Exercising and socialising during feed time is important for poultry in confined spaces. You can easily improve your birds’ well-being through environmental enrichment:
1). Create an environment that encourages natural behaviours like:
i). foraging
ii). scratching
iii). pecking iv). perching
v). dust-bathing

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2). Instead of putting all feed in a trough or feeder:
i). scatter some grains on the floor of their run, mixed in with the litter to stimulate their natural instinct to scratch and peck for food
ii). hang a head of greens from the coop ceiling or a low branch using a strong string or wire to make the chickens work for the treat, providing both physical and mental stimulation

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3). Place sticks or branches in the shelter to allow the chickens to jump, fly up and rest in elevated spots
4). Introduce simple structures like old, clean logs, stumps, sturdy old chairs or small ladders to create a multi-level environment for exploration and help break the line of sight
5). Place an intact bale of hay or straw in the run for the chickens to climb on, peck at it and flatten it out; this creates opportunities for foraging and exploration

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6). As dust-bathing helps poultry to remove parasites and maintain feather condition:
i). create a designated dust bath area using a low-sided container filled with a mix of dry soil, sand and possibly wood ash ii). fill a small, enclosed space with garden mulch, dirt or leaves and bury some treats inside for the chickens to discover
7). Ensure the coop and run are not overcrowded to avoid stress, disease and abnormal behaviours like feather-pecking; aim for at least 10 square foot of outdoor run space per bird.

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