Chickie Taj Mahal

No longer do we worry about escapee hens OR uninvited deer and foxes. Mr. Fox still has us on his list but he just runs by as he checks out the neighborhood. Word has it he asked Santa for wire cutters. Tom and Camille built this incredible fortress. The corner posts are set deep in the ground. Two opposing walls were made as kennel walls for very tall dogs. The other 2 walls are made of cattle corral wall wire covered with chicken wire. The roof is yet to be complete but will be a continuation of the cattle wire. The base of all walls have an apron of chicken wire, one foot up the wall and one foot out pinned to the ground. This will thwart any predator digging.

The birds and squirrels think it was all built for their perching pleasure. It has already served one squirrel escaping from the cat. The pen was closer than the tree! The hens love it. They can run around, even fly (a bit), in safety. I love the people door. It is very secure, yet easy to get in and out.

Tune in again for how to keep chickens warm, happy and laying in freezing weather.

The neighbor's fence is almost complete

Jake,that huge Great Dane next door will soon have his own private backyard. His family has built a very nice seven foot wood fence to keep him. I told them about the chickens several weeks ago and mentioned that the chicks would be out in the run in late May. It looks like the fence will be complete soon. They are planning to paint it to match their house. The house is a lovely pastel that combines cream and creamed celery with a delicate influence of light gray. This description does not do it justice. Maybe I can find out what the paint color is called. Jake’s owner’s mother is a famous artist with studios at Cottonwood Art Academy in Colorado Springs. She chose the color so you can be sure it will be exquisite and unique. Painted fence picture will post as soon as the painting is complete.