1. Treats Galore!
Spoil your chickens with nutritious snacks like live black soldier fly larvae, which pack more nutrients than mealworms. Seeds such as sunflower or pumpkin, as well as fruits like apple slices, berries, and leafy greens, are sure to delight your flock. Want something extra special? Try Gastro Grit for added enrichment.
2. Cozy Coop Wonderland
Transform your coop into a warm haven. Add extra bedding like straw or wood shavings to insulate and create a snug environment. Decorate the outside with safe, natural garlands made from fir cones, seedheads, or dried fruit. These festive touches will brighten your flock's winter days.
3. Winter "Spa" Treatment
A proper dust bath is essential for chicken welfare, especially in winter when natural baths become muddy puddles. Set up a dusting area with sand, diatomaceous earth, or wood ash from your fireplace. Add dried herbs like lavender for a calming spa-like experience.
4. New Roosting Perches
Add some excitement to your chickens’ habitat with new roosting spots. Use branches supported by wooden posts or stacked crates to create multi-level perches. Chickens love to explore and roost at varying heights, and it keeps them active and entertained.
5. Holiday Feast
Prepare a festive meal for your flock. Create a "chicken cake" using grains, seeds, and chopped veggies or serve up plates of tinned corn or peas. For added fun, hang treats like carrots or cabbages for pecking. These thoughtful gestures bring holiday cheer to their dining experience.
6. Holiday Toys
Introduce new and engaging toys to your flock. Foraging blocks filled with corn or grains and shiny, safe decorations are great options. Treat balls or hanging bells also keep chickens entertained during long winter days. Think of it as decking the run!
7. Chicken-Safe Christmas Tree
Decorate a small tree in the coop with safe, edible ornaments like dried herbs, fruits, unshelled peanuts, or popcorn strings alternated with cranberries. Secure the tree by using an old branch with lots of twigs—it doubles as a fun scratching post.
8. Extra Attention and Cuddles
Chickens thrive on affection and interaction. Hand-feed them treats, give gentle pets, or spend time reading aloud to them (a great activity for children!). They’ll love the attention, and it strengthens the bond between you and your flock.
By incorporating these thoughtful gestures, you’ll ensure your chickens enjoy a holiday season filled with love, comfort, and enrichment.
