6 Best Treat Blocks for Long Lasting Chicken Enjoyment
Discover 6 treat blocks that keep chickens entertained for days while reducing pecking behavior. Compare organic, probiotic, and protein-rich options for healthier flocks.
Treat blocks turn boredom into entertainment while extending feeding time from minutes to days. They keep chickens engaged, reduce destructive pecking, and provide supplemental nutrition during winter months or when free-ranging isn’t possible. Based on curation and deep research, these six blocks offer the best combination of durability, nutritional value, and flock appeal for hobby farmers managing small to medium-sized coops.
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, this site earns from qualifying purchases. Thank you!
1. Scratch and Peck Feeds Cluckin’ Good Treat Block
This block stands out for its clean ingredient list and commitment to organic, non-GMO grains. It’s dense enough to last several days even with aggressive peckers, but soft enough that smaller bantams can still make progress on it.
The company uses whole grains pressed together with molasses as a binder, which means you’re not dealing with mystery fillers or artificial additives. Your birds get real nutrition, not just entertainment.
Why Hobby Farmers Love This Block
The ingredient transparency matters when you’re trying to maintain a certain quality standard in your flock’s diet. You can actually see the individual grains and seeds pressed into the block, whole corn, wheat, oats, and sunflower seeds are all visible.
It holds up remarkably well in humid conditions, which is crucial if your coop doesn’t have perfect ventilation. Some blocks turn to mush in damp weather, but this one maintains its structure.
The size works perfectly for hanging in most standard coops. You don’t need special mounting hardware, a simple rope or chain through the center hole does the job.
Nutritional Benefits and Ingredients
The organic certification isn’t just marketing. It means the grains come from sources that don’t use synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, which matters if you’re building a regenerative system on your property.
Molasses provides quick energy and makes the block more appealing to birds who might be skeptical of new treats. It’s also a natural source of trace minerals like iron and calcium.
The protein content sits around 10-12%, which supplements their layer feed without throwing their overall diet out of balance. That’s important because too much protein can actually create problems with kidney function in chickens.
Expect a 6-pound block to last anywhere from three to seven days depending on flock size and how food-motivated your birds are. Silkies and Cochins tend to work on it more gently than production breeds like Leghorns or Rhode Island Reds.
2. Manna Pro Chicken Treat Block with Probiotics
Manna Pro built a solid reputation in the hobby farming community, and this treat block shows why. The probiotic addition addresses a real need rather than just adding a buzzword to the label.
You’ll notice the texture is slightly softer than some competitors, which means it gets consumed faster but also accommodates older birds or those with beak issues. It’s a tradeoff worth considering based on your flock’s demographics.
Probiotic Support for Digestive Health
The Lactobacillus strains in this block support gut health, which becomes especially important during stressful periods, integrating new birds, extreme weather, or recovering from illness. A healthy gut means better nutrient absorption from their regular feed.
Probiotics don’t survive indefinitely in processed products, so check the manufacturing date when you purchase. Fresher blocks deliver more viable beneficial bacteria.
You’ll see the most benefit if you’re using this during transitions or challenging seasons. Winter confinement stresses birds, and maintaining digestive health helps them stay productive and resistant to common ailments.
Durability and Entertainment Value
The softer composition means birds get through it in two to four days typically, which is shorter than some alternatives. But that faster consumption rate can actually be an advantage if you’re using treats as behavior training tools.
It crumbles more easily than harder blocks, so plan for some waste if you’re hanging it. Ground-mounting in a holder reduces this issue significantly.
The molasses content makes it sticky enough that birds stay engaged, pecking at it repeatedly rather than taking a few bites and walking away. That sustained interest is what delivers the boredom-busting benefits you’re looking for.
For flocks under ten birds, a single block provides a solid afternoon of entertainment. Larger flocks will demolish it faster, so budget accordingly if you’re planning to use these regularly.
3. Happy Hen Treats Mealworm and Seed Block
The mealworm content pushes this block into a different category altogether. It’s not just entertainment, it’s a protein supplement compressed into block form, which changes how you should think about using it.
