gavclojak Posted November 22, 2015 Share Posted November 22, 2015 I had a little move around in the enclosure today and moved the big plastic under bed storage on wheels that is filled with compost that the girls use as a dust bath to another part of the run and added a bale od straw....oh the joy and pleasure, they have spent the last two hours jumping, pecking, hiding and generally having a wonderful time with it. Even my oldest arthritic girl Barbara has been on top having a little snooze. Although they have perches and logs I thought it might be a little warmer for her to rest on rath r than the floor. The best £3-50 I have spent this week Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mullethunter Posted November 22, 2015 Share Posted November 22, 2015 big plastic under bed storage on wheels that is filled with compost that the girls use as a dust bath Why didn't I think of that?! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gavclojak Posted November 22, 2015 Author Share Posted November 22, 2015 big plastic under bed storage on wheels that is filled with compost that the girls use as a dust bath Why didn't I think of that?! Honestly it's perfect, it's big enough for no squabbling, has a lid if you don't have a dry area and not too deep:)) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chickabee Posted November 23, 2015 Share Posted November 23, 2015 Was it a whole big bale of straw? That would be a lot of straw. It's a great idea, you could throw some corn in for added interest, or mealworms. I'd like to do it, but every time I buy a bale of straw it makes a terrible mess in my car Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mullethunter Posted November 23, 2015 Share Posted November 23, 2015 Just pop an old sheet or piece of polythene in the boot first Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gavclojak Posted November 24, 2015 Author Share Posted November 24, 2015 Yes it was a whole bale and they are still loving it, flora sits on top dragging bits out and popping it in her back feathers. I was on the way back from shopping in Bluewater and passed a stable so thought they might like it....OH was less than impressed as he had just he the car cleaned but wasn't too bad I have popped it in their "play" area. It's where they have the dust bath and tyre filled with compost and auboise Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chickabee Posted November 24, 2015 Share Posted November 24, 2015 Mm just had a look. Think a whole one might be a bit of a squeeze, but they could have half and save half for later. Thanks for the tip Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chickabee Posted November 27, 2015 Share Posted November 27, 2015 Got some, and some very happy girls Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gavclojak Posted November 27, 2015 Author Share Posted November 27, 2015 Got some, and some very happy girls Are they loving it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chickabee Posted November 27, 2015 Share Posted November 27, 2015 They are Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grandmashazzie Posted November 30, 2015 Share Posted November 30, 2015 I got some today,mine are giving it a wide berth,hopefully they'll take more interest tomorrow. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gavclojak Posted December 1, 2015 Author Share Posted December 1, 2015 I got some today,mine are giving it a wide berth,hopefully they'll take more interest tomorrow. Maybe your posh girls expect something a little more upmarket, like a bale of hay not common old straw My ladies are still loving it, Barbara was snuggled up against it yesterday while the new girls pottered around on top Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grandmashazzie Posted December 1, 2015 Share Posted December 1, 2015 you're prob right. A mink coat perhaps. They are definitely to posh to lay eggs,that's for sure! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luvachicken Posted December 1, 2015 Share Posted December 1, 2015 Just pop an old sheet or piece of polythene in the boot first Better still is an old duvet cover Just chuck the bale inside - still makes a mess in the garden though when you take it out. Have you left the bale intact or shuffled it about ? Mine have a mini bale that is still tightly packed with the tape stuff but I was wondering if they would like it broken up to peck about in. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chickabee Posted December 1, 2015 Share Posted December 1, 2015 I pinched some from the stables where I ride, and yes they said a duvet cover is a good idea. Mines not a whole bale. If you're considering cutting the twine, you should think about taking some of the straw away and storing it. It's really compressed in those bales and springs to life once released. You could end up losing the chooks in the aftermath Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luvachicken Posted December 1, 2015 Share Posted December 1, 2015 Yeah, our rabbit has the normal sized bales and they certainly fill out a bit. When we bought the mini bale the guy did say it was the same size as a normal bale but I'm not sure I believed him, will soon see if I chop the twine though Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chickabee Posted December 1, 2015 Share Posted December 1, 2015 Go for it, then take cover. There's nothing worse than straw in your undies (that's not meant to be rude) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luvachicken Posted December 1, 2015 Share Posted December 1, 2015 Go for it, then take cover. There's nothing worse than straw in your undies (that's not meant to be rude) Never put girlie undies out on the washing line anyway I might take the bale apart. They have had it for a while and it is a bit poopy now, but they will have to wait for a couple of weeks as I only just changed their bedding in their play pit. Can I still sprinkle the straw with red mite powder or stalosan when I have taken the bale apart ? Never let them play with straw before Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chickabee Posted December 1, 2015 Share Posted December 1, 2015 Meant while your still wearing them Won't do any harm to sprinkle some red mite powder on it. Or DE is probably cheaper. Was thinking that myself, but it's not on the nest box and it's cold. Also I've used Straw in the run as a base before and never had a problem with mites in it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luvachicken Posted December 1, 2015 Share Posted December 1, 2015 Meant while your still wearing them ooops. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
