suggested itmes for new coop

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bubbles108

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suggested itmes for new coop
« on: December 19, 2011, 14:54 »
I've just my 2 chickens into a very large coop and run.
I have put sand in a large tray for them and some logs.  There is still a load of space and so can anyone suggest other things I can put in to entertain the chickens ect.

Also it is set on concrete does anyone have ideas for cheap floor covering.  I had used bark for their old coop but this one would take probably a bag full a time which as I clean out weekly would prove very expensive.

Thanks for your help

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Lewjam

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Re: suggested itmes for new coop
« Reply #1 on: December 19, 2011, 15:37 »
Cabbages hung from string keeps them entertained.

I like to hang mine above a perch - so the hens have to jump upto the perch to get at the cabbage - keeps them exercising and entertained!

Also i used wood chippings - nice thick layer - rake it through every week then replace it every few months.  (get it almost free from tree surgeons)
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JaK

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Re: suggested itmes for new coop
« Reply #2 on: December 19, 2011, 16:08 »
I swear by miscanthus as a floor covering, the chickens seem to like it and it's cheap too.

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Lindeggs

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Re: suggested itmes for new coop
« Reply #3 on: December 19, 2011, 21:17 »
Hi bubbles, if you have a big run area for only two birds, you probably don't need to change the floor covering weekly.  Try leaving it longer and just rake it over if needed - or better still scatter some grain and let the chickens rake it over!

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bygrace

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Re: suggested itmes for new coop
« Reply #4 on: December 21, 2011, 09:22 »
I'm using miscanthus too, with a load of dried leaves now well mixed in! It's done a wonderful job of keeping the mud at bay. The only problem is that the girls scatter it and it comes through the weldmesh - so I just need to scoop it up every now and then and put it back!

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ManicMum

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Re: suggested itmes for new coop
« Reply #5 on: December 21, 2011, 20:43 »
Try putting in different levels as they do seem to like hopping up and down - upturned plant troughs, pallets, anything, really - my children love building varied wooden constructions for the chickens to play on......then when they collapse, they can be redesigned or used for firewood!
ManicMum


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