How do I entertain bored snowbound chickens

[CandaceAnnCrane]

This is my chickens first snow and they want no part of it. They are free range so its hen house or hen house if they don't come out because I don't feel safe leaving the door open, they would be sitting ducks if something got in the house. When I went down today they were like nope not going out so as I was feeding and watering them I noticed them starting to pick on each other. The bantams usually get the brunt of the big hens nastiness but today they couldn't even stand each other. My Brahma rooster was getting in all the laying boxes throwing the straw out, the two little ones were all over the place and the hens were just bored. What can I give them to entertain them on these snowy days without a battle breaking out? Luckily it doesn't snow a lot in Virginia so this wont be a constant thing.

 

[casportpony]

Welcome to BYC!

 

[aart]

I don't feel safe leaving the door open, they would be sitting ducks if something got in the house.

Isn't the door usually open when you free range?
How deep is the snow?
I shovel out part of the run near the pop door,
and then they can get under to coop for shelter from snowfall and most wind,
also spread a thin layer of straw on the ground so they feel more safe walking on it.

Knowing more about:
your flock size(numbers, ages, genders),
your coop(size in feet by feet with pics),
might offer clues for specific solutions.

 

[Chickens are the best]

I like to make my chickens some treats to peck at while they can't do anything else. Their favorite is a homemade flock block.

http://chefjsinclair.blogspot.com/2015/01/homemade-flock-block.html

 

[rjohns39]

Hi and welcome to BYC We're so happy you've decided to join us

 

[chickens really]

Hello...Why do you lock them inside ?.....Pop door should be open during the day...You Need a Run even though you free range..Chickens need room or behavioural issues start..A covered run works great...

 

[IdyllwildAcres]

This is my chickens first snow and they want no part of it. They are free range so its hen house or hen house if they don't come out because I don't feel safe leaving the door open, they would be sitting ducks if something got in the house. When I went down today they were like nope not going out so as I was feeding and watering them I noticed them starting to pick on each other. The bantams usually get the brunt of the big hens nastiness but today they couldn't even stand each other. My Brahma rooster was getting in all the laying boxes throwing the straw out, the two little ones were all over the place and the hens were just bored. What can I give them to entertain them on these snowy days without a battle breaking out? Luckily it doesn't snow a lot in Virginia so this wont be a constant thing.

How big is your coop? How many chickens?

Gary

 

[Runt of the Flock]

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/bored-birds.1215815/#post-19403423
here's my article about bored birds