Chicken Boredom Busters in the Coop
Winter getting the best of you and your chickens? Cabin fever set in? Then take a look at these boredom busters to incorporate into your coop during the long winter months.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Provide variety in your chickens’ diet during winter; consider treats like sprouted grains and table scraps.
- Moderation is key when giving treats; small amounts of salad, pumpkin seeds, and scratch grain work well.
- Ensure adequate space in the coop—at least four square feet per bird—and include perches for exercise.
- Introduce new items like mirrors to keep chickens engaged; just be cautious with roosters.
- Spending time with your chickens helps alleviate boredom during the winter months.
What Types of Treats Keep Chickens Engaged and Happy?
It’s important to continue your regular commercial feed regiment during the winter, but other variety in the way of diet can go far.
Ambitious owners can sprout grain to give their flock a winter treat of greenery.
Additionally, table scraps can serve as an exciting treat for your feathered friends.
Among the better scraps to feed chickens are small amounts of salad, greens, pumpkin and squash seeds, bits of vegetables, popcorn, and almost any other food that is relatively dry.
Please remember that MODERATION is KEY when it comes to scraps and treats.
Other treat options can include a snack of scratch grain or cracked corn, but only a few handfuls daily are all a small flock should have.
How Does Space Impact Winter Behavior in the Coop?
Giving your birds space in the coop is important in keeping peace and contentment among the flock. Four square feet of floor space per bird is the minimum. Include perches and roosts at different heights and angles to offer exercise for hens. Add some stumps to the coop floor as well, to add some variety in perch options for your friends.
What New Items Can You Introduce to Prevent Coop Boredom?
Your girls will love the addition of something new and different to the coop during those long, cold months. Try securing a mirror in the coop, chickens find their own reflection fascinating! Do avoid if you have a rooster as they may mistake their reflection for another rooster in the flock.
Additionally, just spending more time with your birds can help to break up their day (and yours!) And remember, stay strong, Spring will be here eventually!
