Chicken Toys: Enrichment and Variety for Your Backyard Chickens

Chicken Toys: Variety for Coop and Run

Chicken toys are more than a nice pastime. Chickens are curious and in nature spend much of the day scratching, pecking and exploring. Without this activity, for example when they have to be kept indoors or in winter, boredom and restlessness soon set in. In the worst case the birds start pecking at each other. Treat balls, pecking balls and swings bring movement and variety into their day.

Feeding Toys Against Boredom

A treat ball or treat roller releases grain and treats bit by bit when the chickens nudge it. This keeps them busy for a long time and gets them moving. You hang pecking balls and treat towers in the coop, and the birds work their way through them piece by piece. A feeding tower is great for vegetables, lettuce or whole cabbages. Especially on grey days, when the run is muddy or the birds have to stay inside because of a housing order, these ideas provide enrichment and distract from feather pecking.

Climbing, Swinging, Perching

Many chickens like to sit up high and watch what is going on around them. A chicken swing quickly becomes a favourite spot, even if some birds need a few days to get used to it. A climbing tower with a swing offers several levels at once, and a chicken ladder links coop and run. For the youngsters there are chick perches where the little ones can practise roosting. More levels in the coop also mean more places for hens lower in the pecking order to get out of the way.

Frequently asked questions

What helps against feather pecking in chickens?
Common causes are boredom, lack of space and a shortage of protein. More enrichment, extra perching levels and a balanced feed often improve the situation considerably. If the pecking continues, have the cause checked by a vet.

What can I put in a treat ball?
Suitable fillings are grain mixes, maize, sunflower seeds or mealworms. Give treats sparingly so that your chickens continue to eat their complete feed well.

Do chickens really use a swing?
Yes, many chickens love one, especially young and curious birds. Hang the swing low at first and scatter a few grains underneath, and the first ones will soon dare to hop on.