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chickenrunrescue.org Page 8 9/14/15 high enough for you to stand up comfortably for cleaning, maintenance, capture and also allows for additional roosting. substrate-‐ Choose a well drained area. Substrate material for the pen should be clean, non-‐toxic, biodegradable, readily available, inexpensive and replaceable. Since it will become compacted from little feet and contaminated by concentrated droppings and parasites, it will need to be raked out and replaced frequently to reduce odor and fly activity. Play sand, leaves, municipal wood chips, sod and hard wearing ground cover work well. metal fencing / predator control: The type of fencing depends on what the most likely predators are in your area. Dogs, rats, raccoons, hawks and coyotes are the most prevalent in city neighborhoods, but others include fox, mink, opossum, bobcats, snakes, weasels, ferrets, fisher and marten. Its best to build the strongest deterrents possible. Chain link panels or welded or woven fencing on a sturdy frame reinforced at the bottom with small mesh metal wire that prevents predators from tunneling under the fence will discourage most intruders. Regular inspection is key to security. gate: A gate is needed for easy human access. cover: Pen should be covered to keep birds in and predators out. The type of covering needed will depend on the type of predators. Covering part of the pen with a roof such as corrugated fiberglass can provide shade and rain shelter. windbreak: Providing a wind and snow break will give the birds a protected area to be outdoors even in winter. shade: Shade must be available and can be provided by vegetation or strategically placed materials. dustbath: Taking a dust bath is the closest thing to heaven for a chicken. They derive pleasure and contentment by bathing in the sun and in loose dry soil depressions in the dirt which cleans their feathers and rids them of parasites. Birds will usually dig their own hole for dust baths. Keep the soil in the dust bath loose and add play sand if it is a heavy clay soil. Adding a little poultry dust, diatomaceous earth or wood ash increases the effectiveness of parasite control. Large heavy rubber feed buckets filled with play sand are a welcome addition to the indoor coop in the winter. enrichment furnishings: There is nothing sadder than a barren pen when compared to the rich jungle environment chickens evolved in. Lots of large branches, stumps or platforms provide places to go and things to do and look natural and attractive in the pen. Include bushes, boxes or other objects to sit in or hide behind. Plant kale or other safe, edible vegetation around the outside of the pen for forage. Overcrowding, boredom and barren pens are the most common cause of behavior problems. RANGE/ EXERCISE YARD: The larger fenced area like a backyard that provides ample space for safe exercise, forage, sunlight, earth and vegetation that is regularly available to the birds when supervised. For regular exercise, 174 sq. ft per bird (an area about 10 ft. x 17 ft per bird) is required. 4 birds will need access to a 40 ft. x 70 ft. fenced area in the yard. If there is no access to a larger Range/ exercise yard, 16 sq. ft. of floor space minimum per bird (an area 4 ft. x 4 ft per bird) in the pen must be provided. fencing: 6 ft privacy fencing prevents or to discourage uninvited human and animal visitors. and promotes the safety and security of the birds and neighbors. nontoxic plants: Chickens are inquisitive and voracious eaters of vegetation and many ornamental garden plants can be toxic to them . Learn which of your plants might be harmful and fence them off or better yet replace them with safe and nutritious plants. security: Chickens are susceptible to theft, vandalism and predators and need to be securely shut in the coop at night. Security cameras, lights and baby monitors are also highly recommended deterrents. PROVIDING GOOD CARE FOOD / WATER Fresh food and water are required daily and should be available at all times. Hay , grain and prepared feed should be fresh-‐ less than one year old and free of mold, insects or other contaminants. Daily intake should include: 60 % nutritionally balanced prepared feed appropriate for age of bird, 20%