Anyone use a concrete pad in run? Suggestions? Advice. Newbie

[sn0wwhite]

PDZ?

Yes, you can buy it at any farm store. It’s used in horse stalls. It keeps down flies and I use it in the hen house under the roost. Super easy clean up.

 

[cmom]

New England weather is amost never dry!lol. I might be able to remove part of the cement so they get a little dirt,...plus I’ll add dust baths...and let them out, if they are good girls and don’t run away. Do chickens run away if you let them loose for an hour or so, supervised?
It’s scary raising something new!lol

I let my birds out to free range in our pasture, but because there isn't much shade in the pasture they actually prefer to stay in their pens where they have nice shade from either the trees I planted some years ago and they also have shade/rain tables to get under. When they are out mine don't wonder very far and when they see me with the treat bucket they come running back for some treats and go in to their pens for some treats. When I move birds to a certain coop and pen, I leave them in it for several days so they get used to it before I let them out. Once in awhile a stubborn bird may try to go back to the old coop I took them out of but I put some treats just outside the new coop and they usually stick around for some treats. Treats (rewards) for me are a good way to get the birds to do what I want them to do.

 

[Crazychocolatedog]

I let my birds out to free range in our pasture, but because there isn't much shade in the pasture they actually prefer to stay in their pens where they have nice shade from either the trees I planted some years ago and they also have shade/rain tables to get under. When they are out mine don't wonder very far and when they see me with the treat bucket they come running back for some treats and go in to their pens for some treats. When I move birds to a certain coop and pen, I leave them in it for several days so they get used to it before I let them out. Once in awhile a stubborn bird may try to go back to the old coop I took them out of but I put some treats just outside the new coop and they usually stick around for some treats. Treats (rewards) for me are a good way to get the birds to do what I want them to do.

Thank you. I will remember the treats...always works for my husband too,...cookies , or Creme Brulee. Lol. I’m being fresh. But rewarding the birds for returning is a great idea. Thanks.

 

[Crazychocolatedog]

Yes, you can buy it at any farm store. It’s used in horse stalls. It keeps down flies and I use it in the hen house under the roost. Super easy clean up.

Thank,you. I bought some the other day and put it in the brooder....which is in the office of our home. A few more weeks and outside they go!! Yay!! Not to mention I am allergic to them!