Saturday, July 7, 2012

we bought a zoo...

whoah! It's been forever. June came and went in the blink of an eye. Guess I needed a little hiatus from blogland.

BSD finally came home just after school got out for summer. And we've been playing ever since.


One of the main things we've been needing to do is complete the backyard barnyard. If you remember, we got a few chickens last summer. The idea was to be able to hang out in the backyard with our hens. Which we did. And we loved.

But we learned the hard way that three little hens can cause major destruction to the plants you want to grow. And the chickens were supposed to enhance the atmosphere back there. Not destroy it. So we needed to rethink the 100% free roaming idea.

So literally minutes before BSD left on this last trip we were in the backyard building a run.

We only had enough time to get the run built before he left so the playground obstructed it for months. Definitely not in keeping with the idea of the chickens adding to the aesthetic back there.

We also put the actual coop INSIDE the run. Which we thought was a good idea. But the chickens thought so too. Enter exhibit A...


The chickens decided to roost on top of the coop turning it into a poop coop. Plus, the dirt that they kick up with all their digging began to cover the coop and was no longer washed away with the rain.

Back to the drawing board we went. And today, we finally feel like we're on the right track. Chickens that enhance our backyard.

It involved relocating the coop back outside the run. Which is now closer to the food lockers so feeding them is much simpler.

And sadly, it meant taking down the playground. *sniff sniff* Maybe a bit premature. But, luckily, nobody is pining for it.

We still have lots of work to do on the backyard beautification project. Including finding more old bricks to complete a little walk along the whole outside length of the run.

But for now the chicken component is working.

And the sign on the gate is truth in advertising.

14 comments:

Amy @ Lucky Number 13 said...

eeek! i love that last picture, seriously so beautiful!! one day i am going to have chickens...one day. i think the run looks awesome and i love the whole enhancing your backyard thing, that is exactly what we are attempting to do. white trash back yard, be gone!!

kim {the non-mom blogger} said...

Kim, these pics are gorgeous (and I hate chickens so that says a lot ;) I do love fresh eggs though!

Gabe said...

Welcome back!!! You've been busy....we've been hot!!

Laura- That Kind of Mom said...

Wow! The run looks beautiful! We also have three hens and have been thinking about making a chicken run, too. Yours is so nice, and I love the coop, too. It totally does enhance your yard!

Jen said...

Very cool...glad to see you back in Blogland,! One day I wanna meet those chickens!

Kerri said...

That's the nicest chicken area I've ever seen! Awesome pics! Where can I get one of those lockers?!
It's good to hear from you! Hope you guys are having a great summer!

Karina said...

Perfect. Im not only living vicariously through your chickens but learning too. Because I know - someday...I WILL have chickens in my backyard too.

Anonymous said...

Glad you're back :)
I too wish we had chickens but our HOA would not be keen on the idea, unfortunately.

Your new coop looks amazing! Those spoiled chicks should feel very happy :)

Mitzi

Nicolle said...

Hi sweet friend! I have missed you. These pictures are gorgeous, I love that 2nd one that is b/w, and I love your fresh eggs sign. The chicken run is so neat! I hope you are having a good summer and that BSD will be home more than he is gone. Enjoy the summer with your girlies!
xo

Deanna said...

Ahh I loved this story in pics. You have a great looking spot for your chickens, really nice. My neighbors across the street have chickens and they did pretty much what you all did. Ever once in awhile I get a fresh egg. Lucky you...everyday!!

Megan said...

You guys are the coolest. Love the chicken run and that you are putting chicken wire to some good use. It's so pretty too! I think I need one, and I don't even have chickens! I love it when BSD comes home!

Cindy S said...

Hello old friend!

The photography progress you've made is outstanding. Love the chickens! We had them when I was growing up and oh how I loved going out each morning with my silly basket to collect the eggs.

xoxo

Andrea @ little buckles said...

Oh my goodness! What a luxury chicken run! Makes mine look like a rumbling shack. Lucky chooks xx

humble habit said...

Ohh my gosh i want to be one of your chooks, that's paradise. I love it, your feeding lockers, i want that in my house to organise my 4 kidlets. Just beautiful!