6 Best Chicken Swings For Heavy Chickens That Keep Big Birds Active
Boost coop enrichment for your heavy chickens. Discover our top 6 durable swings designed to safely support large breeds and encourage healthy activity.
Heavy breeds like Brahmas and Orpingtons are the gentle giants of the chicken world, but their calm demeanor can sometimes lead to inactivity. A bored, heavy hen is a recipe for problems like obesity, leg issues, and feather picking. Providing the right kind of coop enrichment isn’t just about entertainment; it’s a crucial part of preventative flock care.
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Why Heavy Breeds Need Active Coop Enrichment
Big birds are built for foraging and roosting, not for sitting around all day. In the confined space of a coop and run, their natural tendency to be less flighty can turn into outright laziness. This lack of movement can lead to bumblefoot, fatty liver disease, and general lethargy, which makes them more susceptible to other illnesses.
Enrichment isn’t about spoiling your chickens; it’s about mimicking their natural environment. A good swing encourages balance, strengthens leg and core muscles, and provides mental stimulation. It gives a bird a vantage point, a place to rest off the ground, and something to do. For a heavy breed, a sturdy, well-placed swing is one of the best investments you can make in their long-term health.
Manna Pro Harris Farms: A Sturdy Classic
When you need something that just works, the Manna Pro swing is a go-to. It’s a simple, no-frills design: a thick, solid wood dowel suspended by a heavy-duty rope. There are no plastic parts to crack or bells to get broken; it’s built for function over form.
This swing’s strength is its simplicity. The perch is substantial enough to give a large hen a comfortable and secure grip, which is critical. A bird that doesn’t feel stable won’t use the swing. You can easily adjust the height by re-tying the rope, allowing you to set it low for training and raise it as your hens get more confident. This is a workhorse swing that will last for years.
The BWOGUE Large Swing for Heavier Birds
The BWOGUE swing is specifically engineered with bigger birds in mind. The perch is often wider and made from natural, non-slip wood, giving your hens a more secure footing than a perfectly smooth dowel. This extra grip can make all the difference for a cautious 10-pound hen.
What sets this one apart is often the hardware. It typically comes with sturdy metal clasps, which makes hanging it from a coop rafter or a tree branch much more secure and straightforward than tying knots. While it might cost a bit more, the peace of mind knowing the swing is securely anchored is worth it. You’re not just buying a toy; you’re buying a piece of durable coop furniture.
Ware Manufacturing Chick-N-Wood Perch Swing
Ware Manufacturing offers a solid, reliable perch swing that’s a great middle-ground option. It’s typically made from pine and has a clean, finished look. While the chickens won’t appreciate the aesthetics, you might. It’s a well-constructed piece that feels less like a DIY project and more like a permanent coop fixture.
The key with the Ware swing is to ensure you’re buying the correct size. They make versions for all flock types, so double-check that you’re getting the "Chick-N-Wood Perch" model designed for standard or large fowl, not the smaller bantam version. The perch diameter is the most important factor for a heavy bird’s comfort and safety.
Tfwadmx Natural Wood Swing for Big Flocks
If you want to give your flock a more natural roosting experience, the Tfwadmx swing is an excellent choice. It’s often made from an actual tree branch, providing an irregular, textured surface. This is fantastic for foot health, as it forces the chicken to adjust its grip, exercising different muscles in its feet and legs.
These swings are also frequently longer than standard models, which is a huge plus for larger flocks. It reduces competition and gives multiple birds a chance to perch, even if only one is actively swinging. Just be sure to inspect the natural wood for any sharp splinters before hanging it in your coop.
Roosty’s Chicken Swing: A Colorful Option
Roosty’s is arguably the most famous name in chicken swings, and for good reason. The iconic red, corn-cob-textured design isn’t just for show. That texture provides an exceptional grip, and the plastic material is surprisingly tough and more than capable of handling a hefty hen.
The biggest advantage of a plastic swing is hygiene. Wood is porous and can harbor bacteria and mites if not kept clean and dry. Roosty’s swing can be taken down, scrubbed clean with soap and water, and be completely sanitized in minutes. For biosecurity-conscious flock keepers, this is a significant benefit that shouldn’t be overlooked.
The Sumind Chicken Swing Toy for Active Hens
Sumind often packages their swings as part of a larger enrichment kit, including things like chicken xylophones and treat holders. This can be a great way to add a variety of stimulating activities to your coop at a good value. The swing itself is typically a wooden perch, sometimes adorned with colorful, non-toxic beads for extra visual appeal.
When considering a bundle like this, your primary focus should still be the swing’s construction. Make sure the perch is made of solid wood and is at least an inch and a half in diameter. The rope should be thick and durable. The extra toys are a bonus, but only if the main event—the swing—is safe and sturdy enough for your biggest birds.
Training Your Heavy Hens to Use Their Swing
You can’t just hang a swing in the coop and expect your flock to line up for a turn. Heavy breeds, in particular, can be wary of anything new and unstable. The key is a slow, patient introduction.
Start by hanging the swing just a few inches off the ground, so it’s stable. Gently place one of your calmer hens on it for a few seconds. Offer her a high-value treat, like a mealworm, while she’s on the perch. Repeat this for a few days until she associates the swing with a positive reward.
Once your hens are comfortable hopping on the low swing, you can gradually raise it an inch or two every few days. The goal is to build their confidence. Before long, you’ll find them using it on their own, enjoying a gentle sway as they watch over their flock.
Ultimately, the best swing is the one your chickens will actually use. Whether you choose a simple wooden classic or an easy-to-clean plastic model, the goal is the same: to get your heavy hens moving. A small investment in a sturdy swing pays big dividends in flock health and happiness.
