One of the biggest learning curves when keeping chickens—especially for new Chicken Run Enrichment Ideas: How to Keep Chickens Happy, Healthy, and Busy

One of the biggest learning curves when keeping chickens—especially for new chicken keepers—is realizing that chickens need more than just food, water, and a coop. Chickens are intelligent, curious animals with strong natural instincts to forage, scratch, perch, and explore.

When chickens spend extended time in a run—during winter, bad weather, predator pressure, or while protecting gardens—enrichment becomes essential. A well-enriched chicken run helps prevent boredom, reduces aggressive behaviors, supports mental health, and can even improve egg production.

If your flock is confined more often than not, here are simple, affordable, and highly effective ways to provide enrichment in your chicken run.

---

Why Chicken Run Enrichment Is So Important

Chickens evolved to spend much of their day actively searching for food and interacting with their environment. Research summarized by land-grant universities and poultry extension programs shows that boredom and stress can lead to feather picking, bullying, and reduced productivity.

Without enrichment, chickens may develop:

• Feather picking or cannibalism
• Increased aggression within the flock
• Stress-related illness
• Lower egg production

Enrichment isn’t optional—it’s a key part of responsible chicken keeping.

---

Add Height With Perches, Platforms, and Levels

Chickens feel safer and more confident when they can get off the ground. Adding vertical space to your run encourages exercise and reduces pecking-order stress.

Simple ways to add height include:

• Natural tree branches securely mounted
• Wooden platforms or low tables
• Old ladders leaned safely against run walls

Multiple levels allow timid birds to escape dominant flock members and encourage movement throughout the run.

---

Create a Dedicated Dust Bath Area

Dust bathing is a critical natural behavior that helps chickens control external parasites and maintain healthy feathers. Chickens without access to dust baths are more prone to mites and lice.

A simple dust bath can include:

• Dry dirt or sand
• Wood ash from untreated wood
• Optional: food-grade diatomaceous earth

Use a shallow bin, old tote, or designated corner of the run and keep it dry year-round.

---

Encourage Foraging and Scratching

Foraging is one of the best forms of mental stimulation for chickens. Instead of offering treats in a bowl, make your flock work for their snacks.

Foraging ideas that chickens love:

• Scatter scratch grains into straw or wood chips
• Hang a cabbage or lettuce just above head height
• Toss mealworms across the run instead of dumping them in one spot

---

Rotate Toys and Novel Objects

Chickens are naturally curious, but enrichment loses its effectiveness if nothing ever changes.

Safe enrichment items include:

• Hanging treat dispensers
• Sturdy balls or objects they can peck and roll
• Mirrors designed specifically for livestock

Rotating toys every one to two weeks helps keep chickens interested and prevents boredom.

---

Use Natural Materials for Free Enrichment

Some of the best enrichment comes straight from your property or farm.

Natural enrichment ideas include:

• Logs, stumps, or large branches
• Straw or hay bales
• Piles of leaves or pine needles

As these materials break down, they attract insects and create constantly changing environments for chickens to explore.

---

Seasonal Chicken Run Enrichment

Changing enrichment with the seasons keeps your chicken run functional and enjoyable year-round.

Winter enrichment ideas:

• Deep litter with straw for scratching
• Hanging greens when insects are scarce
• Extra perches to encourage movement during confinement

Summer enrichment ideas:

• Shade cloths or tarps
• Frozen fruits or vegetables
• Shallow water pans for supervised cooling

Seasonal adjustments help reduce weather-related stress and keep chickens comfortable.

---

Safety Always Comes First

While enrichment is beneficial, everything added to the chicken run should be secure and non-toxic.

Keep these safety tips in mind:

• Avoid treated lumber or painted materials
• Secure items so they can’t tip or collapse
• Remove strings, sharp edges, and loose wires
• Ensure airflow, food, and water access remain unobstructed

The goal is stimulation—not risk.

---

A Well-Enriched Run Creates Happier Chickens

Chicken run enrichment isn’t about spending money—it’s about understanding chicken behavior. By encouraging natural instincts like scratching, perching, and foraging, you create a healthier, calmer, and more productive flock.

Start small, rotate often, and observe what your chickens enjoy most. They’ll show you exactly what works.