fuzzi's Chicken Journal

[NanaK]

I am excited about the change in the weather. So much better than what we've had! I am itching to play in the dirt again!

Time to plant my green peas and start some seed under lights.

Chickens are soaking up sunshine and I'm starting to get more eggs.

Now to get rid of this crummy cold I've had all week. Stuffy nose, headache, not sleeping well, generally feeling yucky. This is day 6, I think I'm turning a corner.

So much I want to do.

 

[fuzzi]

I contacted the "tree guy" for another job.

This area was where our garden was, ten years ago. We allowed saplings to grow, had them cut down about three years ago. I smothered the area with old carpet.

They're going to take out the carpet, small trees that have sprung up again, dig out any remaining stumps, and grade it for me.

Aaaaaand remove the stubborn privets that are too big to completely remove.


I'm planning on planting blueberry bushes and a couple elderberry bushes on the far side.

 

[fuzzi]

I am excited about the change in the weather. So much better than what we've had! I am itching to play in the dirt again!

Time to plant my green peas and start some seed under lights.

Chickens are soaking up sunshine and I'm starting to get more eggs.

Now to get rid of this crummy cold I've had all week. Stuffy nose, headache, not sleeping well, generally feeling yucky. This is day 6, I think I'm turning a corner.

So much I want to do.

I'm sorry you've not been well.


My peas didn't survive the Arctic blast

The frost covers ripped in the wind.

But I am going to be cleaning out the beds and I have seeds galore to plant, woo!

 

[NanaK]

Sorry your frost cover was ripped. We have a tarp on the run that ripped also. It was due to be replaced soon as it had some wear. Now it's on the do soon list.

I have been wanting to try planting a few peas late summer for a fall/winter harvest. We had an unusual cold spell this year, probably what took yours. I may still give this a try. Are you going to try it again?

I was also wondering did you have any problem with freezing with your rain barrel? Especially in the spigot? I want to set up some but wasn't sure if I would need to drain them during the coldest part of winter.

 

[fuzzi]

Sorry your frost cover was ripped. We have a tarp on the run that ripped also. It was due to be replaced soon as it had some wear. Now it's on the do soon list.

I have been wanting to try planting a few peas late summer for a fall/winter harvest. We had an unusual cold spell this year, probably what took yours. I may still give this a try. Are you going to try it again?

I was also wondering did you have any problem with freezing with your rain barrel? Especially in the spigot? I want to set up some but wasn't sure if I would need to drain them during the coldest part of winter.

I definitely will try growing peas in the fall, again, maybe starting them a little earlier, maybe covering them with plastic.

I didn't try to draw water from the rain barrel when the deep freeze hit.

I have about 8 clear plastic half gallon bottles that I fill from the rain barrel and store in the run where the sunshine will warm them. They did freeze solid but since I hadn't filled them to the top and I left the cap on loosely there wasn't any damage. On the coldest days I brought 2 gallons of hot water from the house and poured it into the rubber tub.

I didn't use the rain barrels when the temperature was WAY below freezing, and I didn't have any issues with them even when it was freezing. I noticed that there was a layer of ice on the water's surface but it wasn't frozen solid.

Does that help?

 

[fuzzi]

I got the cattle panels and lumber for the new hoop coop today, woo!

A good friend is a blessing.

Here are the 4 I'll use for the build.

I got 4 extra for trellises and other projects. The 16' PT 2x4's are too long to store in my shed, so I laid them on the spare panels, with support:

I went searching in the shed for the hardware left over from the first hoop coop build. I organized as I searched so it should be easier to find what I need in the future.

Score!

I've ordered extra zip-ties and fender washers, but I may have enough to get the hoop coop frame done. I would like to at least get the panels zip-tied together tomorrow, after church. We'll see...

 

[NanaK]

Does that help?

Yes! Thanks!
We got really cold. I was hoping nothing cracked.
I want to mainly use the rain barrels for watering a
bed beside my greenhouse. It be nice to not have to drain it every winter.

 

[Shadrach]

I should get working on my plot. What with the rain and wind and the storm/s clearing up it's got rather neglected.

 

[fuzzi]

I should get working on my plot. What with the rain and wind and the storm/s clearing up it's got rather neglected.

Are you getting inspired?

 

[Shadrach]

Are you getting inspired?

More like feeling guilty.