Exploring the new extension
Two eggs today + erection of extended run
Total eggs 14 though there are fears that we may not reach 15 or 16.
For no real reason at about 7pm I just thought I'd check all was well only to discover a fox sniffing around on top of the run. I suppose having spent most of the day with the chickens running around in the garden (and being quite vocal at egg laying time) the fox became very aware of the availability of tasty meal. I wonder if it's merely a matter of time?
I do hope not. Presumably they are shut in at night. Perhaps they shouldn't be in the run all day, but only when you are around and can hear if they sound anxious.
ReplyDeleteI think we might have similar problems once our chickens arrive, so I hope it won't be bad news.
On a brighter note, you've had the chickens a while and the fox hasn't got them yet. Have you got wire on the bottom of the chicken run to stop the fox digging in? We've ordered wire for the floor of our run in the hope that it will keep them safe.
It's when you see the fox in very close proximity to the run that the reality hits home. But you're right - the fox hasn't got them yet so why should it happen now?
ReplyDeleteWe've had wire on the bottom of the run since we moved them off the concrete but even that may not be enough? How far out do you extend the wire? Should we make a wire floor? How will that affect them as they like to scratch around and dig dust baths. Etc etc.
The Forsham website suggests wire so that they can't dig out, either, but I agree, it does make you wonder if the chickens mind.
ReplyDeleteIf everything is well made, you're probably OK if you don't forget something vital. While foxes are cunning, they probably aren't cunning enough to get into Fort Knox, and will only do so if you allow them the opportunity. It must be a worry, though. That's the sort of thing that would worry me. I'd probably have trouble sleeping, listening out for every slight sound, especially as we have barn (screech) owls around here, who sound like something being murdered.
Will I dare to keep reading this blog?
I read that if you keep chickens on concrete you should provide them with a bowl of dirt so they can have a dust bath, so perhaps the same applies if they have wire on the floor. You can get some fairly big plant saucers from the garden centre. I'd go for a terra cotta one for outdoor pots.
ReplyDeleteYes - we rescued an old deepish tray from a skip for sand bath and put it in the coop when they were on concrete but they seem very happy to make their own dirt bath in the soil in the extended coop.
ReplyDeleteThey survived the night and there's no evidence of digging so maybe there are fox visits every night. Realistically why wouldn't there be
and maybe that's a good sign.
I fear that all this warranted anxiety distracts our attention from the rather handsome and skilfully-constructed extension here. Mr Laverty's exertions were not wasted on you all those years ago.
ReplyDeleteJeff - Laverty would turn in his grave (I'm assuming that's where he is) if he saw my handiwork. I can still smell that glue he made us make
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