to maintain novelty and prevent boredom.
- Ensure safety: Check toys regularly for wear and tear. Remove any broken parts that could pose a hazard.
- Consider flock dynamics: Place multiple toys to prevent competition and allow all chickens access.
- Be patient: Some chickens may take time to warm up to new toys. Don’t remove them too quickly if there’s no immediate interest.
- Introduce at calm times: Add new toys when the flock is relaxed, not during feeding or high-stress periods.
- Combine with routine activities: Incorporate toys into daily routines like feeding time to increase engagement.
- Adjust placement: Try different locations in the coop to find where your chickens prefer to play.
FAQs
Check out the related queries below to get more ideas about fun things for chicken coops.
Q: What are some things to consider when choosing toys for my coop?
Consider the age, breed, and number of chickens you have. Also, the size of your coop and the personalities of your flock matter!
Q: How often should I rotate my chickens’ toys?
It’s a good idea to rotate toys every few days or a week to keep things interesting. This will help prevent boredom and encourage continued engagement with the toys.
Q: What if my chickens seem scared of the new toys?
Give your chickens time to adjust to new toys. Introduce them slowly and place them in familiar locations. You can also place treats near the toys to entice your chickens to explore them.
Final Word
Adding toys to your chicken coop is an easy way to boost your flock’s quality of life. Whether you opt for DIY hanging treats or store-bought chicken xylophones, there’s a wide variety of toys to choose from. These toys help prevent boredom, reduce stress, and promote natural behaviors.
When introducing new toys, go slowly and watch how your chickens react. By creating a stimulating environment, you’ll have happier and healthier chickens that might even lay more eggs. Keep your coop fun and engaging with any of these 21 fantastic toys your hens will adore!
