Chickens only use half of there run.

[Isaac 0]

The past few months ive realized my chickens only use half of there run.One part of there run is covered in Tall grass,Bushes the other part is just an open plain with grass but all day they just stay in the tall grass sitting on logs scratching around.We have visitors once and a while and it would be nice if they were scattered across are 160by60ft area that we have for them.We don't know if they are scared of hawks and owls or any predator.Anyone have the same problem that can help?

 

[sourland]

It would appear that they are using the cover as protection from aerial predators - smart birds.

 

[Wyatt0224]

Yes I agree with @sourland. Your birds sense their vulnerable and are being very smart. That's quite a large run for them. I'm sure in due time they'll use all of their available space.

 

[Isaac 0]

Makes sense.In the spring they went there more often because there was trees hanging over them but now its just branches a perfect view for a hawk

 

[aart]

There's probably more to forage in the area they are staying in...and they feel safer there.
As far as visitors......my birds hide when new people come into the yard.

 

[Isaac 0]

Once it gets around 4pm they start to migrate to the open land im guessing because the birds die down and they feel safer.Just annoys me because i know there wouldn't be that much fighting if they used the whole darn yard.

 

[aart]

Once it gets around 4pm they start to migrate to the open land im guessing because the birds die down and they feel safer.
Just annoys me because i know there wouldn't be that much fighting if they used the whole darn yard.

Maybe.....with lots of space and still fighting there are most likely other issues at play.

 

[Isaac 0]

Probably,I guess i need to plant some trees and bushes over there.

 

[aart]

Probably,I guess i need to plant some trees and bushes over there.

Or figure out why they are fighting....
....are hens/pullets fighting?
...or multiple cock/erels fighting?
......existing and added birds fighting?
.....young cockerels harassing same age pullets?