Just threw wheat straw in run, they love it...

[trunkman]

I decided to take a bale of wheat straw and break it up into 6 inch slivers and threw it about the fenced in chicken enclosure, the flock immediately started to tear the bail slivers apart by scratching at them and were cooing like crazy. They were after the wheat seeds that were missed by the seeder or whatever you call it. Having 39 chickens I will throw one bale in the run every week to give them something to do and to build up the compost that will follow. I also will soak the bales with water about two weeks before I throw it in the run so the leftover seeds in the bale have a chance to sprout so they have something to forage for which I've done in the past, it noticed it kept them busy for a couple days, they love it. Anyone else have ideas on how to keep them busy and content?

 

[mariel37]

Oh - that sounds really great! Do you get wheat straw at a local feed store - with hay, etc.?

 

[nanawendy]

Isn't that fun.... My DH took lots of time one day spreading the straw around... I asked "what are you doing?" he said he was trying to replicate what I had done the month before. I had to laugh... I had fun letting him know it was the girls that had such great technique ... I just put out the bale, cut off the binding and let them have @ it.

 

[mariel37]

BUT ... he gets a gold star for effort and intention!