Pro - Does anyone else's nest boxes get soaked in rain?

[danb_1985]

Hi

 

I have a new coop and run being delivered Thursday and I'm new to all this. I have bough a coop that is big enough for 8 birds (I know not to go with this number). The run will be about 3m x 1m to start with. I am going to start with 3 hens and am having trouble narrowing it down to 3 I like as I like quite a few. I will be extending the run in a month or so to add 2 khaki Campbell ducks.

 

It hadn't occurred to me to really do anything with the run to keep the chickens occupied.

What do people have in their runs for their chickens to occupy them during the day?

 

I'm probably going to be on here a bit during set up so all advice welcome

[Cat tails]

Sand bath is always nice. Something for them to scratch in (sand, dirt, woodchip, aubiose, etc.) to keep them busy. Branches, logs or other wood for them to perch on. And you can always hang treats up in the run. (Bit of lettuce, cabbage, an apple etc.)

[danb_1985]

Yeah I was going to buy woodchip. I need to dig a load of shrubs out for the run. Is it worth leaving one in?

[mullethunter]

If you've got room I'd definitely leave a shrub in. They'll like it to dust bath under

[danb_1985]

If there's a small shrub I might leave it in. Will they get injured on thorns?

[danb_1985]

I've started clearing the area for the run. I've taken all shrubs out but some I've just cut right down so some branches sticking out to perch on. Also left some low weeds in for the chickens to chew and trample. Is that ok?