MJ's little flock

[MaryJanet]

I need to get some updated pictures of them. Ned is currently having a mini-molt and is getting more and more big boy feathers. Lucky is just getting fluffier and fluffier!

I'd love to see them again.

 

[RoyalChick]

Chicken landscaping. There are probably more important things but @ least a well established plant is more difficult to dig up!

I agree. One of my 'cheer me up over winter' projects is designing a 'chicken garden'.
My idea is to have an area just outside the Chicken Palace door (should that be gates?) that has shrubs, and a seat for me, and which can be fenced. It would be like a step-down from fully free range. I could sit in the garden and have tea, and they can wander about but I don't need to be super scared of the fox situation.
It would not fully predator proofed like the Chicken Palace, but safe enough I would be OK leaving them unsupervised for a few hours in the day. I can do an outer electric fence (yes I am growing in confidence in my electric fence-building abilities!) that would keep foxes out, and the shrubs would give protection from air-borne predators.

 

[MaryJanet]

I agree. One of my 'cheer me up over winter' projects is designing a 'chicken garden'.
My idea is to have an area just outside the Chicken Palace door (should that be gates?) that has shrubs, and a seat for me, and which can be fenced. It would be like a step-down from fully free range. I could sit in the garden and have tea, and they can wander about but I don't need to be super scared of the fox situation.
It would not fully predator proofed like the Chicken Palace, but safe enough I would be OK leaving them unsupervised for a few hours in the day. I can do an outer electric fence (yes I am growing in confidence in my electric fence-building abilities!) that would keep foxes out, and the shrubs would give protection from air-borne predators.

Great idea!

 

[BY Bob]

I know you shot me down on this idea before, but I will try again nonetheless.
You are thinking about this all wrong. You don't need fewer chickens, you need more space. I think in the Spring Fluffy Butt Acres should get an extension.
Now I will hide for a bit because I am not going to be popular.

I thought @Ribh was the enabler!

 

[BY Bob]

Well, I think it's a good idea. I've said so before & will say so again.

You are a well documented enabler missy.

 

[BY Bob]

'Cause I provide such a great home according to Shad! I need a clean run & no broodies while I integrate this new lot!

Good luck with that!

 

[BY Bob]

Well, I do beleive it makes a difference. It also makes sense.

It makes good sense. I believe it to be true.

 

[BY Bob]

Every time I see a picture of Ned I can't help thinking what a shame it is that you couldn't keep him.

I can only agree. I really loved that little dude. He is a special one. Hazards of letting hens set a nest. Close attachments to cockerels.

 

[BY Bob]

I need to get some updated pictures of them. Ned is currently having a mini-molt and is getting more and more big boy feathers. Lucky is just getting fluffier and fluffier!

I miss them.

 

[BY Bob]

I agree. One of my 'cheer me up over winter' projects is designing a 'chicken garden'.
My idea is to have an area just outside the Chicken Palace door (should that be gates?) that has shrubs, and a seat for me, and which can be fenced. It would be like a step-down from fully free range. I could sit in the garden and have tea, and they can wander about but I don't need to be super scared of the fox situation.
It would not fully predator proofed like the Chicken Palace, but safe enough I would be OK leaving them unsupervised for a few hours in the day. I can do an outer electric fence (yes I am growing in confidence in my electric fence-building abilities!) that would keep foxes out, and the shrubs would give protection from air-borne predators.

I really like this idea. I hope you do it.