A cluttered run

[Mrs. K]

Well actually if you think about it, adding clutter makes it look more crowded, but if you do the math, you actually add usable space. In an empty run, the only space a bird can use is the floor - 2 dimensional space. But add a platform, and you have the space under the platform and on top of platform, basically doubling the space, plus adding some exercise, and a space to get away from other birds. Even a roost, adds usable space for the birds.

So add clutter to runs, more is much better than too little.

Mrs K

 

[Pennys Mama]

Well actually if you think about it, adding clutter makes it look more crowded, but if you do the math, you actually add usable space. In an empty run, the only space a bird can use is the floor - 2 dimensional space. But add a platform, and you have the space under the platform and on top of platform, basically doubling the space, plus adding some exercise, and a space to get away from other birds. Even a roost, adds usable space for the birds.

So add clutter to runs, more is much better than too little.

Mrs K

You've given me some great ideas for more enrichment, I've got several swinging outside perches that the juveniles like to use to get away from their elders. The younger roosters use the swings and goat yard to hide from "the rooster". I posted a pic of my chicken pass-through, goes from the chicken run to the goat yard, bypassing the ducks pen. The chickens really liked to get into that pen and eat up all the duck feed. I also have pens inside the chicken house that makes integration go smoother, the birds can get use to seeing each other before being released. The guineas are the only ones that really pay any attention to the new releases.

 

[tpatricco]

Many people ask for help integrating new chickens. I thought I would show you what works for me.

Thank you! This is very helpful! We have just started integrating 4 pullets with our existing flock of 4 - I knew the look but don't touch part, but understanding chicken mentality better - providing breaks in line of sight and places to hide or get away from each other makes a lot of sense. I appreciate the knowledge!!

My little girls thank you too!

New & Older girls "together"

• tpatricco
• Dec 3, 2019

New girls enjoying a snack. Jealous older girls on look on.

 

[tpatricco]

@kattfink - this thread has a bunch of good advice on integrating birds as well.

 

[MarkJP]

Many people ask for help integrating new chickens. I thought I would show you what works for me.

Thank you for your feedback and information!

 

[CookieWaffle]

Mrs K, Thank you for your pics and advice! Love the obstacle course thinking!
What a beautiful view you have~

 

[Jadakraft1]

good Lord, this is why I can't post pictures, I am sorry for the repeated pictures.

Behind the plywood is a feed bowl that really cannot be seen from most of the rest of the run.
I have the pallet leaned to the east as it is giving shade in the late afternoon.

If you notice the black plastic box, it is used for wind shelter, and there is a feed bowl in front of it, but there is also one behind it, under that old piece of tin. So I have 3 feed stations all out of the sight mostly of any bird at another station.

The old saddle rack and saw horse and the branch in the corner allow my birds to perch in the late afternoon sun. It gives them another way to get away from each other.

Now I realize that many of you live where that much old junk would not be tolerated by the neighbors, but I wanted to give you ideas what maybe you could add to make the run more interesting and safer to your chickens.

This summer I got a single bird, at 10 weeks of age integrated into the flock. She is still a bit of an outcast, but she is working in more and more each day. I won't say she never gets a bit of a chase or a peck, but she can escape and get away.

Hope this perhaps give you some ideas.

Mrs K

I love your ideas!! I’m lucky to have a life in the country! I live in Rural South Dakota, grew up on a ranch, now live on a farm/ranch with a feedlot in the winter time! We have plenty of junk around to help make it work!
Thank you for the pictures and the ideas!

 

[Mrs. K]

Jadakraft! I am a SD girl too! We live on a ranch too.

 

[BrahmaMama207]

good Lord, this is why I can't post pictures, I am sorry for the repeated pictures.

Behind the plywood is a feed bowl that really cannot be seen from most of the rest of the run.
I have the pallet leaned to the east as it is giving shade in the late afternoon.

If you notice the black plastic box, it is used for wind shelter, and there is a feed bowl in front of it, but there is also one behind it, under that old piece of tin. So I have 3 feed stations all out of the sight mostly of any bird at another station.

The old saddle rack and saw horse and the branch in the corner allow my birds to perch in the late afternoon sun. It gives them another way to get away from each other.

Now I realize that many of you live where that much old junk would not be tolerated by the neighbors, but I wanted to give you ideas what maybe you could add to make the run more interesting and safer to your chickens.

This summer I got a single bird, at 10 weeks of age integrated into the flock. She is still a bit of an outcast, but she is working in more and more each day. I won't say she never gets a bit of a chase or a peck, but she can escape and get away.

Hope this perhaps give you some ideas.

Mrs K

@Mrs. K. This is fantastic! Thanks for sharing!

 

[QueenBean]

good Lord, this is why I can't post pictures, I am sorry for the repeated pictures.

Behind the plywood is a feed bowl that really cannot be seen from most of the rest of the run.
I have the pallet leaned to the east as it is giving shade in the late afternoon.

If you notice the black plastic box, it is used for wind shelter, and there is a feed bowl in front of it, but there is also one behind it, under that old piece of tin. So I have 3 feed stations all out of the sight mostly of any bird at another station.

The old saddle rack and saw horse and the branch in the corner allow my birds to perch in the late afternoon sun. It gives them another way to get away from each other.

Now I realize that many of you live where that much old junk would not be tolerated by the neighbors, but I wanted to give you ideas what maybe you could add to make the run more interesting and safer to your chickens.

This summer I got a single bird, at 10 weeks of age integrated into the flock. She is still a bit of an outcast, but she is working in more and more each day. I won't say she never gets a bit of a chase or a peck, but she can escape and get away.

Hope this perhaps give you some ideas.

Mrs K

This is so helpful! Thank you!