Single hen

[Martin B]

Hia I've been staring at my garden for some time and have planned some adjustments.

Below is a picture of my garden.

 

 

The shaded brown areas are the places I want to put a bark chip area for the chooks! The one labeled A is where I preferably want the bark chip area to go! B is second choice anyway!

I've labeled my composter with a big, fat arrow (this is where chook poop will be going). The little arrow labels the storage hut (aka the shed)!

Tell me what you think and suggestions please!

---Martin---

Edited April 4, 2006 by Guest

[Mrs Frugal]

Terrific Martin! Great photo too !

[Martin B]

The arrows etc. are a bit messy. Oh well!

[motherhen]

Looks great - might be a diplomatic idea to offer to help your Dad to build the bark surround

[Martin B]

I will!

[AnnieP]

Looks great Martin! Better get everyone in your family's approval rather than ours!

[Martin B]

My mum thinks oine of these areas would be suitable

[AnnieP]

Where was the picture taken from? If its your bedroom window, you might want to consider plot B, as you could see the run when inside your room.

[SarahJo]

For what its worth .. I think "B" as its nearer the composter, and has a lovely lawned area infront, thus drawing the eye back to the chooks ..... will make the garden look bigger.

[SarahJo]

Just had another look ..... sorry, definately "B" and the back of the eglu near to the composter .... just scoop the poop, and literally "drop" ... perfect positioning. And as Annie said .... you can see the chooks from upstairs (assuming an ariel veiw) and it does not divide the garden too much .... I think it will look BIGGER and LONGER .

[Cate in NZ]

I agree with you Sarah.... plot B seems a more suitable plot for the eglu in my opinion

[Guest]

Building the bark area is dead easy. I'm sure you and Sean could do it. It took me and my daughters about 2 hours and we thoroughly enjoyed it! DD2 (year 9) wanted to do another one, she enjoyed it so much!

[motherhen]

Ginnette - I'd be tempted to hire out DD2 over the Easter hols as a bark area builder. Now we are all used to making large profits from our hens (see economics thread) perhaps it is time the offspring started pulling their weight as well

[Hellcat]

Martin, talk to the local pet shops and get a metal dog food bin for the feed if you can. they often have promotional ones they give away free! Thats how we got ours and rats can't chew in to them.

 

(my votes for A)

[AnnieP]

oohh! This could be another Murdo type thread! Shall we have A or B.. hmm...decisions, decisions........

Martin, make up your mind quickly!

[Boris70]

Hi Martin,

 

I think B would be better - another question though - what way does your garden face - as your chooks probably don't want to be in full sun in the summer as they would get too hot.

 

When do you get your eglu?

[Jacky]

Martin I think B because you will be able to see your chooks from your bedroom window

[Cinnamon]

Its B for me Martin.

I would bark the whole lot, including the flower bed,right up to the path ,leaving a gap to get into the shed.

That way you can move the Eglu evey week or so,keeping nice fresh bark for the hens

It looks like you could get 3 Eglu shifts across into that area

[Lesley-Jean]

It's B for me too Martin. But I would move it over to the wall on the left with the eglu at the compost bin end. You will be able to see your chooks at all times and see into the eglu. Less chance of leaving it open inadvertently. Poo tray will also be near the bin for convenience (no pun intended).

[Martin B]

Thankyou for the tipes everyone definately something to consider!

[Popcorn]

I voted for B too Martin, although I do think it woul dbe better moved next to the wall to give your chooks a bit of protection in the bad weather and some security. Having the wood chips ontop the the soil will also give the chicks a tasty meal when wormies come up in the rain!

 

It will also leave more grass area

[Lesley]

I was just going to say exactly what Gina has said - nearer to the wall - divert the path!

[Martin B]

I've shown my Mum your ideas , will be discussing it further soon!

[Happymama]

Martin, if you place the eglu and run diagonally you'll make the garden look BIGGER! Fools the eye, and all that.

[motherhen]

You can fool more than the eye if you place it diagonally across the path

You'll get some very interesting sounds from people tripping over it in the dark