Chickens are naturally curious and active animals that are constantly searching for food and exploring their surroundings. Chickens are also smart, even if they don't necessarily appear so. But how exactly do you ensure your chickens are well occupied and don't start chewing each other's feathers out of boredom? Creating an active environment isn't just a matter of entertainment, it's an essential part of keeping chickens properly. Here's how to create a more active environment for your feathered friends.
What does an active environment mean for chickens?
Creating an active environment for chickens means offering them opportunities to engage in their natural behaviors. These include scratching, pecking, climbing, dust bathing , and social interaction with conspecifics. A well-designed environment reduces stress and promotes the health and well-being of the birds.
Games and activities in the chicken coop and outdoor enclosure
Especially in winter or during mandatory coop confinement, chickens can quickly become bored. To prevent undesirable behaviors like feather pecking or aggression, it's important to provide variety. We'll discuss this below. A good outdoor enclosure also offers many ways to keep chickens happy. Even though outdoor chickens often have enough to do on their own, there are ways to make their day even more interesting:
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Intensify foraging: Divide the food and hide it in the coop so your chickens have to actively search for it. This keeps them busy and prevents boredom and aggression.
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Tiers and perches: Different tiers and perches are not only good for sleeping, but also encourage exercise and provide good balancing exercises. Having multiple tiers prevents fights over the "best spots," and allows each chicken to occupy its favorite position. Furthermore, birds that only stay on the ground are generally much more susceptible to mites, bacteria, and lice. Chicken perches therefore also have a positive effect on the birds' health. It is important, however, that the perches are rounded.
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Ramps, ladders, and bridges: Build small obstacles and paths for your chickens to overcome to get to their food. This makes keeping them in the garden or outdoor enclosure more exciting and keeps them fit.
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Hanging feed: Hang feed such as lettuce, alfalfa, apples, or pears in large-mesh nets or simply on a rope. This encourages the chickens to snatch their food.
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Using rodent toys: Many rodent toys, such as grain balls, can also be fun for chickens.
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Large pieces of vegetables: Offer them whole cabbages or watermelons. These are not only delicious but also a great activity, as they'll keep them busy for a long time pecking at them.
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Wheatgrass: With very little effort, you can make your own vitamin-rich and healthy wheatgrass. Spread whole wheat grains evenly in a shallow bowl and keep them moist. Store the bowl in a bright, relatively warm place. This way, the wheat will begin to germinate after just a few days. Once the grass has grown tall enough, you can place the bowl in the chicken coop or run for your chickens.
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Protected dust baths: A sand bath or dust bath is essential for feather care and helps deter pests. Make sure it's protected from rain.
- Straw bales: A large bale of straw can not only provide entertainment but also serve as a reward. Hide treats in the straw to increase the fun.
Conclusion
By providing variety and challenges in your chickens' daily routine, you'll promote their well-being and prevent behavioral problems. Use the tips in this blog to keep your chickens busy and offer them a fulfilling life, not a boring one. With a little creativity and dedication, you can ensure your feathered friends stay happy and healthy. So, give it a try and watch your chickens flourish!
