Steps To Making My Soil Sifter

Today I made a beginning toward making my soil sifter. First I had to remove the piece of wire mesh from the side of the chicken pen. Then I had to cut the wire mesh to fit. This all sounds very simple, but took a very long time.

It seemed to take forever to get the wire mesh off of the side of the pen and cut and replace it with small chicken wire. It took even longer to cut the wire mesh to size because the cutters would barely fit in the holes.

I finally got it cut to size and found some 2 x 2 that I will use to attach the wire mesh to the old window frame. I'm using the window frame instead of building a frame. I like to reuse things and besides it is easier and keeps it out of the landfill.

I sifted some more wood ash for the chickens dust bin. I also sifted some more dirt and mixed that with the wood ash.

The wound on the side of the Buff Orpington is healing rapidly, but the wound on her leg still has a hole in the middle. The hen is eating and drinking and even laid an egg. So we have hopes she will heal and recover.

The sprouts are still sprouting slowly. Rather pathetic.

Peek at the Past

(March 23, 2009)

Snow?

[6 eggs today]

~:>

Smiles

Wood Ash In The Chicken Pen

   There are two old screen doors that are kept around the place in case I need to cannibalize a piece of screening or for use as covers for small enclosures I make for chicks or to isolate chickens.

   Instead of building a frame and attaching screening I thought why not just plunk the screen down on top of the container. It all worked out great... the ash went through the screen with a bit of smooshing around and I put all the wood coals, nails and debris in the blue bucket and dumped them nails and all in my little green garden.

   I thought this would be a rather boring photo so I sprinkled some corn on the leaves and called the chickens and Morgan to come decorate the picture. Morgan wants to be up and moving instead of on a down stay.

   I'm not sure what the original use was that the container was made for... water trough? I dug a shallow hole for the tub so it fits snugly and won't tip over when the chickens roost on the edge. Kristine doesn't think the chickens will hop in there and dust bathe. Maybe, yes, no? 

   The wooden frame I nailed together to hold more wood ash is located so the chickens have to step in it on the way to the nest boxes and the roosts. Of course, they may just hop over the ashes. Or maybe use it for more dust bathing? Next time Tom empties the wood stove I will add more ashes.

   

   Everything takes more time than I think it will. I still have to cut the partitions for the nest boxes. I found some roosts that I had stored away and decided to attach them to an old wooden ladder. I got the idea from a photo at, Garden With Chickens, here. I'll cut them shorter to fit the ladder. It would be neat if I got the partitions and the ladder fixed up tomorrow. I hope I get at least one project finished.

Peek at the Past

(February 16, 2009)

The quilt is haunting me...

[5 eggs today]

Morgan ate chicken feed and got a tummy ache last night.

~:>

Smiles