{"title":"Housing order: keeping chickens busy indoors","description":"\u003cp\u003eWhen the authorities impose a housing order, your chickens are usually no longer allowed to roam freely outside. Exactly which rules then apply differs by country and region; check them with the authority that introduces the measure. For chickens that are used to foraging, it is a big change. This selection helps keep them busy and keep the coop clean: peck blocks from Lax and Excellent, the Kerbl Snack Ball, the Hentastic Fun Feeder, the Gaun Chicken Swing, a hay rack from Kerbl and disinfection mats in four sizes.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWork for the beak\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eA chicken normally spends a large part of the day searching and pecking. If that falls away, the behaviour looks for another outlet, sometimes on the other chickens. So give them something to do:\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePeck block:\u003c\/strong\u003e the Lax peck block made from meadow hay and the Excellent layer block with calcium give them something to peck at.\u003c\/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSnack ball or Fun Feeder:\u003c\/strong\u003e fill them with grain or vegetables; the opening of the Kerbl Snack Ball can be set to three positions.\u003c\/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHay rack:\u003c\/strong\u003e hang hay, lucerne or vegetables in it, so the chickens have to pull and pluck.\u003c\/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSwing and extra perch:\u003c\/strong\u003e more levels in the coop give lower-ranking hens a place to move away to.\u003c\/li\u003e\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eVary things and move toys around every few days; what is new attracts the most attention. Also scatter some grain in the litter now and then, so they can scratch.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eHygiene at the entrance\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eA disinfection mat at the entrance is a standard hygiene measure: you step through it with your shoes before entering the coop or run. The small 55 x 45 cm mat suits a hobby coop, the 85 x 60 and 90 x 60 cm mats a wider door and the 180 x 90 cm mat a stable door. Fill the mat with a disinfectant according to the label and keep it moist. Use biocides safely. Always read the label and product information before use. Wear dedicated boots or overshoes in the coop.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWhat else to look out for\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eLess space means litter gets wet and dirty sooner. Change it more often and provide enough drinking and feeding points, so the lowest-ranking hens can get to them too. If you see sick chickens or sudden deaths, contact your vet.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSee also: \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/peck-blocks-and-chicken-toys\"\u003epeck blocks and chicken toys\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/chicken-bedding-and-coop-hygiene\"\u003ebedding and coop hygiene\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/disinfecting-stables-and-coops\"\u003edisinfecting and cleaning\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/chicken-drinkers\"\u003edrinkers\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/chicken-feeders\"\u003efeeders\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/chicken-supplies\"\u003eeverything for your chickens\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eFrequently asked questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow do I keep chickens busy indoors?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCombine a peck block that stays in place with a snack ball or hay rack that you fill daily. Move and swap the toys regularly.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat size disinfection mat do I need?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eChoose a mat as wide as the door, so nobody can step around it. For a small coop, 55 x 45 cm is enough.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan my chickens stay in a covered run?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThat is decided by the authority that imposes the housing order. Check the current rules before you choose between coop and covered run.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"gaun-kippenschommel","title":"Gaun Chicken Swing","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis swing for chickens has a wooden seat and is easy to attach.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSize\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e3,5 x 3,5 x 41 cm\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gaun","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58965547450703,"sku":"GAUN11355-HAC","price":14.99,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0870\/4186\/8111\/files\/GAUN11355.png?v=1790772792"},{"product_id":"hentastic-fun-feeder","title":"Hentastic Fun Feeder","description":"\u003ch2\u003eHentastic Fun Feeder\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis fantastic Fun Feeder is the ideal accessory for all chicken keepers who want to spoil their beloved birds. Not only is it an exciting addition to the Hentastic range, it is also the perfect tool for giving your chickens their favourite Hentastic treat! Fill the feeder with the feed or treats of your choice and enjoy watching your chickens peck out the tasty treats. Let the chickens get used to the feeder at their own pace; remember that it can take a while for chickens to get used to something new. Once they are used to it, the Fun Feeder gives you and your chickens hours of interaction and fun, and encourages children to join in too!\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRewards\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSupplied without treats. \u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSize\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e56 x 11,5 cm\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Hentastic","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58965827158351,"sku":"HENT10518-HAC","price":11.99,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0870\/4186\/8111\/files\/HENT10518_0.jpg?v=1790773941"},{"product_id":"hooiruif","title":"Hay rack","description":"\u003ch2\u003eHay rack with handle.\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHay rack with handle. Made of galvanised iron.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDimensions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTop diameter: 38 cm\u003cbr\u003eBottom diameter: 14 cm\u003cbr\u003eHeight: 50 cm\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Kerbl","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58965869134159,"sku":"HOOI70280-HAC","price":28.99,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0870\/4186\/8111\/files\/HOOI70280.jpg?v=1790774492"},{"product_id":"lax-pikblok-voor-legkippen-3-5-kg","title":"Lax Pecking Block for Laying Hens 3.5 kg","description":"\u003cp\u003eComplementary feed for chickens.