11 Practical Chicken Playground Ideas That Are Cheap and Easy to Set Up

Chickens like to stay busy too! When they’re bored, that’s when the feather picking and fussing starts. That's why you need to give them something to do.

With a few scraps, some leftovers from the shed, and a little bit of time, you can put together a simple setup that keeps them moving, scratching, and pecking around.

These 11 ideas don’t cost much, don’t take much space, and most importantly – they actually work.

1. Swings

Some chickens really take to swings, especially the curious or more active ones.

It gives them a bit of motion and helps with balance, but the key is building it right. If it swings too much or feels flimsy, most birds will ignore it.

A good chicken swing is sturdy and slow-moving. You can make the seat out of a 2×2 board, and add a bit of weight underneath (like a chunk of 2×4) to keep it from wobbling around too much.

Use strong string, rope, or paracord to hang it, and make sure the height is low enough for them to hop on without struggling. Hanging a couple at different heights gives them more choices, especially if you’ve got mixed ages or breeds.

It’s simple, it doesn’t take up much room, and once they get used to it, it becomes part of their routine.

2. Perches, Ladders, and Ramps

Chickens are natural climbers and jumpers – even if they don’t look like it. Giving them things to hop on, walk across, or climb helps them build leg strength and stay entertained.

Perches can be made from tree branches, old broom handles, bamboo poles, or leftover lumber. You don’t need to be precise with the shape – just make sure the perch is thick enough for them to wrap their toes around and stable enough not to roll or tip.

Varying the heights and spacing gives them a reason to jump around and move more.

Ladders and ramps help chickens get to higher spots, especially older or younger birds that can’t jump as well. You can use scrap wood with slats or staple on some hardware cloth to give their feet traction. Even setting up an old wagon wheel as a circular perch works if it's sturdy.

Mix a few of these together and you've got a solid climbing setup without having to buy a thing.

3. Dust Baths or Grass Boxes

Chickens don’t just roll in the dirt for fun – they’re doing it to keep their feathers clean and get rid of mites and other pests. If they don’t have a good spot to dust bathe, they’ll make their own – usually right where you don’t want them digging.

You can make a dust bath using an old tire, plastic tub, wooden box, or even a shallow crate. Just fill it with a mix of fine sand, some wood ash, and a bit of food-grade diatomaceous earth. Set it somewhere dry and sheltered, and they’ll use it daily.

If your birds aren’t free-ranging yet, a grass box is another simple option. Take a crate or a shallow box, fill it with dirt, then sprinkle in some grass or grain seed.

Cover it with hardware cloth so they can peck at the greens without tearing the whole thing up in a day. It keeps them occupied and lets them forage even in a small space.

4. Shaded Crawl Spaces

Chickens like having little hideouts where they can duck under and scratch around, especially when it’s hot or they just want a break from the rest of the flock.

These shaded crawl spaces don’t need to be complicated.

You can use low A-frame shelters made from scrap wood or lean some boards against a wall to create a triangle space. Tree branches, a small pallet propped up, or even an old chair flipped on its side can work just fine. The idea is to give them a low, cool place to move through or nap under.

These spots give the birds some comfort, help them cool down, and break up the run to keep things interesting.

5. Foraging Areas and Interactive Feeders

Scratching and pecking is what chickens naturally do. If they don’t have a spot to do that, they’ll get bored – and that’s when bad habits start. A simple foraging area keeps them busy and helps them burn off energy.

All you need is a pile of dry leaves, old straw, or even loose dirt or compost. Toss some cracked corn, sunflower seeds, or veggie scraps in there, and they’ll dig around for hours. It also helps mix and turn the compost if you’re using that method.

Interactive feeders are just as easy. You can poke holes in a plastic bottle and fill it with grains or mealworms – when they peck at it, treats fall out. An old muffin tin with treats under crumpled paper works too. These little challenges make feeding more fun and keep their minds working.

6. Recycled Materials for Unique Structures

You don’t need to spend money to build something your chickens will use.

Look around – you probably already have what you need. Old tires, pallets, crates, window frames, broken chairs, even old shelves – they can all be turned into climbing spots, perches, or shelters.

Stack two tires and toss a board across the top – that’s a perch. Lean an old pallet up against the wall – now they’ve got a ramp and a shady spot underneath.

