5 simple ideas to help keep your hens happy and distracted during Avian Flu ‘lock down’

Blog 4

Boo flu! Flock down knock down!

You knew it was coming and you understand why, but still your heart breaks. For the next few months your feathered friends may be in a more restricted run-area than normal. How can you make it bearable for them – without breaking the bank?

1.     It’s autumn – leaves for free?

Are you raking up leaves from the garden, is your neighbour? Don’t waste them! Leaves can make great compost but a barrow full of leaves in the run makes for a pile of fun for your chucks. They will love searching through them for bugs and seeds, and the cost? Well looks like sweet zero from here..!

2.     Wood chips

We have made friends with a local tree surgeon. He often has to ‘chip’ the branches of trees he has lopped. Having somewhere to ‘dump’ what for him is a waste product is a bonus for us. When he delivers we lay out a plastic sheet and he tips out the chips. It’s pot luck what sort of tree they come from but when it’s pine the scent is glorious. Wood chips have the benefit of having antiseptic qualities and if you are deep littering your run during the lock down this could be a cost effective way to do it.

We discussed in advance with our tree surgeon to agree that he would not give us garden waste or lots with soft material but it has turned out to be a great, mutually cost effective plan. The hens always appreciate the fresh layer of chips to explore.

3.     Bales of straw

When you run out of leaves or can’t find a friendly tree surgeon you can resort to bales of straw. Hay tends to absorb water more effectively so can mean you end up with a messy muddy tangle of fibres that don’t rot down as well as straw. Try and get wheat straw. Barley straw is beautiful, shiny and golden but not as strong and won’t last as long.

The bales naturally fall into segments and a couple a day in your run with perhaps some sunflower seeds (or any treat) scattered on top will amuse them for hours - let them spread out the segments; watch them, coffee in hand… and relax!

Note – don’t blame me if your other half complains about the straw mess in the back of the hatch back – maybe get your feed merchant to deliver next time.

4.     Grass cuttings - or garden clippings?

Despite all the ideas for reusing organic materials for deep litter or to amuse hens be cautious with lawn clippings. Especially at this time of year (autumn) grass cuttings can be quite soggy. Left in the chicken run they will soon grow mouldy. Chickens do like grass, pecking at the stems all day long but don’t make the chicken run the destination for your lawn trimmings. One barrow, well spread out and any lumps collected after they have exhausted the novelty is fine, but old, soggy grass could cause respiratory issues.

Clippings from the garden or vegetable patch, old seed heads, flowers, twigs etc can make for a fun filled few hours for chickens. Cut an overgrown marrow or courgette in half and watch the enjoyment. Don’t cut everything on one day - if possible - to spread out the ‘treat’ for days..

5.     Toys

I’ll be honest, I have never been able to interest any of my hens in a swing, but you do see many on videos on the great worldwideweb. If you think yours may have an adventurous disposition rig up a swing, who knows the video may go viral..

If like my hens a swing does not cut it try new perches, or move your perches, try multi-level perches - all very exciting stuff for the lock down chickens in your life. We have made some of ours out of tree branches - a fun activity for the whole family. 

Hope these ideas help – see you on the other side – in the wonderful springtime!

Author Jill Wilson

Jill is the co-founder of Georges Chicken Remedies,

‘We make scents for chickens!’

November 2022