As the winter approaches, and the worms and the bugs that have been occupying your chickens go wherever it is that they go, you may want to think about finding supplemental entertainment for your flock.

I have read that a cabbage, suspended just within leaping and pecking reach, will occupy hens for hours.

We have found that the right mix of reading material will do so as well.  Current titles in our library include, but are not limited to, "The Proper Care and Feeding of Humans," a collection of Anne Sexton poems - just perfect for those uber hormonal days - "The Egg Project," "Vegetarian Meals," "A Pocketful of Poultry," and David Sedaris' wry "Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk."  The rooster has been combing through reviews on Amazon.com. He, with no prior authorization, puts things in our "cart," and most recently selected "The Alchemy of Love and Lust." Little does he know I can loan it to him.