Before last weekend, the dog and the chickens took turns for recess. Although no blood has spilled, the dog proved he couldn’t be trusted when he tried to snack on a chicken free ranging at a friend’s house. That’s all it took for us to keep an extra careful eye out on the dog/hen relations at our place.
While taking turns for recess was a delight for the animals–the dog loved it because he got to stay inside, the chickens loved it because they got the entire backyard to themselves…it’s not so convenient for humans…kids who forget to shut doors and let the dog out…kids that want to play in the yard without stepping on chicken poo…adults who get tired of the dog lying around inside on nice summer days…
I finally broke down and constructed a fence to divide the yard. On one side, the dog and kids can ‘free range’, while the chickens, now relegated to about 1/3 of the yard, can roam in peace. It will also serve as part of the backyard garden fence, once the backyard garden is in place (it really is coming…it’s coming…).
It’s not beautiful. But it gets the job done (at a reasonable price). And it took me just over a day to complete it. Of course, that was with all the chickens helping. I don’t know how I could have done it without them! ha.
By the way, stay tuned for the wooden-crate-turned-gate makeover. I can’t resist the flat wooden surface so we’re turning into an art project. I’ll post photos soon.
In the meantime, the chickens are adjusting to their smaller, but still VERY spacious backyard, and I’m loving that everyone can be outside on those rare NW days when it’s not raining!
