How to keep your hens happy

We really didn’t realise just how bright and inquisitive hens are until we found ways to bring their individual personalities out by watching them interact.

There are loads of things you can try to set their home up to make it fun for them. And once you find the right furniture and toys, it’s fascinating to watch them enjoying themselves.

1. Anything colourful or shiny such as old CDs will always grab their attention. Try making a mobile or hanging them up individually from the ceiling of their enclosure. Old plastic mirrors like kids’ dolls’ accessories are also great.
   
   
2. Kids’ and pet toys will keep them busy. Ball pits are a hit with hens. We bought a big bag of bright plastic balls to spread around our hens’ enclosure and they love pecking at them and playing their own version of football! Bright plastic tunnels are a hoot for hens too – they love running through them or hiding inside.
   
   
3. Foraging toys are great, as they encourage the hens to play with their beaks and claws. Hang up treats to give them something to reach for, and a bit of healthy exercise at the same time.
   
   
4. Try getting a hook and hang up a lettuce or some fruit. (But be careful they can’t get tangled in the string.) We also hang herbs for them to peck at ‘Packablocks’ or ‘treat balls’ full of seeds are also really good and last well.
   
   
5. Hens love foliage and greenery to scratch around in and hide amongst. You have to remember that chickens are bred from birds that originated in the jungle, so they like being within nature and plants – go under things and scratch around so we try to create a nice, green environment for them.
   
   
6. Having perches at different levels in their enclosure is a good idea so that they survey their surroundings from different heights. You can also get fantastic chicken swing perches.
   
   
7. I would also suggest music for them so that they can enjoy different sounds. We have a little radio with a good mix for them and they seem to really love listening to it. You could also try adding bells throughout their enclosure for them to peck at and listen to their own music. Treat them to a xylophone and they’ll tap away on it for hours!

Do feel free to email us for advice and keep an eye on the blog, Facebook and Instagram to follow our hens and look out for upcoming rescue dates. 

We’re also appealing for toys to keep our hens happy as part of our advent gifter fundraiser in the lead up to 25 December. This Christmas it couldn’t be easier. Simply donate via PayPal (remember to select ‘sending to a friend or family’) and we'll send you a video of the animals opening their presents!

Thank you! Bex xx