Any ideas how to keep hens occupied?

[silkielover88]

Now that it's so hot during the day, our hens would rather stay inside where it's cool, unfortunately it's made adding new members to the flock quite difficult. I added 5 new chickens yesterday, 3 older hens and 2 young hens I hatched this spring. They have gotten the pecking order figured out but now my 2 young ones are too scared to come down from the roost to eat and drink. I put a treat shaker in for the older hens and that keeps them occupied for a little while. Anyone else have some other ideas? Just looking to keep the bigger girls occupied so the younger ones will come down and socialize

 

[Judy]

I think the best thing would be a small shaded area outside the coop, maybe made with a tarp. You can put various items in a large coop for them to jump up on, hide under, etc., and even provide some stimulation by simply moving them around every few days or week or so.

 

[jetdog]

Now that it's so hot during the day, our hens would rather stay inside where it's cool, unfortunately it's made adding new members to the flock quite difficult. I added 5 new chickens yesterday, 3 older hens and 2 young hens I hatched this spring. They have gotten the pecking order figured out but now my 2 young ones are too scared to come down from the roost to eat and drink. I put a treat shaker in for the older hens and that keeps them occupied for a little while. Anyone else have some other ideas? Just looking to keep the bigger girls occupied so the younger ones will come down and socialize

I hang a cabbage once a week or so just high enough so they have to jump to peck at it, it keeps them entertained and usually last 2 days.

 

[steved350]

I really like the cabbage idea. I'll have to try that.

 

[silkielover88]

I like that cabbage idea too! I've tried the tarp thing but no matter where I put it, the shade doesn't last very long. I've heard of hanging old CDs in the coop too so they have kind of like a toy....