Calling All Behavioralists: How do I determine if my birds are content in confinement?

[thecatumbrella]

WARNING: This is an over-thinker's post.

I only have 12-13 months of chicken keeping under my belt, so I'm hoping more seasoned veterans (or even chicken newbies) can weigh in. It's possible I live with a lot of unnecessary guilt over this fear that my chickens are "unhappy".

- Quick Background -

We do not free range here. Hoping to change that with the next house, but right now, my 3 bantams are confined to a 9x18 pen full time. Enrichment has been hit or miss with these guys, and many of the food dispensers I utilized for my large fowl are too challenging for the tiny bantams.

- Current Enrichment -

• Run is filled with mulch, which we use to encourage foraging. I scatter sprouts 2-4 times a week, and they get a small amount of whole grain mash tossed about at the end of the day.
• Mulch is also their preferred dust bathing medium. They'll pick a new spot each day and rotate between sun/shade spots.
• 36 sqft roosting "tree" that can be navigated from perch to perch. One of their feeders can only be accessed from here.
• Dig boxes filled with sand. They love hanging out in here for whatever reason, and we'll also rotate toys for them to peck at.
• Bench for pooping on and hiding under during rainstorms (even though the run is covered).
• We also have some rotating furniture that we bring in and out: homemade roost, Home Depot bucket, and an outdoor stool.
• I'll toss weed, leaves, and spent herbs/plants in there for them to toss around.
• I offer a produce option some (but not all) afternoons. Apple, kale, cabbage, tomato, etc. Anything I can hang from the skewer.

- What I Consider "Positive" Behavior -

• foraging
• roosting
• dust bathing
• spreading out to pursue different activities
• a stable pecking order
• a general calm demeanor, especially when I'm visiting

- What I Consider "Concerning" Behavior -

• pacing
• standing aimlessly for long periods of time
• excessive sleeping
• constantly huddling together
• bullying/feather picking (obviously)
• a heightened anxiety when I visit, with lots of gakels

- Questions -

Anyone else struggle with this or have thoughts? Are my behavior assessments on point or way off base? How do you balance offering enrichment while also managing a healthy diet? Mine have been very good at eating off their feeders lately, but that hasn't always been the case. Also, I don't mind putting in some work to keep them entertainment, but do feel it should be within reason. Part of why I wanted chickens in the first place was because of their ability to be independent and rely on each other for their social needs.

Sorry if this post seems a bit meandering, but I appreciate any input on the subject. Still learning over here!

EDIT/UPDATE
Just came back from visiting the chicken pen, and there's no world where my birds aren't content right now. They're very peaceful, not going crazy thinking I have snacks, and were excited to just sit next to me and preen. So yeah, I'm worrying without cause. Still feel free to contribute any thoughts if you'd like.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Chickens exist within a territory. Free range birds have a bigger territory. That's the main difference. My bantam do not free range as far or as vigorously as my standards. They are just as happy to sit in their run which is quite boring. Bantam don't need as much stimulation as standard breeds in my experiences.

Sounds like you are providing a lot of enrichment. Content chickens are relaxed, and do spend more time just relaxing.

Chicken lives are really all that exciting. They are happy to scratch about, and lay in the sun. I can't really address confined living long term as I don't have that experience, but it does sound like you are doing all you can to make them happy.

 

[thecatumbrella]

Bantam don't need as much stimulation as standard breeds in my experiences.

Oh no. You're going to convince me to stick with bantams at this rate! Been mulling if I want to go back to large fowl, but I do feel I'd have to provide more space.

Chicken lives are really all that exciting.

This is what my husband says, and you're right. What do I expect them to do? Leave me a review on Yelp? They're getting along and laying eggs (kinda). That's probably review enough.

Appreciate your thoughts!

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Oh no. You're going to convince me to stick with bantams at this rate! Been mulling if I want to go back to large fowl, but I do feel I'd have to provide more space.

Large fowl lay more eggs. That's the best thing about them in my opinion. I've moved to mostly bantam. I prefer the eggs, less likely to have gunk in them, and are more adorable. Bantams don't tend to engage in any of the negative behaviors like feather picking, egg eating, or bullying like standards can sometimes do. They are more gentle over all, and you can house more in the same space. The downside is them always going broody, so have a pen ready to break them. It also is too easy to slip eggs under a broody and before you know it you have too many. They also don't lay as many eggs, but I am surprised by how many they do lay, and we get what we need from my flock.

 

[FrostRanger]

Your pen is large enough for 16 standards, your girls have plenty of room so no worries there. Of course it's hard to give them too much room

It sounds like they have a great run and are happy, great job!

 

[thecatumbrella]

Large fowl lay more eggs. That's the best thing about them in my opinion. I've moved to mostly bantam. I prefer the eggs, less likely to have gunk in them, and are more adorable. Bantams don't tend to engage in any of the negative behaviors like feather picking, egg eating, or bullying like standards can sometimes do. They are more gentle over all, and you can house more in the same space. The downside is them always going broody, so have a pen ready to break them. It also is too easy to slip eggs under a broody and before you know it you have too many. They also don't lay as many eggs, but I am surprised by how many they do lay, and we get what we need from my flock.

My Cochin Bantams are shockingly good! The eggs are smaller, but they've been laying on par with the Australorps I had. I am crossing my fingers that we can make it till next spring without another broody. I had just the one, and it was a disaster trying to get her back with the group. Had to rehome.

Any other bantam breed suggestions that you've liked? We have one d'Uccle, and she's great, but I kind of feel like one is enough. She's pretty sassy.

It sounds like they have a great run and are happy, great job!

Awww, thanks Frost!

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Any other bantam breed suggestions that you've liked? We have one d'Uccle, and she's great, but I kind of feel like one is enough. She's pretty sassy.

I keep mostly bantam cochins, and bantam Easter eggers, and mixes between those two breeds. I had a couple of d'uccle so they're in the mix too. The Easter eggers don't go broody as often as the cochins. Seems their second and third year are the most broody.

 

[Beau plus penny]

Chickens exist within a territory. Free range birds have a bigger territory. That's the main difference. My bantam do not free range as far or as vigorously as my standards. They are just as happy to sit in their run which is quite boring. Bantam don't need as much stimulation as standard breeds in my experiences.

Sounds like you are providing a lot of enrichment. Content chickens are relaxed, and do spend more time just relaxing.

Chicken lives are really all that exciting. They are happy to scratch about, and lay in the sun. I can't really address confined living long term as I don't have that experience, but it does sound like you are doing all you can to make them happy.

also i might add if they are bantam cochin cochins in general are pretty lazy birds

 

[thecatumbrella]

I keep mostly bantam cochins, and bantam Easter eggers, and mixes between those two breeds. I had a couple of d'uccle so they're in the mix too. The Easter eggers don't go broody as often as the cochins. Seems their second and third year are the most broody.

I can get sexed bantam eggers, and I'll admit I'm a little curious. Ugh, what am I doing... what are any of us doing with chickens, though. You try things and see if they work, right?

also i might add if they are bantam cochin cochins in general are pretty lazy birds

Mine were ridiculously active as chicks/pullets, so it's possible they're just slowing down like you said.

 

[thecatumbrella]

Also, the contentedness was short lived. My neighbor resumed excavating next to their pen, so they're holed up in the basement brooder. I hear polite chattering under my feet.

Another perk to bantams! Couldn't do this with large fowl.