Chickens are curious and smart animals. They don’t just eat and lay eggs. They also love to play, scratch, and explore.
If chickens get bored, they may start pecking at each other or pulling feathers.
That’s where DIY chicken toys come in.
These toys keep your flock busy, happy, and healthy without spending a lot of money.
The best part? You can make most of these toys at home with things you already have.
In this article, we’ll share fun ideas for DIY chicken toys, why they’re important, and how to make them.
DIY Chicken Toys: Why You Need Them
Chickens may not look like pets that play with toys, but they actually need activities to stay active.
Just like kids get bored, chickens can get restless, too.
Toys help in many ways:
Stops Boredom
It keeps them entertained during the day.
Reduces Bullying
Since they’re preoccupied, chickens stop feather pecking and fighting.
Gives Exercise
With more activities, it keeps chickens healthy and strong.
Improves Egg Laying
Happy and active chickens are less stressed, which in turn allows them to lay better eggs.
Adding DIY chicken toys to their coop or run is an easy way to make their lives better.
Things to Know Before Making DIY Chicken Toys
Before we dive into ideas, here are a few things to remember:
- Use safe, non-toxic materials.
- Make sure toys are sturdy, so chickens don’t swallow small pieces.
- Rotate toys every week so your flock doesn’t get bored.
- Keep it simple (chickens love easy fun!)
Simple DIY Chicken Toys You Can Make
Here are some fun, easy-to-make DIY chicken toys for your flock:
1. Hanging Treat Balls
One of the easiest toys for chickens is a hanging treat ball.
What you need:
- A cabbage, lettuce, or broccoli head
- String or rope
How to make it:
- Tie the string around the cabbage.
- Hang it from the coop or run, just above chicken height.
- Watch your flock jump and peck at it like a game!
2. Bottle Treat Dispenser
This toy makes your chickens work for their snacks.
What you need:
- An empty plastic water bottle
- Some chicken scratch or mealworms
- Scissors
How to make it:
- Cut small holes in the bottle.
- Fill it with scratch or dried treats.
- Place it on the ground and let the chickens roll it around to get food.
3. Chicken Swing
Chickens love to perch and balance. A swing gives them fun and exercise.
What you need:
- A wooden stick or branch
- Rope
How to make it:
- Tie the rope to both ends of the stick.
- Hang it in the coop or run at chicken height.
- Chickens will hop on and enjoy swinging.
ALSO READ: Chicken Playground: How To Build One
4. Veggie Skewers
This toy is like a chicken kabob.
What you need:
- A metal skewer or long stick
- Vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or cucumbers
How to make it:
- Thread the veggies onto the skewer.
- Hang it in the run or push it into the ground.
- Chickens will peck away happily.
5. Shiny CDs or Mirrors
Chickens are curious about shiny things.
What you need:
- Old CDs or a small mirror
- String
How to make it:
- Hang CDs or place a safe mirror in the coop.
- Chickens will peck and watch their reflections.
6. Pecking Block
A pecking block is like a healthy snack and toy in one.
What you need:
- Chicken feed
- Molasses or honey
- A small pan
How to make it:
- Mix feed with a little molasses.
- Pack it into a pan and let it harden.
- Place it in the run for chickens to peck at all day.
ALSO READ: DIY Flock Block Recipe For Chickens: Homemade Peck Block
7. Digging Box
Chickens love scratching and digging.
What you need:
- A shallow box or tray
- Sand, dirt, or wood shavings
- Mealworms or scratch
How to make it:
- Fill the box with dirt or sand.
- Sprinkle treats inside.
- Let the chickens scratch and dig to find the food.
ALSO READ: All About Chicken Dust Baths
8. Hanging Corn on the Cob
This toy combines food and fun.
What you need:
- A corn cob
- String
How to make it:
- Tie the corn cob with a string.
- Hang it up so it swings when chickens peck at it.
- Great for rainy days when they can’t free-range.
9. Chicken Jungle Gym
If you have space, build a mini playground for your flock.
What you need:
- Wooden boards, ladders, or old logs
- Screws and nails
How to make it:
- Build ramps, perches, and climbing spots.
- Add swings or ropes for extra fun.
- Chickens will jump and climb like little athletes.
10. Treat-Filled Ball
This toy keeps your hens busy for hours.
What you need:
- A small rubber or plastic ball (with holes)
- Chicken feed or cracked corn
How to make it:
- Fill the ball with feed.
- Roll it in the run.
- Chickens will chase it and peck at it to get snacks.
Tips for Using DIY Chicken Toys
To get the most out of your DIY chicken toys, keep these tips in mind:
Switch Toys Often
Rotate each toy or introduce a new one every few days to keep interest.
Put in Different Spots
You can place toys in different spots. After all, chickens love exploring new areas.
Use Healthy Snacks
Avoid foods that are harmful, such as chocolate or salty chips.
ALSO READ: Toxic Foods for Chickens: What You Should NEVER Feed Them
Watch Your Flock
Ensure toys are safe and do not pose choking hazards. Also, keep an eye out so that chickens won’t fight over them.
ALSO READ: Top 11 Ways to Accidentally Kill Your Chickens
Benefits of DIY Chicken Toys
When you give your chickens toys, you’ll see the difference.
- Happier and healthier flock
- Less bullying and feather pecking
- More exercise and stronger bodies
- Chickens stay curious and playful
In short, DIY chicken toys are fun for both you and your birds!
DIY Chicken Toys: Before You Go…
Making DIY chicken toys is a simple and affordable way to keep your flock happy.
From swings and digging boxes to hanging treats and shiny objects, there are endless ways to get creative.
Best of all, these toys don’t just entertain chickens, but they also make your coop a lively and fun place.
Not to mention, it provides chicken owners with convenience and the luxury of a peaceful afternoon.
So grab some rope, veggies, or an old bottle and start crafting today. Your chickens will thank you with clucks, scratches, and maybe even more eggs!
RELATED READS:
- DIY Chicken Tunnel Ideas
- Chicken Roosts: What Are Perches and Why Your Hens Need Them
- 12 Best Chicken Roosting Bar Ideas (For In And Out Of The Coop!)
Need more boredom busters? Check this out!