Mid-Winter playground

As we try to have our chickens free range in the yard daily, in the winter it can be challenging.  Rainy muddy weather, cold gusty wind, new adolescent chicks added to the coop and run.  Anything can delay an outing into the yard.  One nice day last week Isaac and I were out in the yard exploring and starting a small bon fire.  I had been thinking about how to spice up our ladies lives.  After finding some nice strong branches, this is what we came up with....

Excuse me, mind if I join you?

A nice sturdy large branch for those who like the heights!

Even the chicks got in on the action.

Never underestimate the power of a correctly placed branch.

Getting brave.

Walking the tightrope!

 

A corner to hide or perch. 

 

The funny this is, they LOVE these branches, and the few logs I added.  They get excited to explore, scratch around, dig for worms, and love anything new!    It is quite entertaining.  In the last picture the shadows are longer and the sun was going down fast.  Chickens get into a great habit.  Right about dusk they head into the coop, finding their sleeping place.  I swear they sleep in almost the same place every night.  Some like the high perches above the laying boxes.  Others line up in rows on the roosting bars.  The younger chicks seem to squeeze into a nesting box together, or nestle in the corners of the coop.  I never was a huge fan of birds, but now they are a riot to watch.  I have fun learning their different personalities.  As today was rainy and cold they chose to be indoors a lot.  Hopefully the sun will get them out and foraging again soon :)