ChickieMama9
Chirping
- Jan 14, 2022
- 13
- 37
- 69
Hello!
I was hoping someone could help me out, I currently have 11 chickie children, (6, 1 year old orpington hens; 3, 6 month old silkie pullets; 1, 5 month silkie pullet; and 1, 3 month old silkie cock.) Last summer all of my orpingtons were able to free range across 160 acres, however, last fall when I expanded my flock I moved them to a 30x20 foot “coop.” I have also saved up all my money to put in a 200x5 ft fence in hopes to let them out now that the weather has warmed up. They have stayed inside their coop all winter due to the weather extremes here in MN and been just fine. Unfortunately, due to avian influenza, I’ve been keeping them inside still even with the weather warming and days getting longer. Recently, I’ve noticed quite a bit of stress especially in the orpingtons. They pace by the door wanting to go outside. I’m at a loss, they have ample toys, they don’t really fly or roost, I’ve tried treat blocks as well, with little luck. It would be very difficult to attach a covered run to my coop, due to the size, the fact it is off the ground, and height of the door. I also have used most of my savings on this new set up, but will spend more obviously if it’s the only option.
Sorry this is so long, but if anyone has any tips please pass them my way! And as always, thank you for being such a extraordinary community!
I was hoping someone could help me out, I currently have 11 chickie children, (6, 1 year old orpington hens; 3, 6 month old silkie pullets; 1, 5 month silkie pullet; and 1, 3 month old silkie cock.) Last summer all of my orpingtons were able to free range across 160 acres, however, last fall when I expanded my flock I moved them to a 30x20 foot “coop.” I have also saved up all my money to put in a 200x5 ft fence in hopes to let them out now that the weather has warmed up. They have stayed inside their coop all winter due to the weather extremes here in MN and been just fine. Unfortunately, due to avian influenza, I’ve been keeping them inside still even with the weather warming and days getting longer. Recently, I’ve noticed quite a bit of stress especially in the orpingtons. They pace by the door wanting to go outside. I’m at a loss, they have ample toys, they don’t really fly or roost, I’ve tried treat blocks as well, with little luck. It would be very difficult to attach a covered run to my coop, due to the size, the fact it is off the ground, and height of the door. I also have used most of my savings on this new set up, but will spend more obviously if it’s the only option.
Sorry this is so long, but if anyone has any tips please pass them my way! And as always, thank you for being such a extraordinary community!
I used to have a jungle gym with low to medium roosts in the center of the coop, which I then changed out for a smaller roosting ladder type thing in one of the corners, but neither were ever used. I’ve read that Orpingtons and silkies rarely roost, so I wasn’t overly surprised, but yes I do agree I should have some more practical chicken entertainment, I guess I just don’t know what else other than treats, toys, and roosts.
