What's One Accessory That's Made Chicken Life Better?

[My Very First 6 Chickens]

So, you don't lock them in the coop at night in the warmer weather?

No, i do not lock them in coop during nice weather. The run is predator proof 100%; i think! I also do through inspections of the coop daily to make sure it has not been compromised. Apparently every meat eating creature wants a taste of my chickens! Good luck!

 

[My Very First 6 Chickens]

Exactly. Thats how we use our treats like that to. Had to
Confine mine for a few months due to hawks in my area.

I have the darned hawks too, thats why all our free range is done under extreme supervision

 

[Vicker]

I don't need supplemental lighting where I live. I don't buy them toys. They don't need anything like that. They have a big run to stay occupied, where they dig dust-bath holes, hunt for insects, eat grass, etc. I bought electric poultry netting many years ago to give them plenty of room to do what chickens love to do. It has held up well. For winter, my best friend is a heated water bucket. In summer, it's a misting hose and lots of shade. I've tried every kind of drinking water device and have settled on an open plastic dishpan. It holds a lot, doesn't leak out behind my back, is easy for them to access and easy to clean. Of course, I don't use an open container with the wee ones, for their safety.

 

[Anime2lover]

Treat foods should be limited to less than 10% of the chickens' diet -- which amounts to a tbs or so.

Giving them free choice fat and carbs is like feeding kids on chips and cake.

A really good "treat" is their regular feed wetted into an oatmeal-like consistency. They go nuts over it.



Better to enrich the environment than offer fatty or carb-heavy treat foods.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/a-cluttered-run.1323792/

Or, at least, make the boredom-buster treats something like a pile of garden weeds, a wedge of cabbage, a cucumber, etc.

Like I'd said already, all in moderation.

 

[Anime2lover]

I have the darned hawks too, thats why all our free range is done under extreme supervision

Agreed.

 

[Tami2]

Chickens are more likely to pick at each other if they're bored.. If they're plucking their own feathers there's something else going on.

Keep in mind that by offering too many treats like flock blocks, you're also lowering their protein intake which can lead to more feather picking. I pick up flock blocks maybe once a year, mostly to use if the birds are semi confined due to snow, or need to be fully confined to coop due to flooding, as that amount of confinement is definitely more upsetting to them.

Thank you! I will keep all of this in mind. That's why I'm here. To learn all I can from you all. To keep my chickies, happy & especially healthy!

 

[My Very First 6 Chickens]

Thank you! I will keep all of this in mind. That's why I'm here. To learn all I can from you all. To keep my chickies, happy & especially healthy!

You came to the right place Tami! Welcome and may your flock always thrive!!

 

[Tami2]

You came to the right place Tami! Welcome and may your flock always thrive!!

Thank you so much & the same to you & yours.

 

[Mrs. K]

It is funny, but it is when I am out with my girls (and boys) that I think why didn't I mention... milk jugs!

A gallon milk jug is an easy way to carry water to the coop all year long, even in cold weather, it does not slosh or spill. A gallon or less is easy to carry.

 

[Tami2]

No, i do not lock them in coop during nice weather. The run is predator proof 100%; i think! I also do through inspections of the coop daily to make sure it has not been compromised. Apparently every meat eating creature wants a taste of my chickens! Good luck!

Okay, so how long have you been doing it this way? I thought everyone locked them inside the coop at night. Again, I'm learning & trying to glean any & all information I can to make the best educated decisions for my girls. Thank you!