Lay a wooden crate on its side for a low shelter. Just make sure anything you use is clean, doesn’t have sharp edges or loose nails, and won’t tip over if they hop on it.

These scrap setups not only save money but give your playground character – and your chickens won’t care if it’s pretty or not.

7. Cool-Down Corners with Shallow Water

When it gets hot, chickens need a shady place to rest and easy access to water – they don’t handle heat well. Just find a shaded spot under a tree, lean-to, or even behind a coop wall and set out a shallow dish or pan with clean water.

Avoid anything deep. A wide, low pan works best – they’ll drink from it, and some might even step in it to cool off.

You can add a frozen water bottle to the dish on really hot days to keep it cooler longer. If you want to go a step further, throw a frozen watermelon slice in there for a treat.

These shaded water spots can make a big difference, especially during the summer months.

8. Hanging Toys and Pecking Objects

Chickens are curious by nature, and they’ll go after anything that moves, shines, or makes noise. Hanging toys help break up boredom, especially when they’re confined or during winter.

You can hang all sorts of things – an old compact mirror, bits of shiny metal, a bell, or even strips of colorful fabric. Just make sure nothing has sharp edges or toxic coatings.

Hanging a cabbage head, lettuce, or corn cob from string works great too – it moves when they peck it, which keeps them going at it longer.

These toys are simple to make, and they help keep your birds mentally and physically active without costing you much.

9. Rolling Treat Dispensers

A rolling treat dispenser gives chickens something to peck at and chase – kind of like a toy and feeder in one. It’s easy to make from stuff you probably already have.

Take an empty plastic bottle or a short piece of PVC pipe, drill or cut a few holes just big enough for scratch grains or dried mealworms to fall out.

Toss in the treats, seal the ends, and set it in the run. When the chickens peck or nudge it, a few bits roll out at a time.

It keeps them active and entertained, especially when they figure out how it works. Just check now and then to make sure it's not clogged or cracked.

10. Cabbage or Lettuce Balls on a String

This one's simple but effective. Hanging a cabbage or a head of lettuce from a string turns snack time into playtime.

As the chickens peck at it, it swings around – which makes them work a bit harder for their bites and keeps them at it longer.

Tie the string to a secure hook or beam, hang the veggie a little above head height, and let them have at it. You can also use broccoli stalks or kale bundles the same way. It doesn’t take much setup and gives them a clean, fresh treat that also keeps them busy.

11. Digging Zones

If you’ve got a patch of loose soil or old compost, you’ve already got the makings of a perfect chicken dig zone. Chickens love scratching around in the dirt – they’re looking for bugs, roots, bits of grit, and whatever else they can stir up.

You can set aside a corner of the run and pile up some garden soil, dry leaves, mulch, or aged compost. Add a few seeds or veggie scraps now and then to keep it interesting. Over time, they’ll turn the area over for you and help break things down – basically doing some free garden work while keeping themselves busy.

It’s one of the easiest ways to let chickens do what they naturally love to do.

Make the Most of What You’ve Got

You don’t need to spend much – or anything at all – to give your chickens a better space to live in.

With just some leftover materials, basic tools, and a little time, you can build a playground that keeps your birds active, curious, and less likely to pick on each other.

Whether you try one idea or all eleven, your chickens will benefit from the extra stimulation, and you’ll notice it in their behavior and health.

Start with what’s easy, and build from there. The chickens will let you know what they like best.

FAQs

1. How often should I rotate or change the playground elements?

Switch things up every couple of weeks if you can. Even small changes keep your chickens interested and active.

2. What’s the best way to introduce new features to the chickens?

Put one new thing in at a time and give them a day or two to get used to it. Chickens are cautious at first but usually warm up quickly.

3. Are these ideas suitable for chicks as well?

Some of them, yes – especially things like ramps, foraging boxes, and low perches. Just keep everything low and safe for their size.

4. Can these ideas help reduce bullying or pecking in the flock?

Yes. Boredom often leads to pecking. Giving your chickens things to do helps them stay busy and less likely to pick on each other.

5. How much space do I need to create a simple chicken playground?

You can fit several of these ideas even in a small run. Just use vertical space and mix in things like hanging toys, ramps, or digging spots.