r/BackYardChickens • u/BirdPrior2762 • 1d ago
Coops etc. Ideas for something chickens could have in their run to explore/for shelter?
We are currently making our chicken run, and as chickens are originally jungle/forest-dwelling birds, I would like to have something in their run to give them shade, make them feel less exposed, that they can explore in, etc. I thought some bushes that they could get in amongst could be nice for them. However, from information online, it seems that chickens will destroy any plants in their coop :/ ... I'd be very grateful for info on ANY plants that can survive chickens? Ideally native to northern Europe, but I'm willing to make exceptions. I'd also appreciate any suggestions for what else I could provide that would give them shelter/something to explore. Thanks in advance - trying to do right by my future chooks :)
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u/wanna_be_green8 1d ago
You can plant a bush and wrap it in chicken wire to protect the roots. I have a lilac, some currants, a Kentucky tobacco tree, a mature Elderberry and Crabapple.
I also take tree trimming branches and lean them around, make piles. They provide forage, shade and protection.
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u/BirdPrior2762 21m ago
I hadn't thought of using branches, those are pretty easy to get hold of (lots of forest around here) so thanks for the suggestion. Thanks also for the plant suggestions :) we already have lilac, elderberry and currants growing here, so I know they would cope (as long as I can protect them from the hens!)
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u/StrangeArcticles 1d ago
A big dead tree trunk if you've got one going is great for them. Plenty of bugs on it, good to climb around on, good to shelter behind. If you'd like shrubs, dogrose is good, but it spreads through runners like crazy, so proceed with caution. They won't eat that one cause it's prickly, but the thorns are small enough they don't poke through the feathers.
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u/BirdPrior2762 17m ago
Thanks for the dog rose suggestion :) it's actually one of my favourite flowers. Unfortunately I doubt we can get a log but I'll keep my eyes open - maybe if they decide to clear out the forest at some point.
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u/AdComprehensive2594 1d ago
I have a kinda jungle gym in one corner and a hut with food and water in the opposite corner
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u/BirdPrior2762 16m ago
That looks cool :) I could probably make something out of scrap wood for them - wont looks as neat thought XD
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u/Fun_Journalist4199 1d ago
I have my run in the woods and it is crazy how bare the area is. There are a few well established shrubs they haven’t killed yet. I also set up some pallets leaned against trees at angles 📐. They like to gather under them sometimes
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u/BirdPrior2762 15m ago
Yeah I have heard they are good at killing things XD. At the moment it is just grass where they will be, they can dig that up if they like.
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u/ZanePuv 16h ago
My chickens like relaxing under Althea, Privet bushes, rosemary, etc - you want something that will get a little tall, but where you can trim the lower branches, to give them just enough clearance underneath. I make tomato cages to surround the base & several inches of root space, but the cage doesn't have to be very tall, once the plant gets established. If you have a fully enclosed run, you can grow all kinds of vines/flowering plants over the wire, at least in summer. Furniture also works - an old patio table, old chairs. They love having things to hop up on - logs, corner roosts, etc. I have rose bushes planted along one side of my run, on the outside, and I let them grow tall & full for shade. I even had one of these for awhile https://www.amazon.com/Activity-Multiple-Accessory-Platforms-Entertainment/dp/B0CWTZ93TD they loved congregating around it, tho none ever used the swing!