Lots of people raise chickens nowadays – but very few people understand the value of keeping their chickens entertained with toys. Chickens are simple creatures, but they aren’t that basic – like all other living things, they deserve to have an excellent quality of life.
Wondering what the best chicken toys might be? My favorite chicken toy is the Chicken Ware Chick-n-Veggie Ball. Not only does this toy keep your chickens busy, but it will also provide them with added nutrition in the form of fruits and vegetables.
Chickens have remarkable capabilities for intelligence and emotions. Like humans, they easily become bored, and no two chickens will be alike when it comes to what keeps them entertained. With so many products to consider, you will want to evaluate the size of your flock and each bird’s individual personality before you buy.
In this article, I’ll give you some of the most helpful tips to find the best chicken toys – as well as some of my favorite picks. Luckily, you don’t have to choose just one!
Last update on 2023-03-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Reviews of the Best Chicken Toys
1. Chicken Ware Chick-N-Veggie Treat Ball
The Chick-n-Veggie chicken toy doesn’t sound fancy, but it’s one of my favorite products when it comes to providing entertainment for my flock. It has a simple design that’s almost impossible to duplicate in a DIY version at home – it’s definitely worth the investment for the hours of fun it will provide to your birds.
Not only does the Chick-n-Veggie keep your chickens entertained, but it also keeps them well-fed. Here’s how it works – you fill the ball full of fresh veggies, such as cabbage or a head of lettuce, and then you roll the ball.
That’s all there is to it! The ball is free-moving, so your chickens can easily push it around on their own to chase down a healthy treat. It has a simple design that is easy to close and open, even when it gets a little bit dirty.
It’s quite large, too. You can fit a whole head of lettuce inside, and it holds up well to your typical chicken abuse. It is perfect for large and small flocks alike. You don’t have to restrict it to your chickens, either – you can also use it with ducks and other types of poultry.
Pros:
- Can be hung from a chain or rolled on the ground
- Cage design prevents the veggies from getting dirty
- Easy to open and close, even in the cold
Cons:
- Takes a lot of greens to fill it
2. Challenge Cricket Cage
Referred to synonymously as “cricket tubes”, the Challenge Cricket Cage is a great toy for backyard chickens. Lots of people make their own cricket tubes, but you really can’t beat the construction of these tubes for a standard flock of chickens.
They are pretty simple, yet also revolutionary, in their design. Made out of plastic, the tubes are lined with holes. All you have to do is fill the tubes with crickets and they will make their way out, right to the beaks of your hungry chickens!
The Cricket Cage is made out of wire, so it’s super durable and resistant to most damage. The lid stays shut no matter what you put inside of it. Plus, it can be used for treats besides crickets, such as mealworms, to keep your chickens entertained for hours on end.
My favorite Challenge Cricket Cage is just six inches long, but you can also purchase it in longer sizes. Depending on your needs and preferences, you can lay this toy on the ground to allow your chickens to kick it around and play with it, or you can hang it with the included rope from the ceiling of your coop or run.
Pros:
- Mesh wire holds any size cricket
- Suitable for indoor or outdoor use
- Lid stays closed during use
Cons:
- Hanging rope can fray in the sun
3. Vehomy Loofah Shredder Toys
I love the Vehomy Loofah Shredder chicken toys for a variety of reasons. First, you get a huge assortment of different toys to meet all of your chickens’ needs. Plus, the toys are made out of natural materials so you don’t have to worry about harming your flock.
Look anywhere on Pinterest, and you’re bound to see thousands of DIY chicken toys made out of recycled materials like old compact discs, shredded paper, loofahs, and more. However, when you purchase this set of toys, you aren’t just investing in a toy – you’re investing in your chickens’ safety.
The Vehomy chicken toys are made out of materials that are both biodegradable and safe for your chickens in case they accidentally ingest bits and pieces. They alleviate your chickens’ needs to peck and chew, reducing bullying behaviors in the flock.
In addition, the bright colors of the toys will encourage your birds to explore and to play for hours on end. Although these toys were designed with finches and other small pet birds in mind, they are also perfect for chickens. You can hang them in your coop with their unique suspension hook design.
Pros:
- Made out of safe materials
- Colorful, encouraging exploration
- Reduces pecking behaviors in the flock
Cons:
- Does break down over time
How to Choose the Best Chicken Toys – Buyer’s Guide
If you’re on the hunt for chicken toys to keep your flock busy and entertained at all times, consider this guide first.
Safety
The first consideration you should make when purchasing chicken toys is how safe the new toys will be. Just about anything can be considered a toy, but you need to make sure the toys are positioned in areas where your chickens can reach them without hurting themselves.
For instance, one of the hanging toys I mentioned above is great for chickens, but only if it is hung where your birds can reach it without straining or injuring themselves. If they have to jump too high to reach it, they are either going to ignore it altogether – which will be a waste of your money – or damage their wings and legs trying to get at it.
Remember, too, that a flock has a natural pecking order. Too much competition when there’s food involved can cause your chickens to cross over from playtime into combat very quickly. Make sure you have enough toys to go around the entire flock – especially if there is food involved!
Activity Level
One of the most common reasons as to why people invest in chicken toys for their flock is because they are trying to appease their birds’ natural sense of curiosity. Chickens are nosy animals and they like to be busy at all times.
As a result, the best toys will be ones that allow your chickens to move at all times. They need toys that are eye-catching but also easy to access. Only add toys once or twice a week, as too much activity and stimulation can affect a hen’s laying abilities. Some toys, such as those that require your birds to jump, can even cause damage to your chickens’ delicate joints and bones.
Environment
When you are considering chicken toys, it’s important to also think about the time of year and the environment in which they will be used. Chicken toys with food inside are great – not only do they provide your birds with entertainment but they also keep them well-fed – but they can freeze and get messy during the winter. In the summer, food can quickly spoil.
You must also consider the environment in which the toys are meant to be used. Are they indoor or outdoor toys? Can they be used in the mud, ice, or snow? What about rain? If you are going to be spending money on a chicken toy, you need to make sure it’s going to hold up to the demands your flock place on it.
Effort Level
You can easily make a variety of chicken toys from scratch. From hanging heads of iceberg lettuce in your coop to simply dropping some scratch grain on the ground, there are plenty of ways to keep your chickens occupied without having to spend any money.
However, some of the best chicken toys are those that will allow you to save time and energy while entertaining your flock. Sure, you can DIY your way through mots chicken projects, but chicken toys are so inexpensive, it’s often easier just to order one of these. This way, you will know your chickens are taken care of – but you won’t have to spend extra time designing a toy and making sure it is safe for your chickens to play with.
My Choice for the Best Chicken Toy
If you don’t really care about your chickens being happy, healthy, and productive, you probably don’t need to give them any toys.
However, if you’re reading this guide, I’m guessing that you do care. Providing your chickens with toys isn’t frivolous – it’s a great way to prevent dangerous behaviors and to give your chickens the exercise they both desire and require.
If you’re in the market for one of the best chicken toys, my pick has to go with the Chicken Ware Chick-n-Veggie Ball. I just love how this toy is so versatile, allowing for hours of entertainment. It’s easy to use and it’s even easier to refill! Plus, it’s sturdy, so you don’t have to worry about the more aggressive members of your flock ripping it open on the first go.
Top Rated Chicken Toys
Last update on 2023-02-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
