Chicken Toys & Stocking Stuffer Ideas For Your Flock
- Annie
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
I know what you’re thinking: “Really, Annie? A whole blog about toys and stocking stuffers for chickens?” And honestly, if you had asked me this back when I first started keeping chickens, I probably would’ve rolled my eyes right along with you! But stick with me, there’s a reason this little tradition has become one of my favorites.
Why Winter Gifts Matter for Your Chickens
Winter in Minnesota is long. Like… six-months-of-snow long. And when the weather keeps your flock indoors, things can get boring fast. That boredom isn’t just inconvenient, it can lead to real problems like:
Pecking and bullying
Feather loss
Injuries
Egg eating
Excessive noise
Stress within the flock
During spring, summer and fall, chickens keep themselves busy with foraging, scratching, dust bathing and exploring. But winter limits those natural behaviors, and that’s when trouble can start.
That’s why I love giving my girls a few “stocking stuffers” each year. New enrichment keeps them occupied, reduces stress and helps the coop stay peaceful. So while you’re out collecting stocking stuffers for your family, grab a few for your flock too!
Here are some easy, fun, flock-approved ideas.
6 Stocking Stuffer Ideas for Chickens
Chicken Xylophone
Yep, this is a real thing. And yes, chickens absolutely love tapping out random notes. It’s cute, funny and great for boredom busting!
Cabbage Head Holder
You can make one yourself or grab one online. Hanging a cabbage gives your chickens a fun, peckable “tetherball” they’ll return to again and again.
Chicken Swing
My girls have never fully figured this one out, but I’ve seen plenty of flocks online swinging away like pros. It’s worth a try!
Coop Recuperate
This one isn’t exactly a “toy,” but it does keep your flock happy. Fresh, dry bedding is essential for winter health, and the small jug of Coop Recuperate Orange Spice fits perfectly in a stocking. A clean coop does wonders for everyone’s mood, yours included!
Homemade Treat Cakes
I use Happy Tract, Golden Graze, or you can use your flock's favorite healthy treats and follow our treat recipe. They keep the flock busy and support gut health at the same time.
Coop Mirror
This one might not fit inside a stocking, but trust me, it belongs on the list. Chickens love checking themselves out, and it’s endlessly entertaining for both of you. Roxanne, especially, thinks she’s the star of the show!
I bought this chicken toy pack from Amazon for a little over $20 with most of these toys included!
Free (or Nearly Free) Enrichment Ideas
Enrichment doesn’t have to be fancy. Here are simple, homemade ideas that work just as well:
Bake your own pecking blocks or treats
Toss extra leaves or sticks into the coop for exploring
Scatter scratch grain on the floor (bonus: it turns your bedding!)
Add large branches for roosting and climbing
Create small forage piles with safe winter greens
Grow some sprouts and put them in the coop
Chickens appreciate anything new, different or fun. Even small changes help break up the monotony of winter days.
Wishing You and Your Flock a Joyful Season
Whether you go all-out or keep things simple, these little touches can make winter far more enjoyable for your flock, and for you.
I’m praying you find deep joy and peace this Christmas season.
Until next time,
– The Wing Lady
Coop Recuperate - Festive Coop Refresher
Bring some cozy scents to your chicken coop this fall and winter with Coop Recuperate Orange Spice, a limited-edition coop refresher made with premium organic essential oils, including orange, cinnamon and clove, along with diatomaceous earth.
Happy Tract - For Digestive Health & Immunity
Happy Tract is a daily chicken snack that promotes digestive health in your flock. It contains oregano, cinnamon and thyme essential oils, prebiotics, multi-grains, cracked corn and sunflower seeds. Treat your feathered friends to this healthy snack.
Golden Graze - For Quality Eggs & Golden Yolks Golden Graze is a daily chicken snack that promotes quality eggs with golden yolks and Omega-3 fatty acids. It contains oregano essential oils, multi-grains, cracked corn, oyster shells, marigold petals and flaxseed. Treat your hens to this healthy snack and enjoy eggsellent eggs.