Aviary update

[jimmyj]

I have been redoing around the house and one issue was that the shrubs and bushes had all got overgrown. I used the BH to dig them out and figured I would plant them in the aviary. (Had to do that by hand). It really came out good. Here are a few shots.

There is also a shot of my dog outside the aviary wondering exactly how to get in.... (He won't hurt the chickens but the eggs are another story..)

 

[jinman]

Jim, that's one good lookin' chicken pen. I'm surprised at how neatly you've maintained dimensions while using native materials. Your chickens aren't free ranging, but they have plenty to keep them occupied. Those cedars are not going to be starving for fertilizer either. Won't they grow through the top of the pen if you don't prune them regularly?

 

[jimmyj]

Thanks Jim

I will prune and replace the cedars if necessary. There are plenty more in the forest down back!

This time of year I actually leave the chicken part of the pen open (top half of a dutch door) so they can range but not in the spring as they'll tear up the garden and my wife would be peeved!

All I did was run a string line and try my best to follow it. I really liked the idea of the rails and posts vs dimensional lumber due to the look. I actually built the coop before I had the TLB and digging the holes took 45 minutes each. There is so much gravel in the ground I had to use a pike and a coffee can to dig them by hand (pike to loosen, can to scoop).

In the building part there is an indoor coop with heat and water so it's a 4 season deal. I've got the end segregated for specific breeds if I need or right now some pheasants and fancy pigeons.