Chickens are intelligent and social creatures that thrive on mental stimulation and physical activity. Providing enrichment for your flock not only keeps them entertained but also promotes their overall health and well-being. While commercial chicken toys are available, creating DIY options can be a cost-effective and rewarding way to engage your birds.

Homemade chicken toys offer an excellent opportunity to repurpose everyday items and keep your flock active and happy. These DIY solutions can range from simple swings to more complex treat dispensers, all designed to tap into chickens’ natural behaviors and instincts. By investing a little time and creativity, chicken keepers can create an engaging environment that encourages exploration, foraging, and play among their feathered friends.

1) Hanging Cabbage Feeder

A hanging cabbage feeder is a simple yet effective DIY toy to keep chickens entertained. This low-tech solution combines enrichment with a nutritious treat for the flock.

To create this toy, gather a cabbage, a drill, and a piece of rope. Drill a hole through the center of the cabbage and thread the rope through it. Secure the rope at both ends to ensure the cabbage hangs safely.

Suspend the cabbage at an appropriate height for the chickens to reach comfortably. As they peck at the hanging vegetable, it swings and moves, providing both mental stimulation and physical exercise.

This toy encourages natural pecking behaviors and keeps chickens active. It also helps prevent boredom, which can lead to undesirable behaviors in the coop.

For added variety, consider using other vegetables like lettuce or broccoli. Always monitor chickens when introducing new toys to ensure their safety and enjoyment.

2) Mirror Chicken Toy

Mirrors can provide simple yet effective entertainment for chickens. These reflective surfaces intrigue chickens, often leading them to peck at or interact with their own reflections.

To create a mirror toy, secure a small, shatterproof mirror inside the coop or run. Place it at chicken eye level for easy access. Plastic mirrors designed for children’s toys work well and are safer than glass alternatives.

Some chickens may become quite fascinated with their reflections, spending time observing and interacting. This can help alleviate boredom and provide mental stimulation.

When introducing a mirror, monitor your flock’s reaction. Most chickens find mirrors interesting, but remove it if any birds show signs of stress or aggression towards the reflection.

Regularly clean the mirror to maintain its reflective properties and hygiene. Position it away from direct sunlight to prevent any potential fire hazards from concentrated light beams.

This DIY toy offers a cost-effective way to keep chickens engaged. It requires minimal effort to set up and can provide ongoing entertainment for curious birds in the flock.

3) Chicken Xylophone

A chicken xylophone is a creative and entertaining DIY toy for your flock. This musical instrument can provide hours of amusement for both chickens and their owners.

To create a chicken xylophone, use wooden or metal bars of varying lengths. Secure these bars horizontally to a frame, ensuring they are spaced apart for easy pecking access.

The different lengths of the bars produce various tones when pecked, creating a simple musical experience. Chickens are naturally curious and will be drawn to the bright colors and interesting sounds.

Hang the xylophone in an accessible area of the coop or run. Place it at a height where chickens can comfortably reach and interact with it.

For added appeal, consider attaching small treats or seeds to the bars. This encourages chickens to peck at the xylophone, creating music while enjoying a snack.

The xylophone not only provides entertainment but also stimulates the chickens’ minds and encourages physical activity. It can be particularly beneficial during periods of confinement or bad weather.

Regular cleaning and maintenance of the xylophone ensure its longevity and continued safety for your flock.

4) Foraging Ball

A foraging ball is an engaging DIY chicken toy that stimulates natural pecking behaviors. This simple yet effective toy can be crafted from a plastic container with small holes drilled into it.

Fill the ball with treats like seeds, grains, or small vegetable pieces. As chickens peck and roll the ball, treats fall out, encouraging active play and exploration.

The size of the foraging ball should be appropriate for your chickens. A container about 6-8 inches in diameter works well for most breeds.

Ensure the holes are large enough for treats to fall through but small enough to present a challenge. This keeps chickens interested and prevents easy access to all treats at once.