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe LAX pecking blocks made of meadow hay are a healthy roughage snack for chickens. The LAX pecking blocks are the ideal supplement to the daily diet and also keep the animals occupied. Natural pecking behaviour is stimulated, which helps prevent behavioural problems such as feather pecking.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiameter\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e65-69 mm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLength\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e17 cm\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"LAX Tierfutter","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58966096150863,"sku":"LAXK013-HAC","price":19.99,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0870\/4186\/8111\/files\/LAXK013-lax-pikblok-voor-legkippen.webp?v=1790776480"},{"product_id":"ontsmettingsmat-55x45x3-cm","title":"Disinfection mat 55x45x3 cm","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDisinfection mat\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e- For use at entrances to infected barns\u003cbr\u003e- The robust top material easily absorbs the liquid\u003cbr\u003e- Impermeable sides and bottom of the mat prevent liquid loss\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSize\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e55 x 45 x 3 cm\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Excellent","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58966691512655,"sku":"ONTS0000D-HAC","price":49.99,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0870\/4186\/8111\/files\/ONTS0000D.png?v=1790777919"},{"product_id":"ontsmettingsmat-85x60x3-5-cm","title":"Disinfection mat 85x60x3,5 cm","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFor disinfecting footwear.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLength: 85 cm, width: 60 cm, height: 3,5 cm.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCapacity:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMax. capacity; 8 litres, closed at the bottom.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Merkloos","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58966691807567,"sku":"ONTS0000E-HAC","price":74.99,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0870\/4186\/8111\/files\/ONTS0000E.png?v=1790777920"},{"product_id":"ontsmettingsmat-180x90x4-cm","title":"Disinfection mat 180x90x4 cm","description":"\u003cp\u003eFor use at entrances to disease-sensitive barns. The robust, permeable top material lets liquid through to the core. Impermeable material on the bottom and sides prevents liquid loss.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gobel","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58966692397391,"sku":"ONTS0000K-HAC","price":185.99,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0870\/4186\/8111\/files\/ONTS0000K.png?v=1790777923"},{"product_id":"ontsmettingsmat-90x60x4-cm","title":"Disinfection mat 90x60x4 cm","description":"\u003cp\u003eFor use at entrances to disease-sensitive barns. The robust, permeable top material lets liquid through to the core. Impermeable material on the bottom and sides prevents liquid loss.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gobel","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58966700589391,"sku":"ONTS0000L-HAC","price":60.99,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0870\/4186\/8111\/files\/ONTS0000L.png?v=1790777953"},{"product_id":"excellent-legkippen-blok-4-kg","title":"Excellent Laying Hen Block 4 kg","description":"\u003cp\u003eGiving extra minerals to laying hens is very important for the health and welfare of the animals. It is essential for optimal growth, development and digestion in the body. That is why a complementary feed, such as the pecking block described here, is so important.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis specific calcium-rich pecking block not only stimulates the hens' appetite, but also their natural pecking behaviour. This is important for the mental and physical health of the hens. In addition, the high calcium content of the pecking block ensures an extra strong eggshell and, combined with the other ingredients, a super tasty egg.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe pecking block should be made freely available to the hens. Ideally, take the pecking block out of the bucket, turn the bucket upside down and place the pecking block on top. This makes it easier for the hens to reach and encourages them to eat it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe pecking block has a carefully composed formula consisting of calcareous seashells, calcium carbonate, sodium chloride, dicalcium phosphate, magnesium oxide, wheat and sugar cane molasses. This provides a healthy balance of the minerals and nutrients the hens need.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn addition, the pecking block contains various additives such as zinc, manganese, copper, iron, iodine, selenium, vitamin A, vitamin D3 and vitamin E. This ensures the hens get all the nutrients they need to stay healthy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIn summary: giving extra minerals to laying hens is very important for their health and welfare. The calcium-rich pecking block stimulates the hens' appetite and natural behaviour and ensures an extra strong eggshell and a super tasty egg. Who doesn't want that!\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFeeding advice\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e4 kg is sufficient for approx. 10 hens. For more than 10 hens, we recommend using the 10 kg block or several 4 kg blocks.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Excellent","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58966789652815,"sku":"POUL204-HAC","price":24.99,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0870\/4186\/8111\/files\/POUL204.png?v=1790779288"},{"product_id":"kerbl-snackbal","title":"Kerbl Snack Ball","description":"\u003cp\u003eWith the Kerbl Snack Ball you give your chickens a tasty treat and help combat boredom. The opening of the ball can be set to 3 sizes, so you can adjust it to the food you put in the ball. This also lets you easily set the level of difficulty. The ball can be used both in the chicken coop and in a fenced (grass) run.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eUse\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFill the ball with a treat, such as chicken feed, corn, grains or mealworms. Set the opening as desired and place the ball in the chicken coop or in the area where the chickens roam.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Kerbl","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58966789751119,"sku":"POUL310-HAC","price":3.99,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0870\/4186\/8111\/files\/POUL310.png?v=1790779289"}],"url":"https:\/\/www.fidello.co.uk\/collections\/chicken-housing-order-enrichment.oembed","provider":"Fidello","version":"1.0","type":"link"}