Hello,
I have reconfigured our set up to be more predator deterrent and provide a kid/family friendly yard for us to enjoy. Unfortunately, at the cost of the girls’ access to the entire yard. They have always had access to the whole yard. It’s been maybe 12ish weeks and I’ve lost one (I believe it was stress that brought out the MD) and worry about her buddy.
The flock has MD and MG so keeping stress down is a must!
They are definitely more stressed though as they are quarreling which was a rare occurrence. I have 9 hens. They have plenty of space, multiple feeding and watering stations, lots of places to scratch and roam, trees to lay under, two large dustbathing areas, benches, chairs and perches and I toss scratch to help encourage scratching in grass free areas that have lots of yummy bugs. They have killed the open grass area quite quickly and are eating down my plants that would usually be up by now since losing access to the full yard. I am attempting a “rotational grazing” by covering and watering large areas to allow the grass to grow in. I’ll move that cover around to encourage more growth though it has only been a week since covering the first area.
The girls are pacing the fence and calling to get out constantly.
I know some people toss in grass clippings but what length is safe?
I’ve started feeding fermented feed daily and they are finishing up their Tylosin dose. I’ve now eliminated treats outside very limited nuts/seeds, fruit, meal worms, shell and scratch to make sure they are eating mostly layer feed.
Is there anything I can do to help keep this new space green? Ways I can help alleviate stress on their system? And mostly, get my girls back to a peaceful thriving flock?
Thanks!
I have reconfigured our set up to be more predator deterrent and provide a kid/family friendly yard for us to enjoy. Unfortunately, at the cost of the girls’ access to the entire yard. They have always had access to the whole yard. It’s been maybe 12ish weeks and I’ve lost one (I believe it was stress that brought out the MD) and worry about her buddy.
The flock has MD and MG so keeping stress down is a must!
They are definitely more stressed though as they are quarreling which was a rare occurrence. I have 9 hens. They have plenty of space, multiple feeding and watering stations, lots of places to scratch and roam, trees to lay under, two large dustbathing areas, benches, chairs and perches and I toss scratch to help encourage scratching in grass free areas that have lots of yummy bugs. They have killed the open grass area quite quickly and are eating down my plants that would usually be up by now since losing access to the full yard. I am attempting a “rotational grazing” by covering and watering large areas to allow the grass to grow in. I’ll move that cover around to encourage more growth though it has only been a week since covering the first area.
The girls are pacing the fence and calling to get out constantly.
I know some people toss in grass clippings but what length is safe?
I’ve started feeding fermented feed daily and they are finishing up their Tylosin dose. I’ve now eliminated treats outside very limited nuts/seeds, fruit, meal worms, shell and scratch to make sure they are eating mostly layer feed.
Is there anything I can do to help keep this new space green? Ways I can help alleviate stress on their system? And mostly, get my girls back to a peaceful thriving flock?
Thanks!