Water Gun Vs The Bully

[NatalieP]

Yes 6×4, my apologies. Here's the run today

Any suggestions on how to spruce it up? I read about the hiding spaces thing but haven't incorporated it yet for her.

 

[black_cat]

Yes 6×4, my apologies. Here's the run today

View attachment 2361710

View attachment 2361712

Any suggestions on how to spruce it up? I read about the hiding spaces thing but haven't incorporated it yet for her.

A pallet leaned against a wall could work quite well. You want to break the line of sight, but not make any dead ends for them to get trapped in.

 

[MarkJr]

Solid piece from bottom of coop to ground with two or three chicken widths on each side would be a good start. Food and water each side of wall.

 

[MarkJr]

My run, for example.
I free range, this run exists only to force eggs back into nest boxes.

 

[aart]

Any suggestions on how to spruce it up? I read about the hiding spaces thing but haven't incorporated it yet for her.

Good ideas for hiding places:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/a-cluttered-run.1323792/

 

[NatalieP]

Thank you all so much!! Definitely will be picking up some pallets!

We live in the city with a small backyard that doesnt have a proper fence on all sides. Free ranging unsupervised isnt really an option. What would have been the best square footage for the run here?

 

[MarkJr]

10 sqft per bird minimum. 4-5 sqft coop.

 

[aart]

What would have been the best square footage for the run here?

10 sqft per bird minimum. 4-5 sqft coop.

Technically she has a bit more than that for her 5 birds...but the birds behaviors tells the tale.
Taking out the injured bird then putting her back may have caused the issues.
But some birds are just viscous.
Pinless peepers on the bullies might be a better solution here.
Or removing the bully(ies), at least short term to see what happens, might also help.

 

[MarkJr]

Removing the bullies in this case would force them to establish pecking order again correct?