Adding things inside the run

[wtrsfam4]

I am in need of some ideas of things to add to our chicken run. We have a 10x10 fenced-in area for our 4 girls. It has a cover and an old tree stump but that's it. Usually they are free-range during the day, but I am preparing for the winter months where we won't be letting them out as much. I know I want to add a dust bath and some type of perch. We plan to add leaves to the floor for scratching. Any tips or ideas of what to add? Thanks in advance.

 

[cavemanrich]

For winter, add some wind stop clear plastic on 2 or 3 sides of the outside fence panels. Inside place some small tables or pallets on blocks so chickens have a slightly secluded place to hide. Place your dust bath container under the table to keep contents dry.
WISHING YOU BEST

 

[Blooie]

Mine love suet cages stuffed with goodies. In summer I have been known to cram watermelon (messy but effective) chunks of apple, kale, and so forth. I hang a couple of them up on the inside fencing of the run so they have to reach up and work to get out what's inside. Now, I do a few of them at a time because I have a lot of chickens and the last thing I need is squabbles over food. And I certainly don't do it every day - just often enough to break the boredom. In winter I make a homemade suet (or buy commercial) and do the same thing. I don't know if the extra fat helps them in winter, but they enjoy them.

I also have a "swing" in there. It's just a big tree branch suspended with wire in such a way that it swings, but they like that too. A bale of hay or straw tossed in keeps them occupied for hours while giving them some dry footing.

 

[psychochickn]

For the winter we use a heated water container. Our girls love their chicken xylophone, and it is very funny to watch them peck at it. A swing or two is a good idea. A pumpkin keeps them entertained for days. Also, try a "flock block".

 

[Blooie]

For the winter we use a heated water container. Our girls love their chicken xylophone, and it is very funny to watch them peck at it. A swing or two is a good idea. A pumpkin keeps them entertained for days. Also, try a "flock block".

Ooh I forgot about pumpkins and flock blocks!

 

[chickens really]

I have a swing in my Run...Only the Bantam and Ameruacana use it....Tree stumps...Pot of soil with scratch hidden inside...They kick it all out and I put it back in...Big rock to hone their beaks on....Water bottle with holes drilled in it so Scratch falls out as they peck it...


Cheers!

 

[Mel281]

What do you mean about the pumpkin? A whole pumpkin? Cut in half?

 

[chickens really]

Yes, whole pumpkin....I cut big holes in them...I remove as to not allow a fill up on pumpkin...I put it in the garage and give it to them 1 hour at a time....

Cheers

 

[wtrsfam4]

We do plan on covering the sides of the run with plastic. We added some tree stumps. Plan to add an outdoor roost area as well. Now for the dust bath...we have 4 girls and will never have more than 8. How big should this area be? We made a 15"x32" area and did a little cover (although the whole run is covered already). Is this big enough? Do they prefer a cover that is closer as to feel more protected?

 

[DancingWthDucks]

Looks good! Maybe some sort of perch tree? Like this sorta thing:

(this isn't mine, I stole it from Google)