mrsatroy Posted August 6, 2012 Share Posted August 6, 2012 In anticipation of my girls arrival in 2 weeks I was just wondering what do people provide in their runs for entertainment if the hens can't FR all day? And also do people provide an external nesting bar and if so what do they use? I have with 3m run. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zakjon-98 Posted August 6, 2012 Share Posted August 6, 2012 Food is often the best way to keep chickens entertained. Hanging up a cabbage is a good idea as greens in their diet give the egg yolks a good colour as well as keeping them busy. Mine also like swede, I skewer them on something similar to a omlet run peg and these generally last longer. Some people hang up CD's in the run so the hens can see their reflection although I have not tried this. Good luck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
good_egg Posted August 6, 2012 Share Posted August 6, 2012 We have a similar set up and let the girls out to FR (well, in the netting at the mo) in the evening and at weekend. So far ours seem to entertain each other and love having a wee dust bath in the easibed or digging to Australia! I tend to find variety is the spice of life and have been sticking various food stuff in - bit had the girls that long so not an expert. I think they get entertained/spoilt by all our neighbours coming to talk to them during the day anyway! I put a Tupperware of yoghurt mixed with their food and some mealworms in this morning and spent this evening trying to find where they had buried it. Usually we hang a cabbage, sweet corn etc when they haven't got out - ours only eat cooked corn and I find a run peg very useful for hanging! Have stopped hanging anything too hard at moment as Coco has chipped the end of her beak - I seriously think I am trying to cram all chicken experiences in at the beginning! Some people have very funky set ups with ikea shoe racks and stuff - look fab! Think I may have to get more inspired! Hubby did stick a wheelbarrow in our netting at the weekend to give them some shelter - previous (misguided) attempts with an umbrella have not worked! Have fun entertaining your girls and keep us posted with what you've opted for! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daxigirl Posted August 7, 2012 Share Posted August 7, 2012 I've got things like a chimney pot on it's side, ikea racks and a chair, perches poked through the wire width ways for height, bird bath bases, sand bath, and then the usual food hentertainment things like swing sweet corn & cabbage. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
savena5630 Posted August 7, 2012 Share Posted August 7, 2012 For an external perch, I have put 2 bamboo sticks (available from most garden stores) through the eglu run, my chickens love to perch on them during the day! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
