Making run more entertaining

[Jlgonzo]

Our 8 chickens have a 8’ x 17’ covered run. It has a concrete floor with 3 to 4 inches of sand on it. It was built this way to keep predators out. As much as I would love them to free range, we have too many predators (Fox, coyote, bobcat, hawks, owls and raccoons). I am trying to figure out ways to engage them more to keep them happy. Any suggestions are appreciated.

 

[Buffy-the_EggLayer]

You're doing great, is it weatherproof?

 

[WhiteWyan]

Do they have a dust bath? Or you could offer some alfalfa hay.

 

[Jlgonzo]

Do they have a dust bath? Or you could offer some alfalfa hay.

Since the floor is sand, I was not sure if they need a separate bath as I used to see them bathe in the sand but now I don’t seem to see them doing it, but it is not like I watch them all day. I have thought about making a separate one with a mixture of sand potting soil and peat moss a we have those items for our garden.

 

[Jlgonzo]

You're doing great, is it weatherproof?

It has a roof on it. Should I do more? It is attached to their indoor coop.

 

[Buffy-the_EggLayer]

Which direction does the wind/rain normally go? We usually put tarps over the coop.

 

[JedJackson]

The run is looking good. I like WhiteWyan's ideas. A deeper tub filled with sand would make a good dust bath, and they do love to play around with alfalfa hay.

Putting things for them to hide behind or explore is always something they enjoy. Even weighted down cardboard boxes will do the trick on a temporary basis. Some chickens enjoy toys like balls, and just about all of them like to play with a head of cabbage suspended from the ceiling to a height just above their heads. It's good exercise for them.

 

[N F C]

That looks like a great run to me already!

If you want to do more, have you tried hanging an apple or cabbage for them to peck at? Some birds like a swing too (mine never have). I even read once of someone putting a kid's xylophone in their run for the flock to bang on.

 

[JedJackson]

It has a roof on it. Should I do more? It is attached to their indoor coop.

I think the OP was thinking there wasn't an indoor coop. Your set up looks great to me as is.

 

[Brahma Chicken5000]

Add more perches and don’t be afraid to make some a few feet off the ground. If you use the deep litter method in the run the birds will love scratching in it.