This year we ordered 8 heritage breed hens for laying. We’ve had so much fun with the girls that we’re considering raising more poultry for meat this next year. While my Hubby raised lots of birds in his younger days, this is my first time around poultry. And there’s a lot I’ve learned about raising my first flock (all while listening to Hubby in the background saying, “I told you so!”).
I was adamant that we allowed our hens to free-range. When they were younger we had much more room for them inside their portable run, but now that they’re almost fully grown the run is barely big enough for two girls. So, they pretty much have the freedom to run all over our property.
During the hot afternoons I can usually find the gals underneath our porch, cooling off. Once the heat starts to wear off, though, I’m in for some trouble. About 6:30 pm every day they enjoy a nice stroll, pecking, pecking, pecking their way up to my edibles garden. A few will even head up toward the roadside to find goodies in the brush. I can almost set my clock to it.
When they’re not under the porch, the girls are busy shredding up my garden beds, ridding me of weeds, insects, and mulch. Judging by this display I’d consider their work leans toward the Post-Modern.
They also like to make work of my compost piles.
I’ve learned to put plantings up high and out of reach. Chickens are like 2-year olds – they have their limbs in EVERYTHING!
And even putting things out of reach doesn’t guarantee that they will be safe.
Of course the fresh eggs almost make up for the messes. But it’s a moment like this that reminds me to giggle.
What have I learned these first few months? Broilers and Roasters will definitely need a bigger portable run!!
Jennifer can be found at Unearthing this Life where she shares snippets of her rural life, recipes, and other blarg-worthy stuff.
Did you make your portable run out of PVC or metal? It’s nice looking for a portable pen.
Thanks, Maggie! I actually used the top 1/3 of my portable greenhouse. It’s made of metal and coated to resist rusting. For the covering I used plain old bird netting found in the garden center. I added a couple of 1x4s for protection from the sun and later added a shade cloth over half the run.
Even though it’s now out of use, the girls still return to it every evening to roost before going to bed!
i loved this post. your girls are very naughty!
Ha! You bet they are!
I do my best to keep my free-range birds off of my porch. I don’t mind if they go up there, but I do mind the chicken-poop they leave behind. I run them off the porch every time I see them there and make sure to always feed them treats elsewhere.
I’m with you Joshua. One way or another they’re bound to make a mess. Only if they’d learn from repetition!
I have naughty hens too. I had to ban my hens to their chicken yard instead of letting them out to roam because they kept digging up my zucchini, corn and beans. UUgggh!
I know they are not happy with my decision but they also don’t realize how close I was to having chicken dinner! This is better for everyone.
LOL! Mine are just as naughty, but I love them so!
I laughed when I saw the destruction–sure brought back memories. I miss having chickens, they were such entertainment….though it wasn’t so funny the day I spent HOURS laying new mulch only to watch them a few minutes later kicking it everywhere!
Great portable pen-I love that idea!
I showed this to my husband. Now he can relax and enjoy the squirrels! I do know that chickens and horse barns are a good pairing: the chickens keep all the pathways and barn areas groomed to perfection and weedless. Soon, very soon…..
Love the photos of the hen in the flowerpot and the hen and cat looking at each other.
Wish I could have chickens.
-Brenda
This would be why we fenced in the front yard. The garden too. Lovely birds you have!
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