Stop your chickens getting bored
Giving a thriving environment for your entire flock will help you when raising chickens. Happy chickens lay more eggs, get sick less often, and live longer, happier lives. Let’s go over some tips that you can start using today.
Chickens seem to be a staple on most homesteads, even for us, chickens were some of the very first animals we added to our setup.
The reason they are so popular, other than the eggs of course, is how easy it is to raise them.
The most important part of raising a healthy flock is providing them with a coop that is comfortable, protective, and stimulating to the flock. Bored chickens tend to get into trouble and may not thrive as much as they need to.
Luckily, there are things you can do to keep your flock from getting bored some ideas are dust baths, different perches, treat stands, and toys.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF KEEPING CHICKENS ACTIVE AND ENGAGED?
Chickens are naturally curious animals who love to explore the ground around them. Scratching is not only an instinct for chickens it relaxes them and keeps them calm.
Scratching is when a chicken rakes the ground with each foot loosening the soil to bring up bugs or worms they can eat.
Scratching is also a form of stimulation which can reduce stress levels, encourage natural foraging behaviours, and help build stronger immune systems. This can lead to a longer and healthier life as well as improved egg production.
HOW TO KEEP CHICKENS FROM GETTING BORED
Luckily, there are a few quick and easy things you can do that will not only prevent boredom but also allow your flock to flourish.
DUST BATHS
Dust baths are an important part of a chicken coop setup and they are how your hens will keep their feathers and skin clean.
A dust bath is a container that holds loose materials large enough for your hen to lie down in. A few ideas for a container are: a tyre, a wash basin and so on.
When a chicken takes a bath, she uses her feet to kick up loose soil into other feathers. She then uses her beak to work the soil deep down and flaps them to shake the soil out. This helps to remove oils, pests, and debris.
Dust baths also help to calm chickens, allowing them to relax. You can often see chickens sleeping on the ground covered in soil.
HOW DO YOU MAKE A DUST BATH IN YOUR COOP/RUN?
Making a homemade dust bath in your coop or run is easy. All you need is a container to hold the mixture, an area that is protected from the weather so the material stays dry, and a few ingredients.
You can include things like dry soil, mulch, sand, ash, diatomaceous earth, and a few dry herbs.
Have a look at these links to help you purchase some products you will need
Dust Bath material https://amzn.to/45GSqka
The Dust Bath https://amzn.to/4cAF4s7
Diatomaceous Earth https://amzn.to/4cEM8nK
Dust baths are essential for chickens’ physical and mental health. Not only does it help keep their feathers clean and free of parasites, but it also helps to keep them from getting bored.
CHICKEN TOYS
Adding toys, either purchased or DIY, to the coop gives your chickens something fun to do and can encourage them to use their natural instincts. and exciting to explore.
If you look online, you can find some pretty amazing coop toys that are fun for them and fun for us as owners to watch! Check these links...
A Collection of Toys https://amzn.to/4cExbSt
A Chicken Swing https://amzn.to/4clPCM0
A Chicken Food Ball https://amzn.to/3XC9hCU
ROOST AND PERCHES
Providing chickens with perches both inside the coop and out in the run is important for both physical exercise and mental stimulation.
A Chicken Perch https://amzn.to/3XMzXkB
Perches are an essential part of any chicken’s living environment. They provide a safe place for chickens to roost on at night allowing them to sleep more soundly because they feel safer up off the ground.
HOW MUCH ROOM DOES A PERCH NEED?
When it comes to perches, you want to be sure there is enough space for your hens to roost without feeling crowded.
It is recommended to have at least 8-12 inches of space for each bird. You will want more for larger breeds and less for smaller ones.
A ladder-style chicken roost should have bars or rungs that are at least 2″ wide, but 4″ is better. This is because chickens prefer to have their feet flat on the surface when roosting.
OUTDOOR RUN
Giving your chickens a new place to explore and scratch is a great way to change things up for your flock.
You can build a chicken run in a new area to give your flock access to fresh ground. This will encourage them to scratch, which is relaxing to chickens.
Make sure you take the time to research your local laws and regulations before getting started with homesteading. This will ensure that you are compliant with any zoning, building guidelines, or other restrictions in your area.
Being prepared for any issues will help you to feel more secure day to day.
Starting a homestead is an exciting journey even if it does seem overwhelming at times. Make a list of the tasks you need to complete in each area so you can better create a setup before you bring any animals home.
With the right preparation, planning, and research, you can get started on your homesteading journey with excitement and confidence.
I hope you found this blog of interest?
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