Compost in the run...

[Crs1]

I have two chicken coops that are joined by a fenced area about 25x20. My, 2 roosters 10 hens and two chicks don't get to free range very often so they are in an area of compacted dirt. I have a couple of roosts and two dust bath buckets for them but I feel so bad that they can't forage. I have been thinking of putting in a compost pile for them to scratch in. Whether I use it or not for my garden I feel they will be happier to search and scratch for bugs and worms. I know that it needs to be contained because they will make a mess. Anyone have thoughts on this?

Thanks
Connie

 

[Mutt Farm]

Howdy.you might already know this. Rather than compost in their run, You could plant an area to forage for them in the runs. I don't know the professional words, but I'll try to explain. Make a frame with 1X2, attach hardware cloth. Dig the compacted dirt, add good soil and whatever seeds. The chickens can eat the tasty growth and bugs but can't tear up the roots. If I bump, Someone will jump in with a link?

 

[Percheron chick]

A compost pile in the run is great entertainment as well as a good source of larvae and bugs. Build a raised bed frame and dump the goodies in there. They will fling it everywhere but they will speed up the process by months.

 

[Crs1]

I thought about putting in a foraging area, putting up a fence to keep them out while it grows but my mind says they will have that gone in no time! So I would have to re seed all the time? What do you mean not be able to tear up the roots? Is the frame placed on top of the soil and then seeded?
Thanks

 

[21hens-incharge]

https://preppingdays.wordpress.com/...ld-grazing-frames-for-your-backyard-chickens/

These would work nicely so long as you have a bit of space. It does not take much room to do this.

 

[Mutt Farm]

I thought about putting in a foraging area, putting up a fence to keep them out while it grows but my mind says they will have that gone in no time! So I would have to re seed all the time? What do you mean not be able to tear up the roots? Is the frame placed on top of the soil and then seeded?
Thanks

Yes. they would have that gone in no time. I'm not a good explainer. Yes, the frame is placed on the ground on top of the seeded soil. You plant good stuff in the run then cover it with a wire frame.

 

[Mutt Farm]

https://preppingdays.wordpress.com/...ld-grazing-frames-for-your-backyard-chickens/

These would work nicely so long as you have a bit of space. It does not take much room to do this.

YES! I knew someone would explain for me! TY @21hens-incharge @Crs1 this is what I meant.

 

[21hens-incharge]

I thought that was what you were trying to explain. I plan on doing this in the spring for mine. I think they will benefit from it.

 

[Crs1]

Wow I like that idea! Both compost and grazing frames will make them happy! Thanks so much!

 

[21hens-incharge]

Oh there are a lot of options for keeping them happy. There is the paddock system, one section in use one recovering and rotating them back and forth etc.
There is hanging cabbage but not to often in the run like a tether ball. The grazing frames or ones you plant then take in like in a wagon. Chickens are a hoot to try to keep busy. Always a fun thing to give them something new to figure out.