Happy first day of summer! As the days grow longer and the sun shines brighter, it’s the perfect time to add some seasonal enrichment to your poultry’s routine. Just like us, chickens and other backyard birds enjoy a little extra stimulation and fun, especially when it helps them stay cool and active. Here are a few creative and easy ideas to keep your flock entertained and healthy all summer long:

🧊 1. Frozen Treats

Beat the heat with frozen snacks! Try freezing fruits like watermelon, berries, or corn in ice cube trays or muffin tins. Your birds will love pecking at the icy goodies, and it helps them stay hydrated too.

🌿 2. Foraging Boxes

Fill shallow trays or boxes with straw, herbs, and scratch grains. Hide mealworms or sunflower seeds inside to encourage natural foraging behavior. Bonus: add mint or lavender for a refreshing scent that also repels pests.

🐔 3. Dust Bath Deluxe

Upgrade their dust bath with a mix of fine sand, wood ash, and diatomaceous earth. Place it in a shaded area and watch your flock roll, fluff, and preen to their heart’s content.

🏖️ 4. Chicken Hammocks & Shade Tents

Create cozy shaded spots using tarps, umbrellas, or even a DIY chicken hammock. Chickens love lounging in the shade, and it helps prevent heat stress during peak summer temps.

🎯 5. Hanging Treat Toys

Skewer veggies like cucumbers, zucchini, or cabbage and hang them just above beak level. It turns snack time into a fun challenge and keeps them moving.

🌻 6. Garden Time

Let your flock explore a supervised garden patch or rotate them through a chicken tractor. They’ll enjoy the fresh greens and bugs, and your garden gets natural pest control in return!

Summer is a season of joy and vitality. Why not share that with your feathered friends? With a little creativity, you can turn your backyard into a poultry paradise.