New Castle Disease

[Suzilla Bean]

I live in So Cal and my area is currently dealing with a wide outbreak of New Castle disease. We've been told that to ensure flock health we must keep our chickens in an enclosed run. My girls have grown up free range. One of the enclosed runs is 6X6 and will be for 3 large hens. The other is 6X3 for three bantam hens. Each run will have enough space for each flock. How do I train my chickens to live in an enclosed run? I've tried to keep them inside for a day, but feared that my neighbors were going to justifiably call in a noise complaint. Tammy's incessant howling is too much to deal with. What can I do?

 

[21hens-incharge]

Try distraction things while they learn to stay in a run.

Hang an Apple from a rope so they have to jump a bit to peck it.
Add an old tree stump for them to play king of the hill on.
Place a dusting area in the run.....mine like peat moss mixed with top soil. A simple wood frame or old tire work well to hold the material.

A 6x6 run is still a tight space for them to remain calm in. If you can add onto it they won't object.