Chicken Coop

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This year we undertook to transform the back section of our yard into a small homestead area. Here is the story of the transformation so far.

Our Wish List

  • Fruit Trees
  • Chicken Coop
  • Compost Bins
  • Worm Boxes
  • Berry Bushes

Chicken Coop

The transformation began with clearing out the area which was full of weeds and beginning construction on the chicken coop. My husband did a lot of research and inspired by the coops he saw decided to design and build his own coop. The end results are amazing!

Our daughter, Lilly, helped pick out the blue color used for the accent pieces.

Features

  • Fully enclosed run with roof above adult height and a dutch door for entry
  • Deep litter bedding area
  • Windows that can be opened and closed depending on the weather
  • Hanging feeder
  • Nipple water system with rain barrel
  • Metal roof for weather and heat protection
  • Dirt tub for dust bathing
  • Sand filled run (we clean this regularly like a cat litter box)
  • Predator barrier
  • Egg hutch with easy access
  • Hen house entry ramp and easily removable roosts
  • Ground roosts (old branches) for day time roosting
This image was taken during chicken training. For example, the bottle in this image was used for training the chickens to use the water nipples, then the full system was installed. The hen house was also closed off and the ramp removed.

Fruit Trees and Berry Bushes

Next, we purchased five fruit trees from a local nursery and two berry bushes. We planted 2 apple trees, 2 pear trees, 1 apricot tree, and 2 blackberry bushes. Each tree had a large hole dug out. Then after being carefully planted in that hole a dirt mound was created as a water barrier around the tree and mulch laid on top. This same process was followed for the blackberry bushes but on a smaller scale. Last, each tree was carefully supported using two T-posts, wire, and pieces of an old hose. For the next month we checked on and watered our trees each day ensuring they settled into the ground and began to establish a good root system. Now, we are watering them weekly and watching them grow.

Continuing

We are still working on our compost bins and worm boxes. We also plan to add more berry bushes running along the fence. Next major update to this area is spreading more mulch over the remaining dirt to act as a ground cover. Hopefully another update on our progress will come soon.

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