Living in Minnesota, we get to experience all four seasons, and I absolutely love it! Each one has its own unique charm, but without a doubt, fall is my favorite. The crisp air, the vibrant leaves, and, of course, pumpkin spice everything make this season extra special!
This year, I decided to bring some of that fall fun to my chickens. They’re molting right now and could use a little pick-me-up. The best part? These activities didn’t cost a thing, and my flock had a blast!
Fall Fun for Chickens: Simple and Inexpensive Activities
If you’re like me and you grow pumpkins, squash, or melons in your garden, you’ve got an inexpensive treat option for your flock. Chickens love pumpkin and squash, whether raw or cooked. For my girls, I kept the pumpkin whole but poked a few holes in it for them to peck at. They loved it!
In addition to the pumpkin, I treated them to their all-time favorite snack—watermelon! Chickens absolutely love watermelon. Smash it up and let them have at it. Trust me, they’ll be your best friends after that.
Why Chickens Love to Scratch and Peck
Did you know that chickens don’t like piles? It’s true! If you rake up a pile of leaves or bedding, they’ll immediately start scratching at it to level it out. My daughter helped me rake a leaf pile, and before long, the chickens were busy scratching and investigating the leaves. It was gone in no time!
Easy DIY Fall Chicken Activities
You don’t have to stop at pumpkins and leaves. There are plenty of easy ways to create fun activities for your flock using items from around your home or garden. Here are a few ideas:
Logs and Hay Bales: Find a new log or stack some hay bales for your chickens to perch on and explore.
Apple Pecking Toy: String some apples on twine and let your chickens peck at them—great for keeping them entertained!
Homemade Treat Cake: If you’re feeling adventurous, bake your chickens a special cake made with scratch grains and mealworms. I have a fun recipe called “Happy’s Birthday Cake” that’s a hit with my flock. Click here for the recipe.
The Benefits of Keeping Your Chickens Entertained
Keeping your chickens active with new experiences isn’t just fun—it’s important for their well-being. Chickens that are bored can become ornery and start picking at each other, especially during molting season. Providing activities for your flock keeps them mentally and physically stimulated, reducing stress and boredom.
And, of course, the more time you spend with your chickens, the more they’ll bond with you. People often ask how my chickens are so tame, and the answer is simple—I spend a lot of time with them, introducing new and fun activities. It’s a great way to build trust and a strong relationship with your flock.
Fall Chicken Treats Don’t Have to Be Costly
You don’t need to spend a lot of money or time to make your chickens happy. Just use things you already have at home, like garden veggies, leaves or simple DIY projects. Whether it’s pumpkins, watermelon or a pile of leaves, your chickens will love the attention and new experiences.
Happy Fall, everyone! Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to find a pumpkin spice latte.
Until next time,
- The Wing Lady