MJ's little flock

[RoyalChick]

Barring the unforeseen, in time it will be a very comfy chicken home. I usually pop over to Europe for three-four weeks a year and there are numerous trips to and from Sydney and Melbourne, so safe and happy hens in my absence is my main goal, aling with capacity for 8-12 hens with slow and steady flock growth.

Don't talk about slow and steady flock growth on these threads - before you know it someone will tell you to add 40!

 

[RoyalChick]

And yet you can ride a motorbike ~ which I consider more difficult...

I don't think it is Shad who can't ride a bike. I think it was AC.

 

[Ribh]

We have something called a variegated red twigged dog wood that is bright crimson branches in winter so looks pretty against the snow. https://www.michiganbulb.com/product/midwinter-fire-dogwood?

p=0819680&gclid=CjwKCAiAouD_BRBIEiwALhJH6KVAnfGiQKzAnlXq4RuBoxNj3DqSur1UKUTiP5m1eNP6pb9yd5YxkhoCiowQAvD_BwE

Then I thought Forsythia for spring interest and dense twigs for chickens to hide in.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/857785...T9H6Jdkuoa1CaL6Lf5P2Q9-NOtQr3u2hoC6zMQAvD_BwE

There will be a very wet area where the gutters drain and wet is good for blueberries and the chickens love blueberries so thinking about that too.

Then I need a couple of chairs and a little table for me to sit in - need to solve the poop problem - might just hang a scraper near at hand!
Hope the links work. I do have to check none of these plants are poisonous to chickens. Blueberries definitely arent!

Wow! Those are gorgeous!

 

[MaryJanet]

We have something called a variegated red twigged dog wood that is bright crimson branches in winter so looks pretty against the snow. https://www.michiganbulb.com/product/midwinter-fire-dogwood?

p=0819680&gclid=CjwKCAiAouD_BRBIEiwALhJH6KVAnfGiQKzAnlXq4RuBoxNj3DqSur1UKUTiP5m1eNP6pb9yd5YxkhoCiowQAvD_BwE

Then I thought Forsythia for spring interest and dense twigs for chickens to hide in.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/857785...T9H6Jdkuoa1CaL6Lf5P2Q9-NOtQr3u2hoC6zMQAvD_BwE

There will be a very wet area where the gutters drain and wet is good for blueberries and the chickens love blueberries so thinking about that too.

Then I need a couple of chairs and a little table for me to sit in - need to solve the poop problem - might just hang a scraper near at hand!
Hope the links work. I do have to check none of these plants are poisonous to chickens. Blueberries definitely arent!

The soil at my house is not just sandy, but sand. And most years there are heat waves and possible dry spells. I'll have to see how well these hold up under these conditions. Now I'm thinking about it, I should probably stick to local species.

 

[MaryJanet]

Don't talk about slow and steady flock growth on these threads - before you know it someone will tell you to add 40!

So true!

 

[RoyalChick]

It's all looking lovely MJ. You should have some very happy hens.

Would you consider some shell ginger. Mine love it & it's really hardy once established beside getting lovely hanging clumps of flowers.

I have planted some in the run extension & am hoping it gets a go on before the girls get to it.
View attachment 2481493​

I remember you mentioning shell ginger before and I got all excited about it - then I read it was a tropical plant so I will just have to enjoy your shell ginger vicariously!

 

[Ribh]

I don't think it is Shad who can't ride a bike. I think it was AC.

Thank you. I got behind & now everybody's posts are out of order. I wish BYC wouldn't do that to me. I have enough trouble keeping things straight.

 

[MaryJanet]

I

Thank you. I got behind & now everybody's posts are out of order. I wish BYC wouldn't do that to me. I have enough trouble keeping things straight.

I also thought Shad said he couldn't ride a bike but in my case, I didn't have my specs on and i read the fullstop as a comma and confused myself

 

[RoyalChick]

The soil at my house is not just sandy, but sand. And most years there are heat waves and possible dry spells. I'll have to see how well these hold up under these conditions. Now I'm thinking about it, I should probably stick to local species.

Yes that usually works best. For me the Dogwoods and the blueberries are native. Forsythia and Viburnum aren't native but both are ubiquitous in the area.
I am curious what sort of plants grow in your sand? Sounds like palm trees and succulants maybe?

 

[Ribh]

Does it grow in sand and is it ok with dry spells?

Mine is growing in heavy clay that rarely sees water & it's huge.
Sand is supposed to be better.
https://homeguides.sfgate.com/can-grow-variegated-ginger-outside-71636.html