Chicken boredom busters? How can I keep them entertained in the run?

[matthennessy]

I would add some more clutter, things they can get up on, or underneath, and some roosts, and some mini walls. So that it looks cluttered, but actually makes more usable space.

However, I have a huge run, and mine dug a hole right in the gate as I step in, just to roll my ankle!

Mrs K

I don’t have much room once you go in, any recommendations on where I can find things they can climb on? I have a thick tree branch in the extended area but it just lays on the floor

 

[Mrs. K]

try a ladder

 

[AGeese]

I would get a roll of wire or plastic mesh to run around the inside of your existing fence if you can afford to and the parents don't mind. It's much easier for them to demolish a smaller area than a large yard. But for now maybe you can pick up one of those flock blocks?

View media item 7942975

 

[matthennessy]

Ugh I wish! Unfortunately, there is no safe, legal way for my girls to free rangethey have proved that they can clear a well over 6ft fence as well as it being only partially legal (with a permit that we don’t have) to keep hens in our town. With the neighbors so close, it’s just a hungry dog waiting to pounce if they get out. On the positive, though, I think I’ve convinced my dad to add another 7x3 extension on the right side so they at least will have a bit more space. Where did you get the flock block from and how much was it? That seems like a great idea!

 

[AGeese]

Ugh I wish! Unfortunately, there is no safe, legal way for my girls to free rangethey have proved that they can clear a well over 6ft fence as well as it being only partially legal (with a permit that we don’t have) to keep hens in our town. With the neighbors so close, it’s just a hungry dog waiting to pounce if they get out. On the positive, though, I think I’ve convinced my dad to add another 7x3 extension on the right side so they at least will have a bit more space. Where did you get the flock block from and how much was it? That seems like a great idea!

You have flyers then. You can get them at your local feed store like Theisen's which is where I get mine: https://www.theisens.com/products/purina-flock-block25-lb

This is probably a better brand:
https://www.kalmbachfeeds.com/collections/blocks-tubs/products/all-natural-poultry-block

I've used these as well when they were young:
https://www.mannapro.com/poultry/treats/chick-stick

Though if they burn through these that could get expensive, also they're considered treats so you'll want to make sure they're not just focusing entirely on them since they're not a replacement for feed, but supplemental at best.

I generally have these available all winter, along side feed in my garage. In the spring if I have any block left I throw it outside where they range and they'll eventually finish it off or nature will.

View media item 7950674
Also to divert them from digging holes to dust bathe in your yard you could put down a tub of sand and they'll love it, I'd probably go with washed river sand, playsand works, but has silica you don't want to breathe if they're kicking it up.

View media item 7944843

 

[matthennessy]

You have flyers then. You can get them at your local feed store like Theisen's which is where I get mine: https://www.theisens.com/products/purina-flock-block25-lb

This is probably a better brand:
https://www.kalmbachfeeds.com/collections/blocks-tubs/products/all-natural-poultry-block

I've used these as well when they were young:
https://www.mannapro.com/poultry/treats/chick-stick

Though if they burn through these that could get expensive, also they're considered treats so you'll want to make sure they're not just focusing entirely on them since they're not a replacement for feed, but supplemental at best.

I generally have these available all winter, along side feed in my garage. In the spring if I have any block left I throw it outside where they range and they'll eventually finish it off or nature will.

View media item 7950674
Also to divert them from digging holes to dust bathe in your yard you could put down a tub of sand and they'll love it, I'd probably go with washed river sand, playsand works, but has silica you don't want to breathe if they're kicking it up.

View media item 7944843

I def need to look into those boredom blocks for the girls to share for a few hours when they get noisy/pacey. We just added another 7x3 extension to the other side of the coop so they have more space and fresh grass for the next few days before they destroy it

 

[rosemarythyme]

I def need to look into those boredom blocks for the girls to share for a few hours when they get noisy/pacey. We just added another 7x3 extension to the other side of the coop so they have more space and fresh grass for the next few days before they destroy it

The issue with the way you're adding on is while yes it provides a little more space, none of these mini addons have room to add clutter to help keep them busy - it's just empty floor space. You really could use a 2nd larger run like the one the coop currently sits in, so that opens up floor space and vertical space to add actual "stuff" to keep them busy.