Why Enrichment Matters
Chickens are intelligent and active birds that benefit from activities that mimic natural behaviors like foraging, scratching, and exploring. Enrichment projects:
-
Reduce Stress: An engaging environment helps alleviate stress and prevents destructive behavior.
-
Boost Health: Active chickens tend to be healthier, as physical exercise and mental stimulation support overall well-being.
-
Enhance Social Interaction: Group activities promote social bonding among flock members, making for a happier, more cohesive group.
1. Foraging Scatters
Materials:
-
Old cardboard boxes or egg cartons
-
Scratch grains or your chickens’ favorite treats
How-to:
-
Cut and Scatter: Tear up the cardboard or break egg cartons into small pieces.
-
Mix with Treats: Sprinkle scratch grains or a handful of favorite treats over the pieces.
-
Spread in the Run: Distribute the mixture throughout your chicken run to encourage natural foraging behavior.
Tip: Change the mix periodically to keep your chickens intrigued and excited for their scavenger hunt.
2. DIY Dust Bath Station
Materials:
-
A shallow wooden crate or large tray
-
Sand, diatomaceous earth (food-grade), and a bit of dirt
-
Chicken's Choice Dust Bath additive (learn more here)
How-to:
-
Mix the Base: In your crate or tray, combine sand, a generous amount of food-grade diatomaceous earth, and dirt.
-
Enhance with Additive: Stir in some Chicken's Choice Dust Bath additive. This all-natural product helps remove excess oils and keeps your chickens' feathers in tip-top condition.
-
Moisten the Mix: Lightly add fresh water to dampen the mixture slightly—it should be moist enough for the dust to stick together but not wet.
-
Place in a Sunny Spot: Position your dust bath station in a well-lit, sunny area to encourage your chickens to indulge in a refreshing, therapeutic dust bath.
Safety Note: Ensure the diatomaceous earth is food-grade and safe for your flock.
3. Hanging Treat Dispensers
Materials:
-
A sturdy, clean plastic bottle (1-2 liters)
-
A sharp tool for making holes (like a utility knife)
-
String or wire for hanging
-
Treats or pellets
How-to:
-
Prepare the Bottle: Clean the bottle thoroughly and remove any labels.
-
Drill Holes: Create several small holes around the bottle large enough for treats to fall out slowly.
-
Fill and Hang: Fill the bottle with treats or pellets, secure the cap, and hang it in the coop or run using string or wire.
-
Encourage Exploration: Your chickens will peck at the bottle, learning to maneuver it and access the treats inside.
Variation: Rotate bottles with different-sized holes to keep the challenge fresh and exciting.
4. Perch Puzzle Boards
Materials:
-
A piece of scrap wood or a sturdy board
-
Chicken feed or small treats
-
A few small stones or pebbles
How-to:
-
Arrange Treats: Spread a thin layer of feed or treats across the board.
-
Scatter Pebbles: Lightly cover the treats with pebbles, creating a puzzle that your chickens must work to uncover.
-
Place in the Coop: Set the board in a familiar spot and let your chickens figure out the puzzle at their own pace.
Encouragement: This not only stimulates their minds but also promotes foraging behavior, keeping them busy and engaged.
5. DIY Swing or Seesaw
Materials:
-
A sturdy wooden board
-
Two bricks or cinder blocks
-
Drill and screws (optional for added stability)
How-to:
-
Set Up the Base: Place the two bricks parallel to each other, spaced to support the board as a fulcrum.
-
Balance the Board: Lay the wooden board across the bricks so it balances like a seesaw.
-
Test for Stability: Ensure the seesaw is stable enough to handle a gentle peck or step from your chickens.
-
Watch the Fun: Chickens are naturally curious and may enjoy a little ride or use it as a perch for scratching and pecking.
Note: Always supervise and check for wear and tear to ensure safety.
Get your coop spring-ready with the Chick Free Special from Coop Care! This bundle includes everything you need to keep your flock healthy, clean, and comfortable—all at a special discounted price for a limited time! Order now and SAVE $24 today!
