Ariella26 Posted June 1, 2012 Share Posted June 1, 2012 I've just been adding a bit of enrichment to the run before we collect our ladies tomorrow. It suddenly occurred to me whether any kind of log or branch is okay. The ones I've collected from a nearby park are a bit flaky in places and there's a bit of lichen and maybe even a tiny bit of miniature funghi growing. Is this safe or should I bin them and collect something else? Should perches be smooth for the chickens? We've built a little perching area for them using broom handles, but I wasn't sure if bigger perches from one side of the run to the other could be branches or would be better made from broom handles. I'm just hanging up a couple of old CD's onto some thick floristry wire. The woodchip is down and Stalosan F liberally sprinkled. Their dustbath is ready too. Just the cube to prepare now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jackian Posted June 1, 2012 Share Posted June 1, 2012 Congratulations and good luck It all sounds great.. they will love all the bugs in your logs etc., (the rougher the better) every so often turn logs over so they can nibble any bugs that collect underneath,Chickens will only eat anything that is safe and will turn their beaks up at anything suspect The broom handles will be fine but will take a couple of days for them to perch on them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ariella26 Posted June 1, 2012 Author Share Posted June 1, 2012 Thanks. I was a bit worried that if the wood got any mildew on it, any spores, etc, it could harm the hens. I'm going to be a worrier for a few weeks..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
angeluk69 Posted June 1, 2012 Share Posted June 1, 2012 ooo all those lovely bugs and mossy things...you seem to have found a veritable treasure trove for your new girls, you lucky thing. They will spend ages picking ang pecking at any little bugs and growths, and as has already been suggested turn them, not every day or anything, every now and then, gives the bugs a chance to settle into their new 'home'. I like to put down a couple of bricks for the bugs to climb under until I can build my WIR and then after a few days I move the bricks and the girls go mad. Well done Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wannabe smallholder Posted June 1, 2012 Share Posted June 1, 2012 Sounds good! Will be putting some nice bug collecting areas in our run too. Xxx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ariella26 Posted June 1, 2012 Author Share Posted June 1, 2012 Fantastic. I spotted a few woodlice when I was spreading about the woodchip. I'm sure the chickens will enjoy scratching about and finding these bug treats. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
