FROM PLAYHOUSE TO CHICKEN COOP

We really wanted to get chickens again, but knew that the old coop would not work.  It was too far from the house (and a water source) and didn't keep predators out.  AH HAH!  The playhouse that wasn't used anymore would be perfect.  It was close to the house (but not too close) close to water and the perfect size and layout for about 12-15 full grown chickens.  So I did what we always do and ordered the chickens then started on remodeling the playhouse.  I do know that we did that backwards but it seems to be a pattern with us.

It only took about 2-3 days and the coop was ready for the girls to arrive.  My husband and I wanted it to remain a "pretty" building since it was in the backyard so all we really did was add hardware cloth to the bottom for their run, cut a hole in the floor for ramp, assemble their roost post and secure the windows for winter.  We also added gravel around the outside perimeter to keep the soggy ground at bay when it rains.

The chickens arrived via the post office.  If you have never had chickens delivered thru the mail you should.  We got quite a few interesting looks and comments when we picked them up.  They seemed to be healthy and happy upon arrival and content in their new home.  We did have to go out every morning for the first week or so and put them thru the hole onto the ramp, but only until they realized that they could do it on their own and the food was down there!

All are happy and healthy and doing well in the winter weather.  We are looking forward to letting them free range this summer when we will be home more.  We also will have to put hardware cloth on the windows to open it up a bit more (we knew they had to be covered for winter).  The coop does have great ventilation in the roof and eves so that wasn't a concern.

If you would like to see the tour video of the coop click here.

CRB

Kombucha Tea Update

1-1-14

We hosted an amazing New Year's Eve Party last night with 14 adults and 19 kids in our house!  After a late rising this morning the clean up was surprisingly smooth.  I wanted to get something accomplished in the kitchen today so I changed my Kombucha brewing method over to a continuous brew system.  I am happy to announce that my mother scoby looked beautiful and healthy!  I will be harvesting in a few days and will be sure to post some flavoring recipes when I do.

CRB