Got my new chicken coop today. Rounded up the group of four week old juvenile delinquents. If anybody ever tells you breeds like leghorns, buttercups and fayoumis are flighty, believe them. They screamed and acted like they were going to detention camp! Hopefully, I'll be able to give them some more specialized attention while they get used to their new quarters, before they start free ranging again. I just love these breeds, but they are very different in temperament, especially compared to my pet breed, the OEGB.
They're all comfy, now, with a fan, fresh rice hulls and plenty of shade, tucked under the pine and citrus trees in the back of the garden. Next project is a 4 foot tall fence, to discourage them from going in the garden during times of the year when it is freshly planted. I'll also put shorter fences around each garden bed, but will pen them up when I've planted large areas, for instance, when I put in the fall garden greens and brassicas.
Planning to over seed the garden aisle ways with clover and rye for the cooler season when the Bermuda dies off, so they'll have to be penned for a little while to let they're new grasses get established. Does anyone else plant pasture or grasses for their chickens? It's really amazing how much fresh grass they eat each day. I make sure they get alfalfa hay and garden greens, as well.
