We finally got our expanded chicken yard made and covered over with netting. At last the girls can run and flap their wings and explore a little more of the world while staying safe from predators and our playful dogs. I know the new area looks a little bleak - this is the desert after all. However, once the pecan trees start leafing out and our old lawn grass starts to grow, things will look better.
I know that any grass growing within the pen will get eaten before it can grow much but luckily I discovered grazing frames for chickens: You plant grass to come up through screens, allowing the chickens access to the greenery while protecting the roots, which the hens would otherwise tear out. See photos and instructions on how to make grazing frames here: http://www.thegardencoop.com/blog/2012/02/07/grazing-frames-backyard-chickens/. We may not be the greatest carpenters, but we'll try to convert some wooden pallets into frames so that we can plant some grass, marigolds, and nasturtiums for the girls.
In the meantime, I've been looking around for thoughts on what sorts of things make chickens happy. I've collected lots of articles and information on my Pinterest board, called "Chickens!" You can find it here: http://pinterest.com/clairz77/chickens/. If you haven't done so already you might have to sign up for Pinterest to see it. Don't worry, you'll enjoy yourself.
Not shown in the picture above are some of the things I've just added today for the chickens' delight: Some semi-rotted leaves which probably contain lots of interesting bugs, nice green weeds I've pulled, an old log to climb on, and a somewhat dead potted plant for the girls to deconstruct.
They've rewarded me a thousand times over. I love to sit out there, little Dweezil the Pup in my lap, and just enjoy the chicken world. The girls hum, and cluck, and chuckle and sing; they announce both upcoming and just-laid eggs, and they call out congratulations to the latest egg layer. They run after flies and take dust baths in the sunshine. They wander from the yard to their waterer inside the coop, and from the sun to the shade. They look like happy chickens to me!
17 comments:
It's wonderful that you got yourself some chickens. Did you know that the City of Vanc. now allows homeowners to raise chickens in their yards. I think that's awesome too but so far I haven't heard any chickens when I go out ;-)
Your coop is cute and very roomy. I enjoyed reading about how much you enjoy your chickens. I especially liked the info on the grazing frames, as our hens make a beeline for our little grassy back yard every time we let them out to free-range. I save that grass for my mare to munch during the summer and use a portable fence to keep the chickens out, but a few just fly right over it.
They will destroy the grass if we don't do something soon, so I'm going to plan on making some grazing frames soon.
I'm already following your Pinterest boards, but I enjoyed visiting again. I love that Southwestern chicken coop!
Here's a link to my chicken board, too (I think you may already be following, too. lol!)
http://pinterest.com/twinville2/casa-de-pollo/
~Lisa
I forgot that you raised chickens...our daughter raises them too and when we're in Oregon I love to sit and watch them. I recently read a very fun book by Victoria Twead called "Chickens Mules and Two Old Fools"...its by an English woman who just upped and retired with her husband to Spain. The chickens were an important part of their new life.
Penny/Joyful, my neighbor didn't believe we had chickens until he actually saw them, because he heard nothing from them. Their comments are pretty quiet. It's the rooster boys who make all the commotion, and we don't have any. I'm so glad that Vancouver allows chickens; the "backyard chicken" movement is spreading everywhere.
Lisa, you're right, I'm already a follower of your chicken board. The more info the better!
I've visited the ladies in their new coop and they are VERY happy chickens. Very quiet - just a demure little creak or squeak now or then.
They do look like they are having a grand time in their yard.
I've never had chickens. Probably due to the fact that I've had dogs and cats and horses .. and no farm.
They do need a bit of green though. I can imagine their yard getting a bit muddy if it rains. Maybe some hay or straw ...
Auntie, they are starting to sing louder egg songs!
JC, it never (hardly ever) rains. If it did, we would have a bit of green. Must be hard for you to imagine, I'm sure.
I love your chickens, Clair!! And they do look happy!! I had stopped by earlier, but for some reason had a problem leaving a comment???? I love reading about how you enjoy them -- I would, too! A fun way to wind down my day! Hope all of you have a great weekend!!
Sylvia, Blogger was doing some mighty strange things for a while there. I think it's back to normal. My hens could straighten it out, if asked. They sure do straighten me out!
Hiya Clair!
Thanks for stopping by & visiting... I have been such a bad blogger lately :).
Looks like you have been busy & having fun. I love your chickens... wish I could have some too! We always had them growing up. I was reviewing your books on another post. I read the one about the dust bowl years ago.... there's a PBS documentary on the dust bowl at the video rental place in town... it's on my list to rent. Have you read any Helen Thayer Books? I think you'd enjoy them. Polar Dream is one of my faves. One of these times we'll have to meet at Sparky's when I'm on my way to/from here to Ca. Be well, Clair & enjoy this warmer weather this week!
Becky, I added some Helen Thayer to my list of books to read. I wonder if you have ever read any of the Dana Stabenow series about Kate Shugak (fictional character in Alaska).
Do see that Dust Bowl documentary when you have a chance. It's amazing and haunting.
And yes, Becky, I'd love to meet up with you at Sparky's whenever you are passing through.
so glad your chickens are happy. I like the way you built their pen. I have thought of getting some but afraid my own dogs would hurt them as well as know neighbors dogs will and coyotes. I used wooden palets to grow tomotoes, cucumbers, and watermellon in last year and worked great. Just lots of water - we are in the desert.
I think chickens are just naturally happy creatures. I love their sounds. They really do seem like those words from The Music Man though they are about women, I think. :<)
Your coop looks really wonderful. It's very exciting that you've done this, and you are already getting the rewards.
Nan, I miss your blog, but totally understand your desire to live your life without writing about it.
One of the most contented sounds in the world - happy chickens.
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