Free range to a huge chicken run

[Coopcheney]

Is it normal for my ladies to act like I put them in prison? I had a 60 foot long x 10 feet wide run made since they were getting stalked by hawks….but so far they seem pissed and annoyed. I completely understand from free ranging on an acre but I want them to be protected. Will they eventually get used to the run? I do let them out when I am outside with them. They squawk most of the day like let me out lady!!

 

[SmiYa0126]

How long have they been in the run? Have you put some strategic clutter in it for them?

 

[Mrs. K]

It will get better, just ignore it. It doesn't hurt them a bit. They just hate change. The day will come when you do let them out, and they will be WHAT - YOU want me to go WHERE??

 

[Perris]

they would rather be free than protected (like the people in I, Robot).

 

[Coopcheney]

How long have they been in the run? Have you put some strategic clutter in it for them?

They have perches and a dust bath. I am open to ideas on what I can put in there to help them have fun!

 

[SmiYa0126]

They have perches and a dust bath. I am open to ideas on what I can put in there to help them have fun!

Can you post pictures?

I have a bench on its side, multiple height perches, a bucket with a lid on it, and a short table my hubs built for them. I also add mulch, leaves, weeds into the run, pile it up so they have fun digging through it. I have two feeders for heads of lettuce, herbs, and b nut squash, cucumbers.

 

[wrathsfarm]

They have perches and a dust bath. I am open to ideas on what I can put in there to help them have fun!

Flock Block? Bail of hay?
Hang a head of cabbage/lettuce/cauliflower just over their head to jump and peck?
Wheelbarrow loads of dirt/leaves/grass clippings?


Get them a Roo? Prolly more his enjoyment than the girls.

 

[fluffycrow]

Get them a Roo? Prolly more his enjoyment than the girls.

Pff

 

[aart]

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/a-cluttered-run.1323792/

 

[SueT]

I had to do the same after a hawk attack killed a free ranging hen. The difference for me was that the flock saw the hen get killed. They didn’t want to go back out. That was 3 yrs ago. Now most of the flock is young enuf that they’ve never been out. I’ve added annexes to the run, with rotational capabilities, so that there is always something new to offer.
Yours will get used to it.