Introduction of a former flock juvenile that needed to be seperated

[rosemarythyme]

The run space is really bare, so make sure to give the clutter article aart linked a read, as clutter plus some extra feeders will help reduce any fighting over resources (space, food) once you're ready to try letting her interact with the others again.

 

[4paws1983]

The run space is really bare, so make sure to give the clutter article aart linked a read, as clutter plus some extra feeders will help reduce any fighting over resources (space, food) once you're ready to try letting her interact with the others again.

Rosemarythyme, the pics sent are not the most recent. They were taken as the work was in progress. We have added a feed/water station, bench, stumps, etc. I do agree that they need more "hiding" spots, roosts,and possibly an additional feed station?
Anyone have any ideas of what more to add?
We don't want it to be cluttered.

 

[Mrs. K]

Well actually, you chickens do want it to be cluttered. It gives them more interest in the run, they can get a bit of sun or shade, they can get out of sight or away from other chickens. And it is easier to tuck an extra feed station so that if a bird is eating at one station, they cannot see who is eating at another.

A bare open run is rather boring. Every chicken can see every other chicken 100% of the time, which can cause pecking order issues.

Things to add:

• pallets leaned against a wall, or up on cement blocks so that birds can get under or on top.
• ladders, saw horses or chairs
• boxes, or totes on their sides - offers a bit of wind protection, or a place to stick a feed bowl
• small pieces of plywood, set up like a mini wall, where a bird can get out of sight, works well kitty corner to a corner

Mrs K

 

[rosemarythyme]

Rosemarythyme, the pics sent are not the most recent. They were taken as the work was in progress. We have added a feed/water station, bench, stumps, etc. I do agree that they need more "hiding" spots, roosts,and possibly an additional feed station?
Anyone have any ideas of what more to add?
We don't want it to be cluttered.

Those all sound good. A few roosts are a good addition - they use up vertical space, which is often overlooked. I often find about half the flock up and half on the ground while they stand around having a mass grooming session.

I also use the clutter to break up feeding areas, the pink Xs on here are spots where food bowl might end up on any given day (I put out 3-5 a day, depending). Keeps the flock moving around and gives everyone lots of opportunity to eat no matter where they are in the pecking order: