Unsecure chicken perches

[stephent]

Everytime the hens see us in the garden, or through the kitchen window, they make a fair bit of noise to get our attention and pace up and down the run. Its probably because they want corn as a treat, but also boredom and want to be let out.

 

What can we do to entertain them in the run? We have woodchip down for them to forage in at the moment.

[chicken bark]

You could try adding a perch. Letting them have a football to kick about (although mine ignored it). Hanging a whole cabbage or similar will give them something healthy to peck at and should last a while.

 

Luckily mine free range all the time so I don't have to worry too much. Although mine did like it when I put a bench in their area. It was for me to sit on but they use it instead.

[Roobaloo]

Don't feel too sorry for them just yet...

 

Mine have been playing that card for weeks now...and it's been working. They've been spoilt with hanging veg, shiny toys, things to perch on...and they still shout and pace the fence.

 

...Yet as soon as I'm out of sight, they're merrily scratching around...jumping on and off the up-turned plant pots...and in and out the 'dirt patch/dust bath'.

 

They're beginning to get used to the new routine that I don't equal play/snack time now!!

[oneyolktoanother]

mine do exactly the same and when i snaeak upstairs to look out of the window there happly playing away!!

[Lulabellx1]

If you can find an old hollow bit of wood/log you can stuff a bannana inside it and that will keep them entertained for a while.

 

Also, those dog toys. It's a ball with holes all over it, you put the food inside and they have to roll the ball around to get the tasty treats to come out.

 

Frozen cranberries too! You can sprinkle them in amoungst the woodchip and they will have to dig and scratch to find them.

 

Mirrors and old CD's hung up in their run. They will chase the suns reflection around as it moves.

 

Lots of childrens toys can keep hens happy too. Go down the charity shop and see what you can find. Anything that lights up with pressy buttons they will love. Baby toys that are very simple, as long as they are durable ones!!

 

Hope that helps, if I think of anymore I'll pop back x

[greyhoundgirl]

Wow I was just wondering how to keep my girls entertained and found this. You guys are so helpful. I'm thinking of renaming Babs 'Darth' because of the way she stomps up and down the fence. Darth and her Stormtroopers has a certain ring about it.

 

I invested in the Omlet fencing and it's really been worth it. The Girls can FR but only where I want them too so the plants and veggies are safe!

So after reading the advice scattered on the forum I think this is the list:-

half a cabbage for them to peck at, a wire ball stuffed with veggies, fruit etc, CD's hung up, a ball, a water squirter so that they don't get aggressive when I have food. Any other ideas very, very welcome please.

[Plum]

Has anyone mentioned a dustbath.