Make this easy, yet satisfying treat for your chickens for far less money than it costs to buy it and keep them from getting bored this winter.

During the cold winter months when my chickens can't get outside as much and the ground is covered with snow so there are no bugs, seeds or grass for them to nibble on, I like to give them treats.

I rarely buy them treats, I'm much more apt to make my own. This Flock Block Knock Off is a prime example.

Flock Block Knock Off | Homemade Chicken Treat

You know, the Flock Block, the ubiquitous boredom-busting solid block of seeds and grains to help keep your chickens busy?

Well, whenever I can make something instead of buying it, I'm all for that, and this seemed like the perfect chicken treat to tackle.

So I decided to try my hand at making my own.

Chicken Boredom Buster Treat

Boredom can set in with the lack of bugs and weeds to search for. Bored chickens can be prone to pecking at each other and bullying. So I thought a Flock Block would really be beneficial in the winter.

After reading through a whole bunch of recipes on Google and Pinterest and taking stock of what I had on hand, this is my version of the Flock Block Knock Off (try saying that three times fast!).

I used coconut oil as the binder, and remember that coconut oil turns into a liquid at 76-78 degrees F, so this is definitely a cold weather treat if you want your block to hold together well.

But if it's a bit warm and the block starts to crumble or fall apart, your chickens won't mind one bit and will happily snack on the Flock Block in a dish or tray!

Scratch grains are a good winter treat for chickens, and that's what I use for the base of my Flock Block. Cinnamon helps with respiratory system health, so that's a beneficial addition the the Flock Block. And some Cayenne pepper helps improve circulation which can help to prevent frostbite and also warms the body.

During the winter, chickens benefit from added energy and warmth. This Flock Block Knock Off satisfies all these needs and should help keep peace in your run.

(scroll down for a printable recipe card)

How to Make a Flock Block Knock Off

Here's what you Need |

2 cups scratch grains
1 cup layer feed
1 cup old-fashioned oats
1/2 cup sunflower seeds (shelled or unshelled)
1/4 cup wheat germ
1/4 cup whole wheat flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
3 eggs
1/2 cup blackstrap molasses
1/2 cup coconut oil, melted

*Optional, you can also mix in some of my all natural poultry feed supplements for an extra boost of nutrition!

Here's what you Do |

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

In large mixing bowl, mix the dry ingredients.

Add the wet ingredients and mix well.

Pat into several small baking dishes or casseroles, so your blocks are approximately 2" thick.

If you plan on hanging your block, use a chopstick make a hole near the top of each block.

Bake for 30 minutes, then cool completely.

Run a knife around the inside rim of each pan and invert to remove the block.

Serve to a flock of very happy girls.

Notes | You can spray the pans with nonstick baking spray first, or line them with parchment, to make getting the blocks out easier.

I used four 6" round cake pans, and would probably only use three the next time to make slightly thicker blocks.