enrichment/enclosure for indoor setup (plants,toys, etc)

[Mother of Chaos]

Thanksgiving will be a mini trial run for my chickens being on their own. Just two nights, but I’ll fill the treadle feeder full, top off the two 10-gallon waterer and put a big bowl of wet mash and fruit out. I’m sure they won’t like the disruption in routine, but we live in a place that isn’t convenient for someone to stop by. The real finagling will come next fall when we take a long trip - I’m still working on he logistics of that! Fortunately, the coop is open to a secure run and deep bedding, so clean up is a non-issue.

My big concern with travel is that they want to be released from the run into the semi-protected chicken yard during the day, but we only do when we’re at home and can respond to problems or emergencies. We’re generally indoors from ~noon until 4:00, so we’re not Johnny-on-the-spot, but I’m uneasy with them being out alone from 7:00 am - 8:00 pm.

 

[Appalachickens]

My big concern with travel is that they want to be released from the run into the semi-protected chicken yard during the day, but we only do when we’re at home and can respond to problems or emergencies. We’re generally indoors from ~noon until 4:00, so we’re not Johnny-on-the-spot, but I’m uneasy with them being out alone from 7:00 am - 8:00 pm.

Yeah, I wouldn’t do that either. Mine free range only when I’m not working so I can check on them periodically. But they’ve got 168 SF of coop/run with lots of places to scratch and perch so they seem pretty content on days they can’t range.

 

[Ruffled Feathers Studio]

Yikes.

Why yikes? Genuinely? My birds are in great health according to all my vets, and very happy, not a single sign of stress, how can that possibly be bad? I don’t understand? I do everything right, I’ve invented ways to do better for them, and yet that’s wrong?

I’m even following more natural cycles than anyone else by not housing them with others year-round.

I don’t see you commenting on posts where quail live 1sqft a bird in a wire-bottomed cage with absolutely nothing to do, so why me? Does it just amuse you? Because I don’t care what anyone says, I don’t need validation, I know what I’m doing is right by the actions of my birds, and I want others to at least know of these methods so they can utilize them, I wish I knew all of this when I started.

clarification please. I'm not attacking you or your response. I agree I see many bird keepers that their coops are not something a chicken or quail would choose to live in. Reality is these birds are all natural foragers. never staying in on place very long, & always on the move. so clean housing is crucial. I have a question. All your vets? how often do your vets see your birds? Are the vet visits related to showing & exhibiting? Quail, chickens, pheasants etc... all are ground birds, not unlike people, all have different requirements, preferences and needs. trying to figure it all out is challenging for sure.

 

[Love my life]

I’m a first time chicken owner and thank God for the ability to take lessons learned from these experienced chicken owners! All last winter I read, studied and took many notes so I could have a successful chicken experience.
Initially I was hoping to get my chicks in May but learned it took 6 months from order to receiving my girls. So I ordered them quickly to get them by August which turned out better because after raising them in our sizable shed, I was thankful they weren’t in the house. (Pew) I realize 1 chicken verses many is not the same odor wise however to give them a true experience of chicken living really should be done outdoors!
I’m sure you’d make yours as happy as you know how and good luck to you and your chick

 

[Appalachickens]

clarification please. I'm not attacking you or your response. I agree I see many bird keepers that their coops are not something a chicken or quail would choose to live in. Reality is these birds are all natural foragers. never staying in on place very long, & always on the move. so clean housing is crucial. I have a question. All your vets? how often do your vets see your birds? Are the vet visits related to showing & exhibiting? Quail, chickens, pheasants etc... all are ground birds, not unlike people, all have different requirements, preferences and needs. trying to figure it all out is challenging for sure.

I don't think the person (WildNectarine) you're asking is still active on this site.

I agree about the importance of allowing birds to forage if at all possible. They need to be able to have their feet on real ground just like we do, and are designed to be out there finding bugs, plants, etc. Yesterday I watched one of mine nab a vole and there was much excitement in the flock as they chased her around before she ate it.