Autumn Treats: Halloween Fun for Your Flock
Trees display a variety of colors, store shelves brim with the excitement of trick-or-treating, and the weather cools as the days grow shorter. This signifies that a change from Mother Nature is on the horizon.
Halloween isn’t just for humans; the flock can also partake in fall and Halloween festivities. In this article, I will explore various autumn activities that both families and their feathered friends can enjoy together.
Pumpkin Carving Contest:
My chickens love pumpkins! Every fall, when pumpkins are discounted after Halloween, I buy several for my flock to enjoy. As they peck at the pumpkins to reach the delicious seeds inside, they carve the pumpkin. I provide each of my coops with a pumpkin, turning it into a fun pumpkin carving contest.
Every flock has its unique approach to pumpkin carving. Pumpkins carved by chickens make for a charming autumnal adornment in the backyard.
Note: To assist the flock in beginning to craft their pumpkin, create small holes to stimulate pecking, which will allow them to access the seeds inside. Contrary to popular belief, pumpkin seeds are not natural dewormers. If you suspect a worm infestation in your flock, proper management is required. For information and instructions on treating worms, please refer to my post for the correct worming dosage and technique or consult a veterinarian.
Mealworm Hay Hunt:
During the fall, when wet, muddy, or snow-covered ground is common, I create a barrier for my flock by scattering several bales of hay around the coops. To encourage activity on the dull days of late fall, I scatter mealworms on the hay.
The flock will spend hours engaged in the stimulating activity of finding mealworms in the hay. Mealworms are excellent for chickens because they provide a good source of protein, which helps with feather regrowth during the fall molt and boosts body energy for warmth on cool nights.
Note: If the hay becomes moldy, it should be promptly removed and replaced with fresh hay. Since moldy hay can cause illness in chickens, it’s important to monitor the quality of the hay, especially during damp conditions. I spread the moldy hay over my garden to decompose, which will serve as fertilizer for next season’s growth.
Haunted Coop:
As daylight begins to recede, I place a light in the pen to give the flock extra time to get something to eat and drink before roosting. Additionally, the added light helps assists in egg production and evening chores as the coop is illuminated during long dark night of late fall and winter.
Red lights are ideal for this purpose because the red spectrum is not bright enough to disrupt sleep, yet it provides sufficient light to tend to the flock after dark. Additionally, red lights can give off an ominous glow reminiscent of a haunted house.
Note: LED lights are best because they remain cool to the touch unlike incandescent bulbs, are cost-effective, and have a long lifespan. Also, ensure that all cords are out of reach for the flock.
Sandbox Scratch Hunt:
During the cold days of winter when the ground is frozen or covered with snow, a sandbox placed in the pen provides the flock with a medium to engage in dust bathing and scratching keeping feathers and nails in top condition.
To promote this instinctive behavior, I sprinkle scratch grains over the sand, prompting the flock to eagerly forage through the sand for the grains.
Throughout the years, this ritual has grown to be a favorite among the flock. I spread scratch before roosting, providing a stimulating snack to fuel their internal furnace during the chilly nights of fall and winter.
Note: The ideal medium for a sandbox is play sand. To encourage dust bathing, you may add peat moss and natural wood ash. Avoid using materials that are harmful to chickens, such as cedar shavings, ash from barbecues, or mulch which can contain weed killer, dyes, and other harmful chemicals.
Flock Block Halloween Treat:
During cold, snowy days, I prepare a flock block for the girls who are confined due to inclement winter weather.
Flock blocks serve as both a distraction and a productive activity, offering additional nutrition through a stimulating activity that is essential for the flock to endure the harshest winter conditions.
A flock that is actively engaged during winter storms experiences less boredom, which can lead to destructive interactions and potential injuries. Introducing treats like raisins, mealworms, and sunflower seeds can pique their interest, as they will enthusiastically peck at the block to reach these tasty morsels.
Note: Store any leftover flock block in rodent-proof containers overnight to avoid attracting rodents to the coop. After two days, replace the flock block with a fresh one to prevent the flock from consuming mold.
For my flock block recipe, click here.
Halloween and autumn festivities aren’t just for humans—include your backyard flock in this year’s fall plans by decorating your coop and pen with inspiration from your hens.
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Till next time, keep in crowing!
~ The Kuntry Klucker Crew ~
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