A cluttered run

[DutchmenSport]

I set up a couple old wooden saw horses in my run, then leaned a couple old wooden doors against them. Then took some 2x4's and simply laid them across the open top of the saw horses. They are about 4 feet apart. The "girls" can roost on top of the 2x4's, nest on the ground between the v shaped walls, or run around them and just play. It's packed with straw on the ground. I put them there, mostly for a wind break, so on windy days they would have somewhere to get behind. Turns out, they jump and play on this thing all the time.

 

[PrettyBirdRocky]

Here's some of our clutter ideas! Leentoos for shade as well. I enjoy seeing others setups as it gives me even more ideas! We change up the chair locations once a week, just shifting them around and such.

We have plans of putting more branches/perches just haven't gotten that far. (And the random brick was the food stand before we hung it and just never moved it...lol)

 

[1HarleyLady1]

I got 4 new pullets today, to add to the two pullets and roo I got about a month ago. The henhouse layout doesn’t lend itself to dividing so I put the new girls in the run and screened the entrance to the henhouse and since the other two and roo free range all day, I can let them out through the man door. After reading this post, I went outside and scrambled around finding a pallet, dog crate, 2 saplings for roosting, a few other plastic crates and misc stuff to clutter with since the run is covered, has a concrete floor (shavings and hay over) and chain link and chicken wire but otherwise bare. So, a little while ago I went out to see how they settled and they were all asleep in a pile out in the open. So much for my efforts. But, I’m sure they’ll appreciate it once their quarantine ends

 

[electrycmonk]

Finally changed of the coop and the split runs for the silkie and main flocks.

Will be updating the coop’s build thread in the coming weeks as it get finished and the cluttering gets a facelift!

 

[Mrs. K]

I think it really helps.

 

[Crazy Maizie]

I think it really helps.

I just want to say that I've integrated a few handfuls of chickens over the years and read this thread (and ideas in another thread) and it truly works to have "clutter". Clutter also helps to corral and catch a chicken when needed.

 

[Vincentville farm]

What a beautiful area you are in! Where do you live?
And great pen! I need more entertainment out there!

Do you wind up having to search for eggs or do they lay in nesting boxes?

 

[TooCheep]

Do you wind up having to search for eggs or do they lay in nesting boxes?

They return to the nest boxes when they want to lay. Hens want a quiet, comfortable area to lay, not a place with a lot of traffic and out in the open. They also like to lay where other hens have laid, which is why you may see them overuse some boxes and little use others.

That said, you may rarely find an egg in your run, but that is mostly from very young layers who are just learning about the process.

 

[EmmaDonovan]

Here's some of our clutter ideas! Leentoos for shade as well. I enjoy seeing others setups as it gives me even more ideas! We change up the chair locations once a week, just shifting them around and such.

We have plans of putting more branches/perches just haven't gotten that far. (And the random brick was the food stand before we hung it and just never moved it...lol)

I love the sideways lawn chair. Lots of roost space, plus a line of sight block. That's brilliant!

 

[JenniMcChick]

I'm limited with space, too, but I think chickens, like many animals, are kept from being bored by changing up the scene regularly! So, not to stress them out with dramatic changes, but adding new elements here and there and removing some for awhile...then bring them back! Rotating the entertainment!

I used to use this exact strategy in my children's playroom when they were little.