Chicken Run Question

[DrewsLife1022]

Most chicken runs I've seen are pretty empty. Is there a reason for that? Do chickens like a lot of things in their run (perches, "toys", etc.). Show me pics of your backyard run and give me ideas! Also I am thinking of using sand (not fine grained) for the flooring. Give me your input! I am like a sponge and ready to learn!

-Drew

 

[Sonya9]

A lot of runs are empty because they are a bit on the smallish side and the chickens have eaten every shred of grass they could reach.

I built an over sized run because I was worried about them eating all of the grass, as a result the run is full of grass and some taller plants and the chickens love it. It gives them more to do, it provides shade in the summer, and they always have "new and exciting" places to scratch around for bugs.

I do have a couple of plastic patio chairs and even a step stool in the run and they do love to perch on top of those or hide underneath. They don't like "toys" the way parrots do, but they do like things to climb on and under.

If you are in San Diego you may not have much space which means plants will disappear fast, but you can still be sure they have plenty of sun and shade, along with a nice dust bath area and a few things to sit on or under.

 

[DrewsLife1022]

Thank you for the input! All those ideas are helpful!

 

[DrewsLife1022]

Anyone else have any input?

 

[Mutt Farm]

Hi neighbor!

Great ideas from Sonja! My hens do enjoy stuff to perch on, sit under and nibble on too. It's difficult to keep a grassy area unless you use a grazing frame. They love a dust bath area. Some folks use chicken swings, stumps and hanging wire baskets with veggies to pick at too. They really do enjoy investigating. Alfalfa hay for horses is readily available here and is a great source of protein, greens and a little calcium. I keep a flake available for my girls. They love the leaves and flowers and it gives the egg yolks a beautiful color.
I use DG in my run and sand (leveling sand) in the coop. Some folks love it, some don't. I find with our dry climate, the poop dries out very quickly, I can rake it up easily. No smell, flies or mess.
Best of luck to you!

 

[Katieboosmama]

We are currently building our run 8x12. I am using sand, and since free range is not an option, I plan to sprout fodder for greens. I plan on putting an old wooden ladder, and some old stumps for them to climb on, they have room under the coop for dust bathing etc.