posted 14 years ago
I only have 4 birds, but I do the same thing. My coop is not in the paddock though, but its connected to it. The paths that lead to the coop get somewhat worn, but I noticed they only hang out there just before dark and if there are predators around/above. Do you have anything(apart from the food) that would be causing them to stay close to the coop instead of foraging?
I dont know if this is realistic, but maybe a small food/water station not in the coop but still moveable and away from the coop? I think the straw would work inside, but I think your issue is outside the coop, no?
permaculture wiki: www.permies.com/permaculture