Gift #2

Another really big job - check.

Cleaning out the chicken house....we have all had our turns over the years - me, Becky, Matt, and Glenn.

This time - Glenn - crossing off another chore on my 'priority to do' list.

This is not a pleasant job...mainly because of the nasty dust created by the sweeping down the walls and ceilings and by the shoveling out of all the....manure. Many breaks have to be taken to walk out to breath a bit of fresh air before going back in.   A twice per year chore.  Up side - all those poultry droppings are carted to the garden and incorporated into the soil - really good, natural fertilizer.

good stuff!

The old hay in the nesting boxes are removed and replaced with fresh - this little chore is scheduled as needed, about once per month.

Grit and oyster shell bins are filled - weekly.

Feeder filled as it nears empty, about once per week and the waterer is filled daily during the cool season, more during summer.

Eggs collected daily.

Most of the chickens stayed in their outside pasture during the ordeal, except...for the two, little Banty hens - they never leave the confines of the chicken house - never.  As the shovel flew and dust clouds billowed, those Banty hens flew from 'safe' corner to 'safe' corner.  One accidentally flew out the open door and found itself in new territory - green grass with Buddy stealthily learching nearby.  That was one nervous hen.  When Glenn finished, she was herded back into the house.  The other chickens soon joined her to check out their cleaned quarters.  They all seemed to nod their approval.

Gift #2 - perfect!