Flock and coup size for "The Master Plan".

[MeepBeep]

Here is a link to my FB album that has a lot of the pics (plus others about my gardening back in 2011 https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1812541606166.101506.1618822299&type=1&l=97d68419d5  and here is one for 2012  https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.3403344335240.148889.1618822299&type=1&l=4a7b25d71b

If I may asked how did the floating bed work out, using chicken manure as the nutrient? Did you aerate it?

Since I do a lot of indoor flower growing for my daughters, I have read extensively about hydroponics and even aquaponics but something always seems to come up and actually doing it gets pushed back... But, with the grow season upon us again, I have once again been thinking about trying it out... I would be doing it slightly different using llama droppings instead of chicken droppings, but it appears information on using 'natural' ferts vs bottled stuff in hydroponics isn't really trendy and thus information is limited, probably due to the difference in odor since most people do the hydroponics indoors or in green houses... But, since I have copious amounts of llama and goat beans, piles of my bat guano in my barn loft, and obviously chicken droppings out the ying-yang I would like to leverage some of the natural ferts in an hydroponic system

 

[Kassaundra]

If I may asked how did the floating bed work out, using chicken manure as the nutrient? Did you aerate it?

Since I do a lot of indoor flower growing for my daughters, I have read extensively about hydroponics and even aquaponics but something always seems to come up and actually doing it gets pushed back... But, with the grow season upon us again, I have once again been thinking about trying it out... I would be doing it slightly different using llama droppings instead of chicken droppings, but it appears information on using 'natural' ferts vs bottled stuff in hydroponics isn't really trendy and thus information is limited, probably due to the difference in odor since most people do the hydroponics indoors or in green houses... But, since I have copious amounts of llama and goat beans, piles of my bat guano in my barn loft, and obviously chicken droppings out the ying-yang I would like to leverage some of the natural ferts in an hydroponic system

The rotating beds worked well, but you have to be pretty organized and able to keep a schedule, which isn't me. No I never did anything w/ the poop, they just pooped on the ground while they were in each wedge and it was never enough to burn plants or anything.

Aquaponics is a dream of mine, I keep wanting to set a system up here too. Research more "aquaponics" rather then "hydroponics". Hydroponics is more about the lights and chemicals, aquaponics is more about manure, worms, fish, natural systems.

 

[lazy gardener]

Hey Kassaundra, long time no see. I hope you are well. Nice to see what you've been up to. Every now and then I tell folks about your ingenious 5 gal bucket with the strips of fleece.

 

[MeepBeep]

The rotating beds worked well, but you have to be pretty organized and able to keep a schedule, which isn't me.  No I never did anything w/ the poop, they just pooped on the ground while they were in each wedge and it was never enough to burn plants or anything. 

My inquiry was in regards to the kiddie pool with the floating foam beds...

 

[Mini Meat]

Hey Kassaundra, long time no see. I hope you are well. Nice to see what you've been up to. Every now and then I tell folks about your ingenious 5 gal bucket with the strips of fleece.

Okay, must know about the 5 gallon bucket w/ fleece strips...

 

[Kassaundra]

My inquiry was in regards to the kiddie pool with the floating foam beds...

It didn't work well it was suppose to be a floating aquaponics on the cheap

 

[Kassaundra]

Okay, must know about the 5 gallon bucket w/ fleece strips...

That on the other hand was amazing. It was/is a "broody" bucket. The hanging fleece strips help to keep the chicks warm and secure, like they are under a hen. Not sure where my pics are, but maybe on the invention thread,

 

[Kassaundra]

Okay, must know about the 5 gallon bucket w/ fleece strips...

Here it is
My 3 week old chicks graduated from the inside brooder w/ the feather duster mom to the outside coop w/ the broody bucket.

hole drilled about the size of a pencil, fabric is polar fleece, next time I will make longer strips, they are short this time b/c I was planning of filling the bucket w/ straw, which they keep scratching out.





This works really well as does the "blue mom" or feather duster broody mom.

 

[Mini Meat]

Quote: That is very cool. I love anything that helps the birds live a more natural life. Defiantly using this.

 

[Johntodd]

OK, so, after a long wait, I've finally done it.

The chickens are spending their first night in the new coop-run system.

I went with two paddock/gardens, with a splitter fence down the middle. Once a year I move a small section of fence to "select" which area the chooks get to use.

They were distressed by the transfer from their old run, but before sundown they were happily exploring the new 'digs' and making fertilizer.

I also went with the Ruth Stout system this year, and so I achieved a 95% reduction in weeds, a 75% reduction in irrigation, and a 50% reduction in man-hours (partially offset by having to hay-in for the first time.)

So, as of the first poop, my "Ruth Stout Chicken Activated Garden System" is off to a roaring start. A buddy of mine, who retired from the electric company, used his old derrick truck to stretch fencewire and lift the coop up and move it. OMG, that made things so much easier.

Right now there are 3 chooks in there, snoozing in the coop. (It's night here as of this posting).

I plan to up it to a total of 10, that is, adding 7 more hens. I have 1 rooster already. He's adorable.

Thank you so much for your input! This is really working out well. It won't be a no-work garden, but it'll be a 'much less-work' garden that grows and grows and grows!

Let's continue this thread and discuss the finer points. Anybody notice that chooks don't eat bermuda? Their old run has bermuda in it. Everything else is gone.

Thanks!
-Johntodd