Poor chickens—fall can be a tough time for them, with the shorter days, the annual molting, and a drop in egg production. Even the friendliest chickens seem to prefer some space as they go through this transition. But that doesn’t mean fall can’t still be fun for them! Over the years, I’ve come up with a few fun ideas and distractions to keep the flock entertained, and I think your chickens might enjoy them too! Here are some ideas to make fall a little brighter for your girls:
Falling for Leave
Freshly fallen leaves are like a natural playground for chickens! They love scratching through them, and the leaves help bring worms to the surface, along with plenty of little insects to snack on. Letting your girls free-range in the leaves is a great way for them to stay active and entertained. Alternatively, you can gather up a raked pile of leaves and toss it into their run. As they scratch and claw through the pile, they’ll help break it down, starting the composting process. It’s a fun and productive way to keep your chickens busy while benefiting your garden too!
Fall Fun Pumpkin Party
Yes! Raw, fresh pumpkin seeds are actually a natural anti-wormer for chickens, which is a great reason to include them in your flock’s diet during fall. Chickens absolutely love pumpkin seeds—and the whole pumpkin itself is a fun treat for them to investigate. Simply place a fresh pumpkin in the run, and watch the girls go wild. If they seem hesitant (which can happen, especially with that big orange pumpkin), you can help them out by using a screwdriver to poke a few holes to pique their curiosity. The same benefits can also be found with other squash or gourds, which are just as exciting for chickens to peck at. It’s a win-win—great for their health and entertaining for them too!
Mend that Molt
During molting, chickens need extra protein to help them regrow those feathers, so offering snacks rich in protein can really support them. Mealworms are a great choice, and sunflower seeds are another protein-packed treat that they’ll love. If you grew your own sunflowers, you can dry out the heads and toss them into the run. The chickens will have a blast picking at the seeds, and it’s a fun way for them to stay occupied while getting the extra nutrition they need to make it through the molting season. Plus, it’s a great way to use up any leftover sunflowers from the garden!
Create a Dustbathing Spa
As cooler temperatures roll in and the ground starts to freeze, it’s a great idea to create a cozy dust-bathing spot for your chickens. Dust baths help keep mites and lice at bay, and they love having a dedicated space to keep their feathers in top condition. You can up-cycle an old wash bin or any large container that’s easy for your chickens to hop into. Fill it with a mix of soil from the yard, sand, ashes from the fireplace, and even a bit of diatomaceous earth. This combination creates the perfect bath that allows your chickens to do their natural dusting ritual while staying warm and healthy throughout the colder months!
Garden Spent? Dry Your Own Herbs
What a wonderful way to use up extra herbs from your garden! Drying herbs to create your own pest-repelling herbal blends for the nesting boxes is not only practical, but it also adds a lovely scent to the coop. Herbs like lavender, sage, lemon balm, basil, fennel, eucalyptus, dill, catmint, mint, pineapple sage, parsley, rose petals, and thyme are all great choices. They can help repel pests like mites while also providing a natural, aromatic environment for your chickens. Plus, your flock can munch on these herbs too, as they’re packed with nutrients! If you have a coop chandelier (or any spot that’s out of the way), it’s a perfect place to hang the herbs to dry. Your chickens will enjoy the benefits, and your coop will smell amazing!
You can also purchase these herbs too.
Hay Bales Scavenger Hunt
Adding hay bales to the run and living area is a simple yet effective way to entertain your chickens, especially during the colder months. For the first few days, you can leave the hay bales bound and use them for seating or as an additional barrier. The chickens will enjoy perching on them and exploring. To make it even more fun, toss some dried mealworms on the bales—this will keep your flock busy for hours as they scratch and peck to find the treats. It’s a great way to add some variety to their environment and give them something new to investigate!
Deep Clean Your Coop
As cooler weather approaches, it’s the perfect time to deep clean your coop to give your flock a fresh, cozy start to the season. Clean out all the old bedding, scrub down surfaces, and make sure everything is in tip-top shape for the colder months ahead. One key step is to make the litter deeper than it was in the summer. A thicker layer of bedding helps insulate your chickens, keeping them warm and comfortable as temperatures drop.
For me, the best part is when the chickens come into their freshly cleaned coop and start inspecting my work. They always seem so pleased, and I can’t help but smile. It’s such a satisfying feeling knowing that you’ve created a safe, comfortable space for them to roost during the winter!
