Bored Hens

[BongeDundee]

My hens spend a good portion of their week inside their pen. I let them out on weekends or whenever I'm home on weekdays and it's still light outside. Although Saturday and Sunday they spend 10+ hours outside the pen each day, it's hard for me to let them out during the week because I'm never home long enough. I can't let them out when I'm not home because of predators in my area, and I don't want them to accidentally leave my yard. When I go out in the morning they stand at the door waiting to be let out, and they just look bored. Inside their pen they have dusty areas for dirt baths, and branches to hop on, but I don't think it keeps them entertained. I'm worried that their not getting enough enrichment to keep them happy when their stuck inside. Do you guys have any suggestions for items that will keep them excited, happy and most of all not bored? I know the request may sound ridiculous, but I just can't help but feel sorry for them when their stuck in their pen all day with nothing to do, after all happy hens lay the best.
Thanks!

 

[Mrs. K]

If you never let them out, they would not stand at the gate. In the winter, very often mine spend weeks inside, and they quit asking to go out. Then when the weather improves, they kind of are scared to get too far from the run.

This time of year, they will be standing at the gate when I get there, because they have been out nearly every day for hours.

They are happy, they are like two year olds, just whinning in case they might get it.

Mrs K

 

[barneveldrerman]

If you want something for them to play with you can hang up a head of lettuce. They will pick at it and it will swing they should be doing that. Also with. A regular routine they should know they get out on weekends and after work sometimes.



Hope this helped if you have anymore questions let us know!