The Chicken Run

It's taken many months to complete the girls run. They have been in there for about a month now and already I have plans to change it. They love having lots of space to run and scratch around. They are also let into the garden in the evening to free range a bit more.

The area where their run is, was a total weed paradise when we moved in. We laid the new grass on the lawn and left an area clear... it didn't stay clear, it was a mess. I cleared the area and rich did most of the planning and building. We dug down two feet to bury the chicken wire, to prevent predators. I have read that hardware mesh is the safest option but it was too expensive for our budget and will be added when we can. However, touch wood, we haven't had any issues with predators in our area and some of our neighbors have hens as well. Plus, the girls are locked away safe and sound at night.

The run started off as being partially grassed, but it is barren now. Scratch, scratch. We have plans to build a raised area with mesh or wire on so the girls can have free access to grass with out digging up the roots. I also want more plants in and around the run to make it more attractive. I planted lavender around the run. Lavender - "a stress reliever and calming agent, also acts as a natural insect repellent, and improves blood circulation" (Fresh Eggs Daily), is a beautiful and fragrant plant that I and my girls love. I also add lavender to the nesting boxes and coop. I have also read that butterfly bushes are good in and around the run. I have two in my garden and have taken softwood cutting this year already. Currently there are two rose bushes in the the run. They are protected around the base, but this doesn't stop the girl jumping up for them.

The girls are happy. At the moment when the rain comes its a mud bath in there, so we will have to find a solution to that pretty quickly. Can't wait to introduce the little girls. Speaking of little 'girls' we haven't heard any crows yet but I think we may have a couple boys on our hands. We will soon find out.

Where did summer go?

It's been a long summer. The weather has been okay, not very warm but not too much rain. We have been having great fun, with days out, and a trip to Weymouth. There are plenty of jobs in the garden to do. In March Richard made me some raised beds and they are doing really well. We've got Peas, Leeks, Parsnips, Courgettes, Lettuce, Cabbage, Carrots, Herbs, Sweet Corn, Kale, Onions, Garlic, Butternut squash, Pumpkins and swede. We also have had a great crop of beans this year. We grew Potatoes in sacks and the green house is full of tomatoes and cucumbers. I have had great success with many different flowers this year. I planted up some hanging baskets that are flowering well. 

On a sad note Ginny my beautiful Rhode Rock, got poorly and passed away. We noticed she had lost weight and separated her from the others. I hand fed her for four days and tried a few different treatments I read online, but unfortunately she passed in her sleep. We wasted no time in filling the void in our hearts with some babies, 7 week old chicks. I will post some pictures of them soon. 

Thumper is going through his yearly molt and looks a bit scruffy. He's been a very happy boy and is doing well. My little boys are getting bigger and bigger. Luke is starting school in September and I will be back at University. Time seems to fly by these days. I've got lots of projects lined up and hope to post some of them on here. You can follow me on Instagram @sarahcouling for updates and fun stuff more often. Finding the time to blog is harder than ever right now, I would promise to make an effort to post more often, but I always do and then fail to follow through. *face-palm* 

Spring has Sprung.

 Edwina on her roost

 Princess Leia

 Ginny

What a busy weekend we had. I had a lovely mothers day and did everything I wanted to do. My Boys both made me beautiful cards that I will treasure forever. We made little progress with the chickens run this weekend as we've been working on another big project that I will tell you about later. The girls are so happy here and enjoying there new home very much. Monday Ginny laid her first egg. We were all very exited. She was in and out of the nest box all morning so I knew something was up, When she came out a bit later I went to check and sure enough she had done it! Princess Leia and Edwina have a few weeks to go I think as their combs and wattles are still small and pale. Ginny's little egg takes pride of place in the kitchen window, but for how much longer i wonder. :) 

My beautiful Hellebores are out and showing there dark purple faces as the first signs of color in the garden, Gardener world did a whole spot on them on friday, 'the Jewels of the early spring border', and they very much are in our garden.