DIY Chicken Toys to Keep Your Kids Active and Content

Part 1: Easy and Fun Chicken Toys for Young Kids

Keeping chickens as pets can be a wonderful way to teach children about responsibility and animal care. It’s also an opportunity to engage them in creative activities by making DIY toys for their feathery friends. In this section, we will explore two easy and fun chicken toys that are perfect for young kids to make and enjoy.

1. Chicken Treat Dispenser: Materials needed:

• Empty plastic soda bottle
• Scissors
• Birdseed or chicken feed

Instructions:

1. Start by cleaning and drying the empty plastic soda bottle.
2. Using the scissors, carefully poke several small holes around the bottom half of the bottle.
3. Fill the bottle with birdseed or chicken feed, leaving a few inches of empty space at the top.
4. Screw the cap back on tightly.
5. Show the kids how to hold the bottle, with the holes facing downward, and gently shake it to dispense the treats.
6. Place the treat dispenser in the chicken coop or run and let the kids observe as the chickens peck at the holes to retrieve their tasty treats.
7. Chicken Ping Pong Ball Game: Materials needed:

• Ping pong balls
• Cardboard box or small plastic storage container
• Craft knife (for adult use only)
• Duct tape
• String or wire

Instructions:

1. Cut several small holes in the sides of the cardboard box or plastic container using the craft knife. Ensure that the holes are just large enough for the ping pong balls to fit through.
2. Use duct tape to reinforce the edges of the holes, making them smooth and safe for the chickens to interact with.
3. Attach string or wire to the top of the box or container, creating a way to hang it securely within the coop or run.
4. Place ping pong balls inside the box or container and hang it at chicken height.
5. Encourage the kids to watch as the chickens peck at the balls, trying to get them through the holes. They will enjoy the challenge and exercise while playing this simple game.

Part 2: Intermediate Level Toys for Older Kids and Teenagers

As children grow older, they may be eager to take on more complex DIY projects. In this section, we will explore two intermediate level chicken toys that are suitable for older kids and teenagers to create and engage with their feathered companions.

1. Chicken Swing: Materials needed:

• Wooden dowel or sturdy branch
• Rope or chain
• Drill
• Screws or hooks
• Sandpaper (optional)

Instructions:

1. Select a wooden dowel or sturdy branch that is long enough to accommodate a chicken comfortably.
2. Use sandpaper to smooth any rough edges or splinters, if necessary.
3. Drill two small holes near each end of the dowel or branch.
4. Attach screws or hooks to the holes, ensuring they are secure.
5. Attach a length of rope or chain to each screw or hook, creating a way to hang the swing.
6. Hang the chicken swing in the coop or run at an appropriate height for the chickens to access it easily.
7. Encourage the kids to watch as the chickens perch and swing back and forth, enjoying their new playground.
8. Chicken Piñata: Materials needed:

• Biodegradable materials (e.g., paper bags, cardboard, or natural fibers)
• Scissors
• String or twine
• Treats or scraps of fruits and vegetables

Instructions:

1. Gather biodegradable materials such as paper bags, cardboard, or natural fibers like coconut coir.
2. Cut the materials into small strips or shapes, making sure they are large enough to hold treats or scraps.
3. Create a loop using string or twine and tie a knot at one end.
4. Begin layering the materials around the loop, securing them with knots or additional string/twine.
5. Fill the piñata with treats or scraps of fruits and vegetables.
6. Tie the loose ends of the string or twine together, creating a way to hang the piñata.
7. Hang the chicken piñata in the coop or run and watch as the chickens peck and scratch at it to release the treats hidden inside. It’s a great form of enrichment and entertainment for them.

Part 3: Advanced Level Toys for Adults and Expert Crafters

For crafters who enjoy a challenge and have advanced skills, creating elaborate and interactive toys for chickens can be a rewarding endeavor. Let’s explore two advanced level chicken toys that will keep both the chickens and adults entertained.

1. Chicken Obstacle Course: Materials needed:

• PVC pipes or wooden boards
• Connectors or screws
• Chicken-safe obstacles (e.g., small ramps, tunnels, or hurdles)
• Drill (if using wooden boards)
• Sandpaper (if using wooden boards)
• Measuring tape
• Level (if using wooden boards)

Instructions:

1. Plan and design a chicken obstacle course layout, considering the available space and the chickens’ abilities.
2. If using PVC pipes, assemble them using connectors to create structures such as tunnels, hurdles, or ramps.
3. If using wooden boards, measure and cut them to the desired lengths, ensuring they are sturdy and safe for the chickens to use.
4. If using wooden boards, sand any rough edges or splinters.
5. Attach the obstacles securely to the PVC pipes or wooden boards, ensuring they are stable and safe for the chickens to navigate.
6. Set up the obstacle course in the chicken run or designated area, allowing the chickens to explore and complete the course at their own pace.
7. Chicken Puzzle Feeder: Materials needed:

• PVC pipes or wooden boards
• Connectors or screws
• Chicken-safe puzzle feeders or treat dispensers
• Drill (if using wooden boards)
• Sandpaper (if using wooden boards)

Instructions:

1. Purchase or create chicken-safe puzzle feeders or treat dispensers that require the chickens to solve a puzzle to access their food.
2. If using PVC pipes, assemble them using connectors to create a structure to hold the puzzle feeders or treat dispensers.
3. If using wooden boards, measure and cut them to the desired lengths, ensuring they can securely hold the puzzle feeders or treat dispensers.
4. If using wooden boards, sand any rough edges or splinters.
5. Attach the puzzle feeders or treat dispensers to the PVC pipes or wooden boards, ensuring they are secure and accessible to the chickens.
6. Set up the puzzle feeder structure in the chicken run or designated area, challenging the chickens to use their problem-solving skills to retrieve their treats or food.

In conclusion, DIY chicken toys provide an excellent opportunity to engage children in creative and educational activities while keeping their feathered friends active and content. From easy treat dispensers and ping pong ball games for young kids to intermediate-level swings and piñatas for older kids and teenagers, and advanced obstacle courses and puzzle feeders for adults and expert crafters, there are toys suitable for all age groups. So, gather your materials, involve the children, and embark on an exciting journey to create interactive toys that will undoubtedly bring joy and enrichment to both the chickens and your family.