Chicken Chunnel

Although we are planning a static (permanent) coop/run for the hens, we have plans to allow them to “free range” – but within a Chicken Chunnel!

Something like this…

Lists, Lists, and more Lists

I don’t want to get overwhelmed because there is so much to learn about keeping chickens the healthy, natural way! Not only for their eggs, but I also want chickens as workers to help with the sticker weed population we have in this yard! Oh, and to eventually establish a nice sustainable rotating garden system after they have worked the packed ground!

Yes. A lot of planning is going on.

I have a lot of dreams and goals before I leave this earthly life.

God willing,

He’ll grant me the time.

So. I. Make. Lists.

What lists?

I use several methods:

Laptop – I first made a file folder “Chickens” (of course!). Within this folder is where I place MS Word documents, such as:

1.     A list of websites and blogs that I’ve found and want a quick reference back to for further reading.

2.     Pictures of the chicken breeds I’m interested in and what they look like as chicks, and their characteristics. When the time comes, I want to be as informed as possible when I go to Tractor Supply Company!

3.     A list of toxic (to chickens) plants and foods. When the time comes, this will be printed out and put on the frig for easy quick reference!

4.     A list of the chicken’s favorite plants and foods.

5.     This folder is also where I put the free and informative .pdf documents I’ve come across from various websites.

Amazon Wish List – what a fabulous tool!

          While viewing the Youtube videos, many times folks will recommend a specific product. So I don’t forget, I’ll pause viewing and immediately find the item on Amazon then simply “add to list”… like the hori hori! I’d never heard of such a thing! The guy at Edible Acres specifically recommended an orange handle one as it’s easier to see when you drop it in the garden! Good to know from someone experienced!

Youtube

I “subscribe” to the folks I’ve found informative. I also click “like” on the videos I’ve watched. After viewing over 250, it certainly helps me keep track! Plus, I’m told it helps them, even if only they receive a few cents per viewing. It’s the least I can do to help “pay them back” for the time and knowledge they’ve shared!

Plain ole spiral notebook – an old small unused one I found on the bookshelf.

          It’s where I handwrite (something I rarely do these days) the lists of herbs and plants I’m interested in buying/planting. It will fit in my purse beautifully. I can hardly wait until the Herb festival in 3 weeks!

This blog – it’s primarily for me, a diary/journal of sort. If others should visit here and find some bit of useful information, then it’s a win-win.

Still learning...

Still learning…

Since August 2017, I have viewed over 250 Youtube videos – all about keeping chickens! I so appreciate the folks that have taken the time to share their experiences, the pros/cons, and offer tips and suggestions! It’s amazing.

In another article, I will share my favorite – go to – Youtube stars!

I’m a visual learner. Actually seeing things ~ rather than reading descriptions ~ helps me better gather the knowledge needed before jumping into the act of keeping chickens.

Joining a few Facebook groups dedicated to keeping chickens has also helped me tremendously. Although I’m sure there are hundreds to choose from, these are the “closed groups” I selected (so far!):

Chicken Keeping 101 Friendly Southern Edition

Chickens in the Backyard

Chicken Keeping 101

One question I posted, I asked which type of coop they preferred: raised or ground.  I received an overwhelming response. I would say 98% answered, “Raised” and many shared photos of their set up, and explained why.

So… that’s what we will go with… a raised coop.

Although we don’t plan on getting baby chicks until Spring of 2018, I also wanted to know what/which plants to plant, in preparation for the upcoming “Dinos”! I wanted to know what was best for their health, those that help to keep pests away, and for the Dinos to find enjoyment or protection while inside their run.

Oh. My. Goodness.

I just finished reading the book from cover to cover, Gardening with Chickens, Plans and Plants for You and Your Hens, written by one of the “stars” on Youtube, Lisa Steele of Fresh Eggs Daily.

I took notes, made lists, and now know what to look for and purchase (then plant!) when we attend the Annual Herb & Art Festival "Jammin' With Art In The Park"on October 14th.

I’m thrilled I bought this book first!

Yesterday evening, her book Fresh Eggs Daily, raising happy, healthy chickens, naturally, arrived! Perfect timing! It’s the one time I’m ready for a hot afternoon to just sit back under the air conditioning and read!

 

I also thoroughly enjoy Lisa’s Facebook page, Fresh Eggs Daily!

But for now, it’s time to get busy readying the garlic planting bed!

Thinking Ahead

I know it’s too soon to begin building the static coop and run for our upcoming chickens. It takes everything I can muster not to bring home baby chicks – even with knowing they will stay in a tub ~ in the house ~ with us for the first couple of months!

But today, I can start something for our future goal of keeping chickens!

I’ve spent a lot of time reading and watching videos about sustainable feed, to help keep the cost down. One of the ways is feeding worms to the chickens! An excellent source of protein!

It reminded me… I kept a worm bin in the library while serving as librarian in a local public charter school (sadly, the school is now closed). The students loved checking on the worms! They loved watching how, over a period of only a few weeks, the worms turned veggie scraps into dirt!

One of my favorite go-to guys on Youtube, Justin Rhodes, reminded me how long it takes to get a nice “herd” of worms. So, I will begin raising our own today! I emptied a tub yesterday after noon, and the drill’s battery is fully charged! I’m waiting on the sun to rise and shine!

I found a good overall informational page on Home Worm Production provided by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension.

And, Uncle Jim’s article, Raising worms to use as live fishing bait, is a very good basic how-to.

Since we don’t have cattle grazing on our place right now, I wonder if anyone around here would mind me collecting a bit of manure?