You can see the bricks, cardboard and malamite in the above shot. The cardboard is underneath so that the grass doesn’t grow through their floor, even though the chooks would probably eat and enjoy it. Under the cardboard is clay, like all the soil around here, so it shouldn’t subside. I didn’t fix the house to the bricks, because it is so heavy (so the kids tell me) that it shouldn’t move unless we have a cyclone and there is not much chance of that this far south! As it rained quite heavily last night, Ben and I checked the inside of the structure this afternoon, and wouldn’t you know it, it was dry as a bone. Great waterproofing Gav, and painting Ben! The water even runs off the corregated iron the right way towards the rear.
And here is a demonstration of me collecting the non-existant eggs. I wanted to check if we could access the laying box from the path. As there is a gap either side of the house, I will have to board it up with some spare wood or wire before I introduce the chooks.
And here is the final position in relation to the existing structure in all its glory. I am so proud of what we have all done to contribute so far. Adam even volunteered to do the wire work and make the door to the cage for next weekend. Below is a shot of the dynamic duo, with their supervisor, after a job well done. It is amazing what a bit of teamwork and determination can get done, even with a bloody back injury! Never say die, I reckon! This was my first adventure out of bed all day but well worth it.
Note the Purple podded peas that are going crazy in the wonderful soil that I made from clay and compost! It holds the moisture very well and keeps the peas well watered. Here is another shot of the beautiful flowers that this plant has. The pods are just begining to show. I planted them with the seeds that I collected from the summer crop, and as they were an heirloom variety, they are true to type. Heirloom plants are so much better than the crappy hybrids you are forced to buy at some nurserys! You never know what plant you are going to get if you plant seeds collected from a hybrid variety.
So, thanks to Adam and Amy for the muscles and patience while I bossed them around, and thanks to Kim for taking the photos. Oh, I forgot, I couldn’t post an expose without a shot of Butch. Here he is helping place the hen house.
Butch always manages to get in one of the photos, and doesn’t like being left out. I think he realises now that it is not his house!
The Chookmahal looks good mate, give me a yell when you find some wire and I’ll give you a hand putting it up.