Tidying up the chicken run

I took a few minutes this morning to rake the chicken run area up. It doesn’t really accumulate manure, just mostly small branches, uneaten fallen apples and leftover produce rinds, chunks of dirt they have dug up, leftover food, etc.

This year’s run has evolved into a menagerie of branches, ladders, tables, saw horses, bent cattle panels - all in an effort to give the birds shade and protection from hawks. Adding to the randomness, the outer netting is covered with zip-tied cattle panels to prevent the goats from busting in (they love to press their entire side weight against all fence stretches, nice scratch!) and wood/limbs along the bottom to discourage digging coyotes. It looks crazy, but you do what you have to do!

These ladies found a nice shady spot.

Sarge the Rooster hanging out with a few of the ladies.

We covered the arched cattle panel with plastic for protection last winter and decided to keep it covered. Montana and Elijah re-installed it in the run last month when the hawks were getting a little extra agressive. Now I’m used to it!

Not sure why this group is congregating inside the coop by the little door. Obviously plotting something big.

Back field.

In the mornings the goats wait eagerly by the gate to be let into the chicken pasture. Having them behind the fence while I do the morning chicken chores is super helpful, then I don’t have to fight off Sammy’s constant nudging (with his horns!) while I’m carrying down water or up eggs.

Hi boys! Look at Sammy sticking his nose through the gate!

Goats get a cookie and an opened gate. All is well.