Ali James' Garden Chickens

[WhoDatChick]

Duh, Why didn't I think of that?

Ooh, I put my cinder blocks upright (holes facing the sky) and 3/4 filled them with dirt then added grass seed. I didn't want anyone falling in the holes and getting trapped like I've read happened to others here!

Or turn them flat side up and the littles like to run and hide in them.. if you have littles... and eventually they get filled with dirt that way too.. all the kicking and scratching...

 

[Kris5902]

I will also admit to turning up rotting logs in the lightly wooded area I’ve been free ranging some chickens in just to watch them gorge on the bugs! I have to say the free ranging girls aren’t eating near as much as the penned ladies. I can’t wait to build out a proper coop for everyone!

 

[Ali James]

I have finished my set up now and ready for the girls to arrive. Have a forgotten anything? The feeder and drinker will go out in the morning so they are fresh, and the grit and oyster shell are hooked just under the nest boxes.

 

[Ribh]

Ok, I could watch the vid but I am getting an error message now...??? It looks lovely. I love the tarp! I know our girls appreciate being able to stay in the sand pit under their coop when the weather turns nasty. And I love that run! Heaps of space & some things to do. We started with a lot of plants ~ just the way our yard is~ & the girls are gradually demolishing the lot. Nothing green is safe near them!

 

[townchicks]

That looks great! I would only say, after a few days when the grass is gone, dump a load of bark mulch in there, or it's going to be mud when it rains. Chicken mud smells! can't wait to meet the hens.

 

[Ribh]

That looks great! I would only say, after a few days when the grass is gone, dump a load of bark mulch in there, or it's going to be mud when it rains. Chicken mud smells! can't wait to meet the hens.

Or a hay bale intact. They'll love tearing it apart & scattering it around.

 

[townchicks]

Or a hay bale intact. They'll love tearing it apart & scattering it around.

Yes, this. Or a big pile of leaves in the fall, mine go nuts! Don't even spread it around, dump it and sit and watch the show.

 

[Ribh]

Yes, this. Or a big pile of leaves in the fall, mine go nuts! Don't even spread it around, dump it and sit and watch the show.

Yes! Any time I rake the yard I just dump everything in the run in a big pile & the girls think Christmas has come!

 

[Ali James]

Thanks both.
I don't expect the green bits to last long at all!

 

[WhoDatChick]

I have finished my set up now and ready for the girls to arrive. Have a forgotten anything? The feeder and drinker will go out in the morning so they are fresh, and the grit and oyster shell are hooked just under the nest boxes.

That looks really great!! And it looks safe all around... I would just leave their door open and let them go to bed on their own.. and then in the morning they can come out when they want.. easy on you ... that’s how my setup is... a completely secure run with nestboxes and sleeping quarters open inside.. they come and go as they please... yall did a wonderful job!