Keep Candy (and Wrappers) Far from the Coop
Kids and candy go hand in hand during Halloween—but those sweet treats can spell trouble for your flock. Chocolate, sugar, and artificial sweeteners like xylitol are toxic to chickens. Even discarded candy wrappers or lollipop sticks can pose choking hazards. Do a quick yard check before letting your chickens out in the morning. Pick up any wrappers or bits of candy that might have blown into the run overnight.
Watch Out for Decorations and Lights
Inflatables, flashing lights, and spooky décor can be fun for us—but they might startle or stress your hens. Curious chickens may also peck at fake cobwebs, small plastic pieces, or extension cords, which could cause injury. Keep Halloween decorations away from your coop and run, and avoid strobe or flashing lights nearby. A calm, familiar environment helps your birds feel secure.
Lock Up Early on Halloween Night
Halloween night brings lots of noise, strange costumes, and constant doorbell rings—all things that can spook animals. Plus, predators like raccoons, foxes, and owls tend to be more active on dark fall nights when there’s more foot traffic (and dropped treats) around. Close up your coop a bit earlier than usual and make sure all latches are tightly secured. Motion-activated lights can help deter nighttime visitors.
Be Aware of Predators on the Prowl
The combination of early darkness and leftover candy can attract scavengers. Raccoons and opossums are especially clever around Halloween and won’t hesitate to explore a coop if they smell something tasty. Reinforce weak spots in your fencing, secure feed bins, and store any food or treats in metal containers. Double-check doors and locks to ensure predators can’t sneak in.
Keep Things Calm and Familiar
Even small disruptions can stress your hens and affect their laying patterns. If your neighborhood gets busy with trick-or-treaters, play soft music or add extra bedding to make their space cozy and quiet. A relaxed flock is a healthy flock—maintaining their normal routine goes a long way toward keeping them content through all the Halloween chaos.
