Wanting out of the run!!!

[Miss Lydia]

Heres the link to treats for chickens. https://www.backyardchickens.com/web/viewblog.php?id=2593-Treats_Chart

 

[True Grit]

Another idea might be to get them some electric poultry netting and move it around in the yard like a pen, not truly free but pretty safe except from flying predators.

 

[nuchickontheblock]

I would set up a dirt bathing area for them -- that always makes them happy (and healthy) and gives them something to do. You could either surround the area with a wood frame, or use a plastic tub. that will occupy a couple of them at a time. Also, if you put it in the sun, they could also do some sun bathing!

 

[ChickInDelight]

I like the playground idea. Mine free-range, but seem attracted to whatever junk is in the yard. The farm chickens here have quite an assortment of perches and hidaways in their area.

 

[stcroixusvi]

Ours spend a lot of time roosting outside on branches we nailed to the run. They fly and hop up. Here's a photo:

 

[Ole rooster]

I would let them out an hour before bedtime. They won't go far in an hour and they will come home.

 

[jomoncon]

Try hanging a cabbage on the run. I take a whole head of cabbage, run a stiff wire through it & hang it on a string from the roof of the run. They'll have fun with it for about an hour - that's how long it takes my 8 girls to eat the entire head.

This pic was not in the run, but they love it in the run just as much.

 

[WriterChick]

Great ideas!!! My girls also want out of the run, so I'm going to start building a "chicken playground" and such as outlined here.

 

[Mommysongbird]

Thank for all the great ideas and I hope they bennefit others as well.

I will think about letting them out just before bedtime, but not sure. I am just really affraid that they will get into the periwinkle before I can get to them since our yard is not very big.