Boredom Eating for Hens

[bjcoop]

Now that its winter (brrrr) I worry that some of my more flighty hens are getting cooped out. I saw the post about the spaghetti squash as a fun and interesting treat for hens. This was great! Also saw a post about dangling a head of cabbage over them. Also a great idea, but terrified the girls. Does anybody have any other ideas that keep winter cooped-up hens happy?
--bjcoop

 

[countryboy]

radio

 

[Wildsky]

I add interest now and then by adding a big pile of shavings - they spend forever digging that around, and they spread it out pretty good. I also add stuff like a wooden box, or something like that - I try not to add to much FOOD to relive the boredom....
TOmorrow I'm adding a new nest box - made from a plastic storage tote with a piece of wood screwed on the front and laid down on its side, I'll then move one of the wooden boxes I have (that were supposed to be nest boxes but they don't like anymore - since the first plastic tote went in) I will move that outside into their run, turn it upside down so its no longer a nest box but something to stand on!

 

[picklespickles]

that's kind of what i was thinking, stuff to dig in or jump on or hide behind.

 

[Wildsky]

My coop and run are all dirt flooring, so I also add a shovel full of new dirt or a bucket full - and that keeps them busy as well - I guess another way would be to add the dirt and mix in some greens for them to dig out!

(like the did with all the grass that WAS in their run to start off with.

If you have leaves - they love piles of those as well, hay I use often, throw in a flake of hay and throw some scratch on top - they dig and scratch that for HOURS!

 

[hcammack]

I just put scratch down, pumpkins, leftovers, and piles of pine needles they love it and seem entertained.

Good luck
Henry

 

[woodward farms]

Well i ran wireless dsl to the coop and gave the ladies the internet with there own laptop..


turns out they keep searching roosters and game cocks....
wont even look twice at this place...

ps had to get them a wireless mouse wilma kept picking at the cord.

 

[MissPrissy]

Hang a head of lettuce. Raw cabbage isn't supposed to be very good for chickens.

 

[Wildsky]

Quote:

I bet they're LYING about their age on line as well!

 

[Gonzo the Great]

Quote:
Make sure you're monitoring their online habits. They get ideas from watching this guy .