Your birds will attack this one with serious intent. The dried mealworms create a feeding frenzy that other blocks can’t match, so be prepared for some competition at the pecking post.
Protein-Rich Formula for Egg Production
With protein levels reaching 16-18% thanks to the mealworm content, this block supports laying hens during peak production periods. That extra protein helps maintain consistent egg quality and size.
But here’s the catch: too much protein during molt can actually delay feather regrowth. Save this block for active laying periods rather than using it year-round without consideration for your flock’s biological cycles.
The seed variety, including sunflower, flax, and millet, provides essential fatty acids that contribute to rich yolk color. If you’re selling eggs or just want that deep orange yolk, the nutritional profile here delivers.
Best Seasons for Use
This block shines during winter and early spring when protein demands increase but natural foraging opportunities decrease. Hens working hard to maintain body heat and produce eggs need that nutritional support.
Summer heat can make the block slightly sticky due to the mealworm oils, so store it in a cool place and hang it where shade is available. Direct sun exposure in July might create a mess.
During molt, dial back on high-protein treats like this. Birds need balanced nutrition during feather replacement, not the same high-protein diet they require for egg production.
The 2-pound size gets consumed quickly, often within 24-48 hours for an average flock of six to eight birds. That’s significantly faster than grain-only blocks, so factor that into your purchasing decisions.
4. Purina Flock Block Alternative Poultry Block
Purina’s mainstream availability makes this block accessible even in rural areas without specialized feed stores. You’ll find it at most farm supply chains, which matters when you need a quick solution for bored birds.
The formula focuses on behavioral management as much as nutrition. It’s designed specifically to redirect pecking behavior, which becomes critical if you’re dealing with feather picking or aggression issues.
How It Reduces Boredom and Pecking Behavior
The block’s hardness forces birds to work for their reward, keeping them occupied for extended periods. That sustained activity reduces the likelihood they’ll turn on each other out of boredom or stress.
Pecking order conflicts often escalate during confinement. A treat block doesn’t eliminate hierarchy battles, but it provides an alternative focus point that can defuse tensions before they escalate to injury.
The size, typically 20-25 pounds, works better for larger flocks or as a long-term solution. Smaller operations might find this overkill unless you’re dealing with serious behavioral issues that require constant distraction.
Cost-Effectiveness for Small Flocks
Per-pound pricing makes this one of the more economical options, especially if you’re buying during feed store promotions. The durability means one block can last weeks rather than days.
For flocks under six birds, the large size might outlast its appeal. Chickens can get bored with the same treat, so rotating between different block types prevents them from ignoring it halfway through.
The ingredient list includes calcium carbonate and various grain by-products. It’s not organic or premium, but it serves its purpose effectively at a price point that makes regular use feasible for hobby farmers on a budget.
Break larger blocks into chunks if the full size is impractical for your setup. They crumble with some effort, allowing you to customize portion sizes and rotate through different treat types more frequently.
5. Kaytee Chicken Treat Block with Oyster Shell
Ensure strong eggshells and healthy hens with Pecking Order Oyster Shell. This natural calcium supplement supports consistent egg production and promotes overall bone health in your flock.
The oyster shell inclusion addresses a specific nutritional need that standard treat blocks ignore. Laying hens require substantial calcium, and providing it in treat form encourages consumption in birds that might not visit a separate calcium dish regularly.
This block works particularly well for flocks producing soft-shelled eggs or showing signs of calcium deficiency. It’s essentially targeted supplementation disguised as entertainment.
Calcium Enrichment for Strong Eggshells
You’ll notice oyster shell pieces visible throughout the block, not ground so fine they’re invisible, but in fragments that birds can actually see and target. Some hens instinctively seek out calcium sources, and the visual cues help them identify this block as what they need.
The calcium content helps prevent soft eggs and reduces the risk of egg binding, a potentially fatal condition where eggs get stuck. Prevention through adequate calcium intake beats dealing with an emergency situation every time.
