Poultry 101 Entertaining Activites

By Christy Caplan

Frost coats the chicken run, leaving your flock restless and craving winter stimulation. The cold, snow and ice of winter drastically limit their ability to roam and forage, leading to a problem many chicken keepers face: boredom. Even new chicken keepers may not realize their flock needs daily enrichment, especially in winter.

Boredom isn ' t just a case of fowl crankiness; it can lead to negative behaviors such as feather pecking, bullying and general stress within the flock. There are simple, creative and low-cost enrichment ideas to keep your chickens physically active, mentally stimulated and happy all winter long.

The Importance of Winter Enrichment Boredom impacts flock well-being. Chickens are social animals, hardwired to scratch, peck and explore, and confinement can create stress that suppresses immunity.

Tina Hines, owner of Cluck It All Farms, understands this challenge well.

" Winter boredom is real, and your flock feels it," she explains. " Cooped-up chickens with nothing to do start picking fights or feathers. Mental stimulation isn’ t optional; it’ s how you keep a flock healthy when free ranging isn’ t possible.”

Idle chickens often develop destructive habits such as feather pecking, egg eating and increased squabbling. Providing engaging activities is crucial for maintaining flock harmony.

www. chickenwhisperermagazine. com Winter 2025 13