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DIY Flock Block for Your Chickens

This DIY Flock block for you chickens is so easy to make with just a few ingredients! It is a perfect treat for your flock in the wintertime to help boost their immunity, and it helps with egg production.
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Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:30 minutes
Servings: 2 Flock Blocks

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Small baking dish or mold
  • Parchment paper or cooking spray
  • Metal straw, dowel, or wooden spoon handle
  • oven
  • Cooling rack
  • Twine or rope

Ingredients

  • ¼ cup sunflower seeds
  • ¼ cup dehydrated black soldier fly larvae
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 4 eggs shells finely crushed
  • ½ cup molasses
  • ¼ cup coconut oil melted
  • 2 cups scratch grain
  • 1 cup layer feed

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C): Lightly grease a small baking dish or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  2. Mix the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken pellet feed, scratch grain, sunflower seeds, black soldier fly larvae, flour, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, and crushed eggshells. Stir well to evenly distribute the ingredients.
  3. Add the wet ingredients: Pour in the molasses and melted coconut oil. Stir until the mixture is fully coated and sticky, ensuring that the molasses binds everything together.
  4. Shape and press into the pan: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula or your hands to firmly press it down into an even, compact layer.
  5. Create a hole for hanging: Before baking, insert a greased metal straw, dowel, or the handle of a wooden spoon into the mixture near the top, ensuring it’s large enough for a rope or twine to pass through. This will create a hole for hanging the block later.
  6. Bake for minutes: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake until the mixture is firm and slightly darkened. The block should feel solid when gently pressed.
  7. Cool and remove the hole insert: Let the flock block cool in the pan for about 30 minutes. Then, carefully remove the straw or dowel while it’s still slightly warm to keep the hole intact. Allow the block to fully cool and harden for at least 2 hours.
  8. Add a rope and hang: Once fully hardened, thread a sturdy rope or twine through the hole and tie a secure knot. Hang it in the chicken run for your flock to enjoy!

Notes

  • Pack the mixture tightly: Press the mixture firmly into the baking dish to help it hold its shape after baking. A loose pack may cause it to crumble.
  • Let it cool completely: Allow the block to cool for at least 2 hours before removing it from the pan. This ensures it hardens properly and won’t fall apart when hung.
  • Adjust the spice level in winter: Adding extra cayenne pepper in colder months can help improve circulation and keep chickens warm, as they don’t taste spice like humans do.
  • Make smaller, individual blocks: If you have a larger flock, consider making multiple smaller blocks instead of one big one to prevent pecking competition.
  • Store properly for freshness: Keep the flock block in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks or refrigerate for up to a month.