Birds in their first laying year or older hens past their production peak both benefit from extra calcium support. Younger birds are still building strong eggshell patterns, while older birds struggle with calcium absorption.
Mounting Options for Coops and Runs
The block includes a hanging hole but also works well in ground-mounted holders. Ground mounting reduces waste from crumbling but can get messy if your run stays wet.
Hanging at chest height for your birds, not too high that bantams can’t reach, not so low that it drags in bedding, creates the ideal pecking position. Watch how your flock interacts with it initially and adjust height accordingly.
The 7-ounce size is smaller than some competitors, which actually works better for rotation strategies. You can cycle through different treat types weekly without waste from partial blocks going stale.
In hot weather, the block can soften slightly, so morning feeding times work better than afternoon placement. The cooler temperatures help it maintain structure throughout the day.
6. Homestead Harvest DIY-Style Compressed Grain Block
This option appeals to hobby farmers who prefer knowing exactly what their birds consume. The ingredient list stays simple, whole grains, seeds, and a minimal binder, without additives or supplements you might not want.
The DIY designation is somewhat misleading: these are manufactured blocks, but the formula mimics what you’d create if making your own. That middle ground offers convenience without compromising on ingredient quality.
Customizable Ingredients for Picky Flocks
Some flocks develop strong preferences, and this block’s straightforward composition makes it easier to identify what your birds actually enjoy. If they demolish this but ignore other options, you know they prefer simple grain mixes over complex formulas.
The lack of molasses or strong flavoring agents means you’re seeing true feeding behavior rather than birds responding to flavor enhancers. That information helps when you’re making decisions about regular feed purchases.
You can also supplement this block with your own additions, pressing mealworms into the surface or coating it with scratch grains creates a semi-custom treat without the full effort of making blocks from scratch.
Long-Lasting Design for Extended Entertainment
The compression density on these blocks exceeds most alternatives. What looks like a 4-pound block might last as long as competitors’ 6-pound options because of how tightly it’s pressed.
Birds work harder for each bite, which extends entertainment value significantly. For flocks that destroy standard blocks in a day, this option might finally provide multi-day engagement.
The hardness does mean smaller or younger birds struggle initially. Consider breaking off chunks for bantams or pullets until they develop the strength and technique to tackle the full block.
Storage stability is excellent, these blocks don’t crumble during transport or soften in humidity. That durability matters if you’re buying in bulk or storing treats for seasonal use.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do treat blocks typically last for chickens?
Most treat blocks last between 2-7 days depending on flock size and block density. Harder compressed blocks like Homestead Harvest can extend to several weeks, while softer options with mealworms may be consumed within 24-48 hours by an average flock.
What are the best treat blocks for chickens with behavioral problems?
Purina Flock Block is specifically designed to redirect pecking behavior and reduce aggression. Its hardness keeps chickens occupied for extended periods, providing an alternative focus that helps prevent feather picking and boredom-related conflicts during confinement.
Can chicken treat blocks help with egg production?
Yes, protein-rich blocks like Happy Hen Treats with mealworms support peak laying periods with 16-18% protein content. Calcium-enriched blocks like Kaytee with oyster shell strengthen eggshells and prevent soft eggs, addressing specific nutritional needs for laying hens.
Are organic treat blocks better for backyard chickens?
Organic blocks like Scratch and Peck Feeds use grains without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, offering ingredient transparency and cleaner nutrition. They’re ideal if you’re maintaining quality standards in your flock’s diet or building a regenerative farming system.
When should I avoid giving high-protein treat blocks to chickens?
Avoid high-protein treats during molting season, as excess protein can delay feather regrowth. Birds need balanced nutrition for feather replacement, not the high-protein diet required for egg production. Save protein-rich blocks for active laying periods instead.
Do chicken treat blocks work in humid or hot weather?
Block performance varies by formula. Scratch and Peck maintains structure in humid conditions, while mealworm-based blocks can become sticky in summer heat. Store blocks in cool areas, use morning feeding times, and consider ground-mounting to reduce weather-related waste.
