Why make a chicken boredom buster? Chickens can get bored when they are stuck in their coops all day. They need mental and physical stimulation to thrive and maintain a happy, healthy flock. Boredom can lead to negative behaviors and stress for chickens. Try this simple DIY cardboard and dandelion pecking board for chickens to help keep them busy and happy.
After a long winter chickens crave fresh food, just like we do. We love feeding our chickens dandelions and other healthy plants in the spring time. They get so excited when we throw a handful of dandelions in the coop and it seems like they can’t get enough! I thought this chicken boredom buster would be a fun and cute way to feed chickens. It seems to keep them busy for a long time and cures some of the boredom of sitting in the coop!
Are Dandelions Healthy for Chickens?
Yes, dandelions are considered a healthy and nutritious addition to a chicken’s diet. They are a good source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, and chickens often enjoy eating them. **Please make sure you do not give your chickens dandelions that were sprayed with pesticides.**
Here are some health benefits of dandelions for chickens:
- Intestinal Health: Dandelions improve digestion, strengthen intestinal barrier function, and enhance the gut’s microbiome.
- Nutritional Value: Dandelions offer chickens a good source of nutrients, particularly vitamin A, C, and K, as well as minerals like iron, potassium, and zinc.
- Color of Egg Yolks: Dandelions can help contribute to a deeper yellow egg yolk.
Can You Put Cardboard in a Chicken Coop?
Yes, you can put cardboard in a chicken coop. In fact, many people use cardboard as an inexpensive bedding option. Chickens will not eat cardboard as it is indigestible and not a part of their natural diet. Chickens are more likely to peck at and play with cardboard, potentially using it for nesting or dust bathing, rather than eating it.
One warning, most modern inks used on cardboard are non-toxic, but it’s always best to use cardboard without any printed designs or colors. Or, use the non-printed side for the activity.
Ready to give it a try!? Here’s what you’ll need..
Supplies for the Chicken Boredom Buster:
- Cardboard- Either use an Amazon box or use these cardboard sheets
- Pencil
- Marker
- Dandelions
- Clip
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How to Make the Dandelion Pecking Board:
This is super easy to make! You just need to draw a vase on cardboard and poke holes above the vase. We used a sharp pencil to poke holes.
Then you can poke dandelion stems and leaves through the holes! The leaves are also very nutritious, so don’t forget about those!
We first did the exact same activity many years ago. The intention was to help kids work on their fine motor skills and hand eye coordination by picking dandelions and poking the stems through the holes. I thought this was a nice way to extend the activity and this way, the dandelions don’t go to waste! If you have kids at home, make sure you get them to help! It will benefit them as well as the chickens:)
The chickens took a couple minutes to get used to having the pecking boards in their coop, but LOVED it once they started pecking! It kept them busy for a while and I took the cardboard out when they were finished.
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I hope you enjoy this chicken boredom buster activity as much as I do!
-Tara
