What to do with open space

[Ryan James]

i have a 6ftx5ft open area in my rum it is 5-6 foot tall. I feel like it is wasted space and would like to put a few toys/vertical devices to help them pass the time during the long dark Alaska winter. I don't want to take up all the area. Or should I just leave it open. Any ideas or advice would help

 

[Pork Pie]

I'd be inclined to install objects that can be suspended from the roof, so as not to take up any ground space. A perch, may also be worth considering

 

[cmom]

Maybe a flock block (seed block) with lots of good things in it for the birds to peck at. Also maybe hang a head of lettuce for them to peck at. A chickens favorite pastime is pecking at things and probably dust bathing.

 

[Ryan James]

Maybe a flock block (seed block) with lots of good things in it for the birds to peck at. Also maybe hang a head of lettuce for them to peck at. A chickens favorite pastime is pecking at things and probably dust bathing.

Our chickens have a lot of free range time and do a lot of dust bathing. What is the best option for making a dust bathing area in the run for the winter or is a good amount of DE in the straw good enough

 

[aart]

I would definitely get a bin of whatever dirt they usually dust bathe in before it freezes.
I have a 1' x 2' x 10" bin that I keep in the coop in case their under-coop area locks up.