Short days, wet weather, and frozen ground can leave chickens stuck in the coop more than usual and bored hens quickly turn to bad habits like feather pecking, bullying, or reduced laying. The good news? A few simple changes can keep your flock busy, calm, and content all winter long.
This guide can shows you how to prevent boredom, support natural behaviours, and keep hens happy until spring.
Why Chickens Get Bored in Winter
During warmer months, chickens spend hours foraging, dust bathing, and exploring. In winter, muddy ground and bad weather limit these natural behaviours.
Signs of boredom include:
Feather pecking or bald patches
Increased squabbling
Reduced egg laying
Pacing or restlessness
Keeping hens mentally and physically stimulated is just as important as feeding them well.
1. Make Feeding Time Fun
Instead of feeding everything in one bowl, turn meals into enrichment.
Scatter feeding:
Throw scratch feed or mixed grains into straw or leaves to encourage scratching and foraging.
Popular choice: Scratch Corn Chicken Feed – Check on Amazon UK
Hanging treats:
A pecking block or treat ball keeps hens occupied for hours.
Great options:
Flock Block Chicken Treat – Check on Amazon UK
Chicken Treat Ball – Check on Amazon UK
2. Encourage Natural Pecking Behaviour
Pecking is normal problems arise when there’s nothing appropriate to peck.
Simple fix: Hang leafy greens (cabbage, kale, sprouts) just above head height so chickens must stretch and jump.
Extra stimulation: Hanging Poultry Pecking Toy – Check on Amazon UK
Avoid hanging food too low it can lead to fighting and waste.
3. Protein Boosts for Mood & Feathers
Winter moulting and boredom can both increase protein needs. Occasional high-protein treats help maintain feathers and reduce pecking.
Hen favourite: Mealworms for Chickens – Check on Amazon UK
💡 Tip: Treats should make up no more than 10% of the diet.
4. Add Perches, Swings & Levels
Chickens love height. Adding variety to the coop or run keeps them active.
Ideas include:
Logs or tree stumps
Extra roost bars
Stable platforms
Fun addition: Poultry Swing Perch – Check on Amazon UK
These also help establish pecking order peacefully.
5. Refresh the Coop Environment
A boring coop can feel cramped fast in winter.
Easy refresh ideas:
Add straw bales for scratching
Rotate toys weekly
Sprinkle grain in fresh bedding
This keeps the environment feeling “new” without extra cost.
6. Light, Routine & Calm
Short days can lower activity and egg production. While chickens don’t need constant light, consistency matters.
Tips:
Open pop-holes early when safe
Maintain feeding times
Avoid sudden coop changes
A calm, predictable routine reduces stress and boredom.
🐾 Final Thoughts
Boredom is one of the biggest winter challenges for backyard hens but it’s also one of the easiest to fix. By encouraging natural behaviours like scratching, pecking, and exploring, you’ll keep your flock happier, healthier, and more productive through the cold months.
💡 Try this: Rotate treats weekly, add one new perch or toy, and scatter-feed once a day simple changes with big results
Quick Product Links
Flock Block Chicken Treat – Check on Amazon UK
Hanging Poultry Pecking Toy – Check on Amazon UK
Mealworms for Chickens – Check on Amazon UK
Poultry Swing Perch – Check on Amazon UK
