It’s almost Christmas, and we’re all feeling merry and bright! But who says chickens can’t join in the festive fun? I decided to take a break from all the hustle and bustle of holiday shopping to create a homemade decoration for my girls’ coop - edible Christmas garland! This is an easy and fun DIY project that your feathered friends will absolutely love. Plus, it’s a great way to keep them entertained during the holiday season.
And the best part? You don’t have to take it down…the girls do all the work!
What You Need to Make Edible Garland for Chickens
Twine or string
Fruits and veggies (I picked my chickens’ favorite)
A needle or a bent paper clip to “thread” the garland
Something like a drill or nail to poke a hole through the bigger items like Brussels sprouts (I used a meat syringe because it’s what I found quickly)
First things first, make sure to wash all your produce thoroughly. You don't want any dirt or bacteria making its way into your chickens' system. It's also important to avoid certain foods for your chickens like onions, garlic, chocolate and avocados can be toxic to birds. Stick to safe food options like leafy greens, watermelon, lettuce, strawberries, blueberries, beets, broccoli, carrots etc.
Some people have even used hard-boiled eggs which adds beautiful white coloring to your garland as well as added protein for your chickens! I didn’t do that today, but that’s a great option.
Next, grab some twine or string and a needle (or a bent paper clip) to thread your garland. You may also need a drill or nail to poke a hole through larger items like Brussels sprouts. But if you're like us and don't have those on hand, a meat syringe can do the trick!
If you're feeling extra crafty, you can even cut your fruits and veggies into fun shapes like Christmas trees, stars, or snowflakes.
Once your garland is complete, find a spot in your coop where your chickens can reach it. Hang it up and watch as your feathered friends go to town on their new Christmas treat. Not only is it a fun boredom buster, but it's also a great way to add some variety to their diet.
Making edible Christmas garland for your chickens is a fun and easy way to add some holiday cheer to your coop. Just remember to use safe fruits and veggies, thread them onto twine and hang it up for your chickens to enjoy. I guarantee they'll be clucking with joy!
If you're feeling even more festive, try decorating your coop for Christmas or adding a tree to your coop to hang your edible garland on. Just make sure the tree is safe for your chickens!
Happy holidays from our flock to yours!
–The Wing Lady