Poultry 101 Entertaining Activites
Warm mash treats
On particularly cold mornings, a warm mash can lift your flock ' s spirits and provide a welcome energy boost.
How-To: Prepare warm oatmeal or soak regular feed. Dr. Dench suggests adding dried herbs or mealworms for extra protein and immune support.
Benefits: This special treat not only provides warmth and energy but also helps with hydration. It’ s a simple gesture that can raise flock morale on the frostiest days.
Perches and sheltered spots
Don ' t underestimate the power of changing the coop ' s landscape. A dynamic space is a more engaging space.
Creating a Dynamic Space: Hines suggests rotating " perches at different heights to keep them engaged and moving." Add temporary perches using logs, sturdy branches or even clean straw bales.
Windbreaks and Hiding Spots: Arrange straw bales or lean a wooden pallet against a wall to create sheltered nooks. These spots give birds a place to explore, escape a chilly wind or get away from a more dominant flock member.
Benefits: This breaks up the monotony of a flat coop floor, encourages movement and provides safe resting places for lower-ranking birds.
Foraging fun indoors You can bring the joy of foraging inside the coop with a simple " treasure hunt." How-To: Scatter scratch grains, sunflower seeds or mealworms into fresh straw or hay on the coop floor.
Benefits: Dr. Dench recommends this activity because it " mimics natural ground-scratching and keeps them occupied for hours." This directly
stimulates a chicken ' s natural instinct to scratch and forage, keeping them busy, warm and mentally engaged.
Tips for Success To get the most out of your enrichment efforts, keep these tips in mind.
• Keep It Fresh: " We rotate simple enrichments like pecking toys, bird-safe mirrors and perches at different heights to keep them engaged and moving," said Hines. Rotating activities every few days prevents the novelty from wearing off.
• Observe Your Flock: Watch how chickens interact with new items to see what they enjoy and ensure all participate.
• Safety First: Always use safe, non-toxic materials. Ensure any hanging items are secure and do not pose a tangling risk for your birds.
• Use What You Have: Get creative! Look around your home and garden for safe, reusable items that can be repurposed into fun chicken toys. Avoid objects with sharp edges.
• Ventilation is Key: While keeping your flock warm is important, proper ventilation is critical. Kristin Jordan, the Florida Chicken Tender, notes, " Chickens tolerate cold well, but moisture inside can cause respiratory issues and frostbite.” Hines:“ Don’ t seal up your coop like Tupperware. Dry, draft-free air keeps birds healthier than any heat lamp.”
A few simple additions can transform a boring winter coop into an engaging and dynamic environment. Winter enrichment is not about spending a lot of money; it ' s about providing thoughtful care that mimics natural behaviors. By keeping your flock active and mentally stimulated, you promote better health, reduce negative behaviors and foster a peaceful coop.
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