For added durability, consider using a hard plastic or rubber ball designed for dogs. These can withstand more pecking and rolling without breaking.

Regularly clean and sanitize the foraging ball to maintain hygiene. Replace it if it becomes worn or damaged to prevent potential injuries to your flock.

5) Swing Perch Toy

A swing perch toy provides chickens with both entertainment and exercise. This simple DIY project can be easily constructed using a sturdy branch or wooden dowel suspended by ropes.

To make a swing perch, select a branch or dowel about 12-18 inches long. Attach ropes securely to each end. Hang the swing at a height where chickens can comfortably hop on and off.

Place the swing in a sheltered area of the coop or run. This protects chickens from predators while they play. Ensure the swing is not too high off the ground to prevent injuries.

Chickens enjoy swaying gently on the perch. The movement stimulates their natural balancing instincts. Multiple birds may use the swing together, encouraging social interaction.

For added interest, hang treats like leafy greens or vegetable pieces from the swing. This encourages pecking and foraging behaviors. Regularly check the swing for wear and replace ropes or wood as needed to maintain safety.

Understanding Chicken Behavior

Chickens are complex creatures with innate behaviors that influence their well-being. Mental stimulation and natural foraging instincts play crucial roles in keeping chickens happy and healthy.

The Importance of Mental Stimulation

Mental stimulation is vital for chicken health and happiness. Bored chickens may develop destructive behaviors like feather pecking or egg eating. Providing toys and activities helps prevent these issues.

Chickens are curious animals that enjoy exploring their environment. Offering various textures, colors, and shapes in their living space stimulates their minds. Puzzle feeders and treat dispensers challenge chickens mentally while providing rewards.

Rotating toys regularly keeps chickens engaged and prevents boredom. Simple items like mirrors, bells, or hanging CDs can captivate chickens for hours. These stimulating objects encourage natural behaviors and promote overall well-being.

Natural Foraging Instincts

Chickens have strong foraging instincts that drive them to scratch and peck. In the wild, they spend much of their day searching for food. Providing opportunities to engage in this behavior is essential for their mental health.

Scatter feeding encourages natural foraging. Spreading feed or treats on the ground allows chickens to scratch and search. This activity keeps them physically active and mentally stimulated.

DIY foraging toys can mimic natural food sources. Hanging vegetables or creating treat-filled pinatas encourage chickens to work for their food. These toys satisfy their instincts and provide entertainment.

Offering a diverse environment with different substrates like straw, leaves, or wood chips promotes scratching behavior. This variety mimics natural settings and keeps chickens engaged in their surroundings.

Materials Suitable For DIY Chicken Toys

Choosing the right materials is crucial for creating safe and engaging toys for chickens. Proper selection ensures durability and promotes healthy play for your flock.

Safe and Non-toxic Options

Wood is an excellent choice for chicken toys. Untreated pine, cedar, or hardwoods are safe options. Avoid pressure-treated lumber, which contains harmful chemicals. Natural rope made from sisal or jute is ideal for swings and hanging toys. Stainless steel chains and hardware provide durability for outdoor use.

Food-grade plastic items like cups or containers can be repurposed as toys. Ensure they’re BPA-free and have no sharp edges. Rubber dog toys designed for aggressive chewers often work well for chickens too.

Natural materials like pine cones, pumpkins, and gourds make great seasonal toys. Always clean these items thoroughly before use.

Using Recycled Materials

Old CDs or DVDs can be hung to create shiny, moving objects that capture chickens’ attention. Ensure any sharp edges are smoothed out.

Cardboard boxes and paper egg cartons make excellent foraging toys. Fill them with treats or bedding material for chickens to peck and explore.

Plastic bottles can be transformed into treat dispensers. Clean thoroughly and remove labels. Cut small holes for treats to fall out as chickens play.

Old kitchen utensils like whisks or colanders can become interesting pecking toys. Ensure they’re clean and free from any non-stick coatings.

Repurposed PVC pipes create durable feeders or hideouts. Clean well and check for any sharp edges before use.