Cute little red coop and runAgain, Wyorp, thanks so much for your suggestions. They really help. We will get an additional perch in the coop. As you can see in the photo there's not a lot of additional space but I think another short perch can be squeezed in. Will do the same in the run.
We've heard of keeping treats/items of interest in the coop during the winter to alleviate boredom. Guess we had avoided doing all the time but guess that pertains mostly to treats. They really loved it when we hung lettuce, will pour it on! Also going to dump a load of last falls leaves into the run!
Here's photos of the coop/run if you have any other comments.
THANKS!!!
Since you have a covered run space, you could hang your fruit/veggies outside. I have also used suet baskets (attached to the fencing) - pack the basket full of kale, lettuce, greens, etc. They have to work for it, but you have enough area there to put 2 suet baskets (maybe more) this will spread the girls out so they don't get on each others' nerves.
Dumping in some leaves are a good idea, make sure they are dry and haven't molded/mildewed (that can cause some problems). I took my own advice yesterday and raked up a heaping wheelbarrow of pine needles and dumped them in my run. The flock was busy all day. Scatter a few Sunflower seeds/scratch (whatever treat you give) over the leaves/pine needles, the next day, the scratch will somewhat disappear and they will have another day of digging for goodies. I usually rake the pine needles up in piles every few days and then rake up mounds of dirt in their run, they have fun digging back through and dust bathing.
Even if your space is small, just get creative. Hopefully a few of these things will keep them busier and possibly relieve a little stress. Sometimes just changing things up and adding something new (leaves) will make a huge difference.
The biggest thing I have found is on really cold windy days, my flock does spend quite a bit of time in the coop - having room has been a blessing, they (so far) have gotten along well inside, but I usually toss in some scratch or chopped kale over the bedding, so they have something to do. I looked in the other day I have a couple that are molting - it was really cold and windy, all the girls were snuggled around the rooster (he was in the middle of the girls) I think they were taking a nap
I hope all goes well. Please keep us posted your Buff's progress.
