Screeching really loud

[Granny Hatchet]

I doubt its the leaf of the hosta they want but the slugs that hide under them. I have wild polk weed growing in my yard and I used to break a branch off and let them pick off it. Hanging a cabbage head in there. Make them work for their treats.

 

[Jurassic Wolf]

the second I let them out they go over and have a feast on the leaves. It's adorable, but there is a super shaded spot behind my shed that they love to go for bugs

 

[Granny Hatchet]

ahh, so is it possible they have your # ? You let them out when they make a racket ? Chickens are not dumb as I once thought.

 

[Jurassic Wolf]

That's what I was thinking, but I try to only go out once they're quiet. Which is like a 20 second time gap lol

 

[PirateGirl]

I usually let them out for 1-2 hours a day, and they love playing in hostas. Should I try to plant hostas in their coop or should I just put the leaves in their coop?

I think this is the cause of the screaming. They have gotten used to the routine of being let out for part of the day. Now they want you to let them out (whether it's time for this or not). They now associate you with being let out.

Maybe try mixing it up so that they go out at different times on different days. Or maybe routine will calm them where they go out at the exact same time every day. I don't have the answer to get them to stop screaming, but I suspect it's related to the being let out (or not).

 

[Granny Hatchet]

That's what I was thinking, but I try to only go out once they're quiet. Which is like a 20 second time gap lol

LOL Only thing I could suggest then is ear plugs.

 

[Jurassic Wolf]

Lol ok thanks

 

[Granny Hatchet]

I guess I would add to that Be thankful its not guinea fowl or peafowl. They go nuts when you even move a stick in the yard and are very vocal.

 

[MROO]

Also someone said I should make hiding spots and stuff like that, would they like it if I planted a small bush? The run is only 3 ft tall

If you plant the bush on the outside of the run, they'll still benefit from the shade and hiding spots, and the branches & leaves will grow inside, giving them something to eat, as well. When I can stay organized and on top of my garden, I plant herb seeds or small seedlings in low pots or plant trays. I cover the top of the pot with hardware cloth and let the plants grow through the grid. When I rotate them through the run, the birds can eat down the tops but not dig up the roots. As they wear down, I switch out with another pot and let the first one grow again for a few weeks. I've had three going at once, which gave the birds about two days, once a week, with fresh stuff to dig around in ... and they loved it! I wish I'd planned ahead for that, this year. I didn't, so we're relying on the $1 table at the local Amish market to keep over-ripe melons and such in the run. It's getting expensive, but they love it!

 

[chrissynemetz]

And to add to what everyone else has said.... some chickens just like to make noise. A lot of noise. All the time....