Is it cruel to have chickens if they can't free range?

[6chickens in St. Charles]

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Plus they can say, "yes we have chickens (but not really, they're BANTIES)"

 

[chickmashnoon]

That's exactly what my husband said when I wanted some banties "Those aren't REAL chickens"

they sure poop like one.

 

[ChickInDelight]

For all animals, they do fine if they start out confined, but you never want to take an animal accustomed to freedom and then start confining them.

 

[eds500]

My enclosed run is 10' x 10' however whenever I'm working in the yard or can keep an eye on the hens, I'll let them roam in the movable play yard. The play yard is plastic construction mesh fencing held up by plastic electric fence posts. I got both at an agri supply store. The beauty is that I can move the play yard to new parts of the yard and it's removable for when you don't want to see it. I've used the orange fence since it's what's readily available but it's available in a dozen colors. I've got about $25 in the whole set up for 50' of fencing and 8 posts. It's nice to put the hens in when I'm cleaning the run. Usually I have it attached to the structure of the run but you can have it separate from the run. I don't since I don't want to herd them to and from.

 

[TheSpiceGirls]

They'll certainly be happier than those commercial egg laying hens that are confined to tiny cages all their life.

Keep it interesting in there for them. Logs to perch on. Treats. I grow black oiled sun flowers in the summer, cut the heads and dry them for this time of the year. I'll take one and a metal spike and spike it to the ground so it doesn't flip over and they work at that all day long.

You can buy a treat ball or wire cage and pack it with spinach or other treats that they can work at. They'll be okay. Just try to do things to keep their world interesting.

Oh, a big pile of leaves spiked with meal worms or seeds will provide HOURS of entertainment for them.

 

[pokemonshop]

WELL that is not cruel but they lay better free ranging

 

[Beekissed]

Really? Since I've never really had confined flocks, I wouldn't know about the laying efficacy of chicken confined to runs, but I don't believe I've ever heard that it affects laying ability. Could you explain the theory behind that?

 

[6chickens in St. Charles]

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Oooh you have the BEST ideas. I think I better secure some dry leaves in my covered run so I can do that with crickets and mealworms, OMG they'll be so happy!

I usually hang dandelion greens which I can purchase at the Meijer grocery store all winter. I know some people hang cabbages. Hang a little too high so they have to get creative to reach it, but also put an easy snack out, too, like a stack of apples on a stick in the ground. Partially peeled.

Somebody posted last year that they played movies on an old tv for their chickens on the coldest, boringest days. I may try that.

 

[Desirai]

Wow.. movies? Do any of you have chickens that like to watch tv?

 

[6chickens in St. Charles]

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Ms. Roaster waiting patiently for her favorite music videos. She luurved

and anything with Mahalia Jackson. She'd just fluff up and cock her head and smile, she really enjoys youtube.