What can I add to my run?

[Isadora]

Since it's a new thing for them to be confined, it will take them a while to get used to it, no matter how many distractions you provide. Try to be patient.

 

[Shabby Chic-Hens]

I once put one of the little cat balls (make sure it doesn't have a bell, or is closed up so they can't eat the little thing inside it).they loved that. sometimes grocery stores will give you free vedgies or bread that's past date. my chickens enjoyed that very much. you should also buy a cat laser. chickens will go nuts with those.

 

[Ridgerunner]

Well they have definitely calmed down a lot today. But they pace against all the walls, and as soon as I open the door they try to fly out. Also whenever I walk by they get very noisy.

I agree, just be patient.

How would I train her to lay in the coop? I have some fake eggs in there right now.

Don't let her out where she could return to her old nest so she has to lay somewhere in the coop or run. Remove all eggs in that nest un the woods. It takes a while to break that old habit, I'd want to keep her locked in there at least a week and two weeks might be better.

If she does establish a nest somewhere in there that you don't want her to lay get back and we can chat.

Could I possibly sprinkle some of there food in the pile? Would they be able to find it?

You can if it is pellets but I would not. They will probably not find all of it and it could attract mice or rats. That's why I did not mention food earlier as a boredom buster. Any "treats" you give them has the potential to attract mice if the chickens don't clean it up.

That said, I toss kitchen wastes and garden excess in my run. Yeah, do as I say not as I do. I have mice in that area anyway, even without chickens. I trap them and feed them to the chickens to try to keep the numbers under control. I don't think the way I do it makes the mice situation any worse but I don't want to encourage someone to let mice get established.

 

[lori_smith99]

I second the pile of fall leaves.

Or a bale of straw with one tie cut.

I had NO idea that this would be so entertaining. I threw a bale in their run just so I didn't have to walk out to the shed and man they love it. I have just left it there for them to explore

 

[NatJ]

Right now I just have a dirt floor. Leaves are a wonderful idea, thank you! Could I possibly sprinkle some of there food in the pile? Would they be able to find it?

I would not bother. As they scratch through the leaves, they will find many tiny things to eat anyway, and that is enough to keep them happily scratching and searching through the leaves.

It's easier to just leave the feed in the feeder.

 

[Jasfarm]

It is getting a bit cold now, but I love making them frozen treats in the summer. Keeps them occupied for a little bit! Cooler weather I will take the chicken treat ball or a water bottle. Cut some holes and add scratch. They love it!

 

[aart]

Food as a 'boredom' buster is not a good idea, IMO.

Here's some ideas for their 'enrichment':
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/a-cluttered-run.1323792/

Curious as to what your plans are for snow load on top of the run?