Keeping chickens as pets and for their eggs is becoming more and more popular. People enjoy homegrown fruits, veggies, and herbs. So why not throw eggs in the mix? Chickens can be a lot of fun to have around, so make their time with you enjoyable too. Here are some DIY’s that are simple for all chicken owners. From practical to toys, chickens will have a lot of fun playing with them – and you watching them being entertained!
1) Girls At The Gym
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Making a jungle gym for your chickens is one of the cheapest things you can do and it’s well worth it. It is attractive and it gives them a lot to do. They get exercise, stimulation, and have some fun too. And yes, they will play king of the hill.
2) It’s A Playground
This is probably the easiest and simplest form of entertainment for chickens. Just make sure you tie them tight so they won’t get stuck around their leg or neck. Other than that, the risk is small and will bring in hours of fun.
3) Not Just For Rabbits
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This hay ball was made for guinea pigs and rabbits, but you can use them for chickens too. Put their favorite veggie in and give them a snack and something to do. Plus, it looks pretty good hanging there, like a chandelier.
4) Color Code Them
If you have trouble telling your chickens apart, buy colored zip ties for them. The ties won’t harm them and it makes it easy for you. You could even name them Red, Blue, and so on. Or just remember that Richard is Red.
5) A Meal Not For Everyone
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Mealworms are quite repulsive to most creatures, like humans. Yes, that can go either way! But chickens love mealworms and just a few can keep up their protein intake. Imagine eating nothing but mealworms for protein!
6) Don’t Forget The Winter
Unless your coop is heated well, you may want to consider bringing them in when it gets cold out. If you need a coat, bring in a tent for them. You can set it up in the garage or somewhere else warm. It works perfectly and is mess-free.
7) Keep Them Warm And Healthy
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This combination can keep your chickens warmer and the winter while supporting good digestion. It’s tough on them when it goes from hot to cold and back again. Throw a little bit of this treat in with their food, they will love it.
8) Cooling Corn
If you want your chicken to be your best friend, make some corn cubes for them in the summer. It’s a fact that chickens love corn, so why not freeze some to keep them cool because that’s not always what they are best at.
9) For Autumn
Maybe you can use a watermelon in the summer, but a pumpkin is perfect in the winter. This is kind of self-explanatory and is a great theme to have around the yard. Why not bring it in the coop and keep things rustic?
10) Incubation Station
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This incubator is easy to make out of a styrofoam cooler and doesn’t require those expensive heat lamps. Anyone can make one of these and it works like charm. Just cover with a grate as the eggs hatch to keep the babies safe.
11) Chicken Feeding Palace
Don’t worry, this is easier than it looks. Although it does look nice, it can be made in an afternoon if you have the right tools. Chickens love sticking their heads in places they don’t belong so yeah, they will think that they are allowed to and so they will.
12) Chickens Love Mirrors
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Seriously, a single mirror can keep a whole chicken coop entertained all day long. They love to have one on the run as they love seeing themselves. They will even run more, giving them more exercise and keeping them lean.
13) No Splashing!
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A dirt bath is a good way to keep your chickens cool without getting them muddy. Chickens love sitting in the dirt, it’s a natural nesting instinct for them. In this case, there is a rooster lifeguard on duty to keep track of them.
14) Bach Bach
Believe it or not, it is possible for chickens to learn to play an instrument. Start with corn behind the notes and they will get the hang of it. Though most of the time, their music will be quite messy. Let’s call it abstract.
15) For The Birds
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People have been using this trick on other birds for decades. But why do they never think about using them on chickens? Chickens love finding new ways to get their food. Feeding them like this makes it easy for them.
16) Use Those Old Veggies
When your veggies start to dry out, make a nice hanging toy for your chickens. It’s safe, gives them a healthy snack, and something colorful to play with. It looks natural yet fancy in their pin too. Be creative with the combo.
17) Keep Water Clean
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Chickens tend to have a hard time keeping their water clean. To prevent this from happening, cover their water with an a-frame. They love to perch and it keeps them from getting certain life-threatening diseases. Looks good too!
18) Just A Swingin’
There aren’t many animals that don’t like to swing. There are tons of ways to build a swing for your chickens but the least expensive way is probably a log or stick hanging from chains. It’s safe, sturdy, and ways to do.
19) Get A Flock Block
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A flock block is a great way to feed the chickens and is nearly mess-free too. You can buy them at feed supply stores or make your own. Though don’t be afraid to buy one as they aren’t much cheaper to make when you add all the ingredients together.
20) Live, Leash, Love
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Most pets enjoy going on walks, and chickens are no exception. So get yourself a chicken leash and make a day out of it. They can’t walk for hours at a time, but a short walk is good for them and gives you some exercise too.
21) Tetherball For Chickens
Tetherball is a great game for people of all ages. But what if you could create one for your chickens? This is a simple way to create an age-old game for your birds. A simple bottle hanging from the top of the pin or a branch is all you need.
22) Make A “Bird Bath”
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This is a wonderful idea if you live in the south. Make more than a birth bath for them, make an ice bath. They can choose to get in or not. Some will cool off by drinking the water while others will choose to wade in the pool.
23) Hanging Cabbage
Another easy way to keep chickens entertained is to hang cabbage. Typically a head of cabbage is very inexpensive, and by the looks of these chickens, also a fun and tasty treat!
There you have it, 23 inexpensive and ingenious DIY ideas to keep chickens happy and entertained!
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