MJ's little flock

[MaryJanet]

I was wondering how they were working out. She is one special lady!

It's been a slow transition. I could have hurried it along by removing the old water containers but I couldn't see a convincing reason to stress the hens. I knew they were strongly habituated to their old ways and I preferred to integrate the new bottles into the water routine and give it time. They're adjusting. Janet will be next. Then Mary and Peggy will come around. Once everyone is happy with the nrw bottles, I'll remove the plastics.

 

[MaryJanet]

And plantings? Or should those wait maybe until it is cooler?

Yes, I think so. Summer in Adelaide is not a great time to get plants started. While the old tables are unsightly, they're excellent chicken shelters. It stays surprisingly cool under there. So there's no rush.

At present the lilac Dad planted is struggling with insufficient sun. We want to keep the same plant because it was Dad's, but in a better position. The trouble is, it's so spindly, I doubt it would survive transplanting but perhaps it can give us cuttings. I've been reading up on it. We'll take a dozen or so and hopefully one or two will take. We already have the hormones, we just need to set up an environment for them in the back room. It'll be a long term project.

Striking cuttings from the succulent will be easy. It needs almost no help at all! Poke it in the ground and give it water. It will thrive.

The young jacaranda and peacherine continue to do well. So the hens are not at a loss for green shade all day long.

And they have their favourite shrubs to hide under when they're allowed out of the funrun.

Today Mary is out by herself, she won't stray too far from her friends and she'll have some respite from Peggy's pecking.

 

[MaryJanet]

That is amazing. Phyllis would love one of those!

Chippy the dog did a great favour opening up that doorway - it's been perfect for him, three cats and now one chicken!

But I'll have a pair of dogs after Blossom and the door will be fixed before they arrive. So Janet and her proteges will be in for a surprise one day!

 

[Ribh]

Yes, I think so. Summer in Adelaide is not a great time to get plants started. While the old tables are unsightly, they're excellent chicken shelters. It stays surprisingly cool under there. So there's no rush.

At present the lilac Dad planted is struggling with insufficient sun. We want to keep the same plant because it was Dad's, but in a better position. The trouble is, it's so spindly, I doubt it would survive transplanting but perhaps it can give us cuttings. I've been reading up on it. We'll take a dozen or so and hopefully one or two will take. We already have the hormones, we just need to set up an environment for them in the back room. It'll be a long term project.

Striking cuttings from the succulent will be easy. It needs almost no help at all! Poke it in the ground and give it water. It will thrive.

The young jacaranda and peacherine continue to do well. So the hens are not at a loss for green shade all day long.

And they have their favourite shrubs to hide under when they're allowed out of the funrun.

Today Mary is out by herself, she won't stray too far from her friends and she'll have some respite from Peggy's pecking.

MJ, I've just had a couple of thoughts reading this. Firstly is the coop roof flat under the jacaranda? I would strongly recommend getting a slight slope put on it or you will have leaf accumulation that will be really difficult to remove.

Secondly, If you cut your lilac right back it may transplant & grow back less spindly. Not sure as lilac won't grow up here. Too hot & muggy for it. Maybe worth a try if it's a special plant but take cuttings as well to ensure something survives.

 

[MaryJanet]

A Caturday post that I found funny.
View attachment 2538127

So true! Brings to mind my recent adventure with the rat/mouse/marsupial(?)

 

[MaryJanet]

MJ, I've just had a couple of thoughts reading this. Firstly is the coop roof flat under the jacaranda? I would strongly recommend getting a slight slope put on it or you will have leaf accumulation that will be really difficult to remove.

Secondly, If you cut you lilac right back it may transplant & grow back less spindly. Not sure as lilac won't grow up here. Too hot & muggy for it. Maybe worth a try if it's a special plant but take cutting as well to ensure something survives.

Thanks!

The top of the run is wire mesh, so yes the dropped leaves and seed pods are going to be a pain. I've come to terms with that.

Cutting back the lilac is a great idea, especially if we can propagate it beforehand. From the way it's leaning over, it seems sun is its biggest problem. Amazing it's survived really.

 

[Ribh]

Thanks!

The top of the run is wire mesh, so yes the dropped leaves and seed pods are going to be a pain. I've come to terms with that.

Cutting back the lilac is a great idea, especially if we can propagate it beforehand. From the way it's leaning over, it seems sun is its biggest problem. Amazing it's survived really.

Leaf litter is my biggest problem with the shade cloth the man put over the gardens. Once it's gotten wet it matts & is almost impossible to remove even with a power hose.

 

[MaryJanet]

Leaf litter is my biggest problem with the shade cloth the man put over the gardens. Once it's gotten wet it matts & is almost impossible to remove even with a power hose.

Hmm. A power hose could be just the thing down here. Everything is so much drier.

 

[RoyalChick]

Hmm. A power hose could be just the thing down here. Everything is so much drier.

Or a leaf blower?

 

[Ribh]

Or a leaf blower?

Only it won't work once a pile has got wet. It sticks to the wire like glue.