What can I add to my run?

[SummerTheAnimalGirl]

Hello!

My flock used to be free range, and then just recently we unfortunately lost a few to predators. So we are going to have to keep them in a run for a while. We now have 10 hens in a 130 square feet run. They are quite bored and Frantic to get out, they have never had ti be locked up before. So I was wondering what else can I add to my run to make it more interesting and engaging? I have a dust bath, perches, a swing, logs and sticks, things for them to hide behind and Under ETC.

Thanks all for your help!

 

[Auntiejessi3]

Hello!

My flock used to be free range, and then just recently we unfortunately lost a few to predators. So we are going to have to keep them in a run for a while. We now have 10 hens in a 130 square feet run. They are quite bored and Frantic to get out, they have never had ti be locked up before. So I was wondering what else can I add to my run to make it more interesting and engaging? I have a dust bath, perches, a swing, logs and sticks, things for them to hide behind and Under ETC.

Thanks all for your help!

Rake up a big ol pile of leaves and throw them in there, that'll keep them entertained for a while. Or just rearrange things, then it would be like a whole new place for them to explore.

 

[3KillerBs]

I second the pile of fall leaves.

Or a bale of straw with one tie cut.

 

[Ridgerunner]

They are quite bored and Frantic to get out,

In what way frantic? All off them, just a few, or just one? Could one or some be hiding a nest and are desperate to go there to lay an egg? Maybe one or some need to be retrained to ay in the coop?

Also, what does bored look like?

One thing chickens like to do is to perch. Sounds like you have that covered.

They like to scratch. What do you have in that run, dirt or some kind of bedding? Build a compost pile in the run. Dumping in a pile of leaves is a good idea, you might have some in Maine this time of the year. If you out a small bale of straw or hay in there and remove the string or wire, they will scratch it to pieces.

 

[SmiYa0126]

Yes, or a pile of mulch and stir some mealworms and some scratch into it.

I'm sorry about your predator issue. It's the pits!

 

[SummerTheAnimalGirl]

Thank you all so much for your help! I really appreciate it. I will definitely use your ideas!

 

[SummerTheAnimalGirl]

Yes, or a pile of mulch and stir some mealworms and some scratch into it.

I'm sorry about your predator issue. It's the pits!

Thank you so much! Great idea. And haha, yeah it sure is

 

[SmiYa0126]

Can you post pictures? Do you have perches near sunny spots? Mine love to preen in the sun.

 

[SummerTheAnimalGirl]

In what way frantic? All off them, just a few, or just one? Could one or some be hiding a nest and are desperate to go there to lay an egg? Maybe one or some need to be retrained to ay in the coop?

Also, what does bored look like?

One thing chickens like to do is to perch. Sounds like you have that covered.

They like to scratch. What do you have in that run, dirt or some kind of bedding? Build a compost pile in the run. Dumping in a pile of leaves is a good idea, you might have some in Maine this time of the year. If you out a small bale of straw or hay in there and remove the string or wire, they will scratch it to pieces.

Thank you so much for your reply! It is greatly appreciated.

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.

Yes the other day I actually found a nest with five eggs in it! She started out laying in the coop, and then after a few weeks or laying she started laying in the woods. She isn’t really the one who is wanting to get out very badly. How would I train her to lay in the coop? I have some fake eggs in there right now.

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?

Once again your help is very appreciated!

 

[SummerTheAnimalGirl]

Can you post pictures? Do you have perches near sunny spots? Mine love to preen in the sun.

Oh yes! I will post pictures right now. I am still working on adding some perches but I have a couple.