Flock blocks are a pecking treat for chickens, great for boredom in winter or when they are confined. This homemade version uses scratch, oats and mealworms bound with a little molasses and egg.
Treats should be under 10% of a flock’s diet, so one block lasts several days.
Why your flock will love this
- Keeps hens busy for days
- Cheaper than store blocks
- Great for winter boredom
Ingredient notes
Homemade Flock Block for Chickens
Scratch grains, oats, sunflower seeds and mealworms baked into a block.
- 3 of 6 ingredients safety-checked, 3 marked safe
- Wheat-free
- Dairy-free
- Peanut-free
- Large Batch
- Contains: Egg
Ingredients
Makes 1 block
- SafeA treat, not a feed. Keep treats under 10% of the diet. Safe amount: A handful per bird.
- SafeRolled oats are a filling winter treat. Safe amount: A handful per bird.
- SafeHigh-protein treat, great during molt. Safe amount: A small handful.
Equipment
- Loaf pan
Instructions
-
Heat the oven to 325°F (165°C) and line a loaf pan.
-
Mix all the dry ingredients.
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Whisk the eggs and molasses and stir into the dry mix.
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Press firmly into the pan.
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Bake until firm.
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Cool completely and turn out.
Tips for success
- Press hard so the block holds together for days of pecking.
- Set it on a flat stone so it stays out of the mud.
- Offer extra mealworms during molt for protein.
Storage
- Counter 30 days
How much to serve
One block for 4 to 6 hens, lasting 3 to 5 days.
Last updated August 11, 2026.
How to make Homemade Flock Block for Chickens
Homemade Flock Block for Chickens takes about 1 hour 15 minutes from start to finish and makes 1 block. It is an easy recipe. You will need a loaf pan. Read through every step once before you start, and set out all the ingredients so nothing is missed.
Ingredients and why they are here
You need 6 ingredients. Each one is checked against the ingredient safety guide for chickens.
- 2 cups scratch grains: A treat, not a feed. Keep treats under 10% of the diet.
- 1 cup rolled oats: Rolled oats are a filling winter treat.
- 1/2 cup black oil sunflower seeds
- 1/2 cup dried mealworms: High-protein treat, great during molt.
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup molasses: Binds the block.
Step-by-step instructions
- Heat the oven to 325°F (165°C) and line a loaf pan.
- Mix all the dry ingredients.
- Whisk the eggs and molasses and stir into the dry mix.
- Press firmly into the pan.
- Bake until firm. Allow about 1 hour.
- Cool completely and turn out.
Tips for success
- Press hard so the block holds together for days of pecking.
- Set it on a flat stone so it stays out of the mud.
- Offer extra mealworms during molt for protein.
How to store it
Let everything cool completely before you pack it away, since trapped steam causes sogginess and mold. Keep it at room temperature for up to 4 weeks. If anything smells off or shows mold, throw it out.
How much to serve
One block for 4 to 6 hens, lasting 3 to 5 days.
Why chickens love it
Keeps hens busy for days. Cheaper than store blocks. Great for winter boredom.
Feeding tips for chickens
Treats should make up no more than about 10 percent of what your flock eats, with a complete layer feed as the base. Offer treats in the afternoon so hens fill up on feed first. Provide grit and oyster shell free choice, and always keep clean water available. Remove leftover fresh food before evening to avoid attracting rodents.
Make it ahead
To save time, measure and prep the ingredients the day before and keep them covered in the fridge. Label containers with the recipe name and date so you always know what to use first. Most of the work in this recipe is hands-off, so it fits easily around a busy week.
What to watch for
A drop in egg laying often means too many treats and not enough layer feed. Watch for pasty vents in chicks and soft-shelled eggs in hens, which can point to diet problems. Isolate any hen that looks lethargic or stops eating, and call a vet who treats poultry.
Shopping list
Before you start, check that you have scratch grains, rolled oats, black oil sunflower seeds, dried mealworms, eggs and molasses. Most of it is at the grocery store; hay, pellets, feed and supplements are at pet or feed stores. Buy fresh produce close to the day you cook.
Safety notes
Never add onion, garlic, chocolate, grapes, raisins, xylitol or salt, and check the safety guide before trying a new ingredient with your hen. This recipe is general information, not veterinary advice.
Frequently asked questions
Are flock blocks good for chickens?
As a treat, yes. Layer feed should still be 90% of their diet.
How long does a block last?
A few days for a small flock.
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