Hens are eating their coop!

[CookieChookie]

I just purchased a new coop for my Mum’s 6 hens. It has a slide out tray under where they roost for the night for easy cleaning. They like to hang out underneath the coop but 2 hens are pecking at the wood slats that hold the tray in place. They’ve already done a bit of damage and if they continue there’ll be nothing left to hold the aluminium tray up. How do I stop them from destroying the coop?

 

[featheredplanets]

They sound bored to me. Do they free range? How big is the coop and run? Have you spilled any food or drink on the wood at all? Can you see any mites or other bugs on the wood?

 

[CookieChookie]

They sound bored to me. Do they free range? How big is the coop and run? Have you spilled any food or drink on the wood at all? Can you see any mites or other bugs on the wood?

I let them out to free range every day just not first thing in the morning, which is when they’re eating the wood. No mites or food etc on it - coop is brand new. The run is massive. I removed the tray and wooden holder while they were free ranging yesterday and sprayed where they’ve been pecking with a mixture of water and lemon, bergamot and peppermint essential oils hoping that would deter them but at 6am I noticed one starting to peck at the wood again. Been watching them for 3 hours now and they haven’t gone back to it so hoping that worked. But if it hasn’t just wondering if there’s anything else I can put on the wood to deter them.

 

[FowlWitch]

I let them out to free range every day just not first thing in the morning, which is when they’re eating the wood. No mites or food etc on it - coop is brand new. The run is massive. I removed the tray and wooden holder while they were free ranging yesterday and sprayed where they’ve been pecking with a mixture of water and lemon, bergamot and peppermint essential oils hoping that would deter them but at 6am I noticed one starting to peck at the wood again. Been watching them for 3 hours now and they haven’t gone back to it so hoping that worked. But if it hasn’t just wondering if there’s anything else I can put on the wood to deter them.

Try placing something over the wood, such as fine mesh hardware cloth or a plastic sheet (just 2 examples). You want something they can't really eat

 

[CookieChookie]

Try placing something over the wood, such as fine mesh hardware cloth or a plastic sheet (just 2 examples). You want something they can't really eat

I’ve actually got pieces of old fly screen in the cupboard which I may be able to wrap around the slats. If it wasn’t for your suggestion I would never have remembered I’ve got fly screen stashed away. Thank you

 

[FowlWitch]

I’ve actually got pieces of old fly screen in the cupboard which I may be able to wrap around the slats. If it wasn’t for your suggestion I would never have remembered I’ve got fly screen stashed away. Thank you

I'm glad I was able to help

 

[chrissynemetz]

I agree, hardware cloth or screen over the slats might work. And you have some seriously hardcore chickens lol

 

[Chef JimmyJ]

Beat me to it. Was going to say ACE Hardware has Aluminum screen to repair damaged window screen. 10 feet is around $7...JJ

 

[CookieChookie]

I agree, hardware cloth or screen over the slats might work. And you have some seriously hardcore chickens lol

I know right! I’ve got a flock of mini feathered prehistoric monsters. You should see them when I bring out the mealworms. Sometimes I just throw the packet at them and run

 

[chrissynemetz]

I'm picturing that in my head, and I can totally relate!!