Maintaining an Organized, Clean Chicken Coop
Here at my farm, we work from a detailed checklist of daily and seasonal chores, but unexpected projects sometimes arise that require immediate attention.
When something new comes up, it’s important to assess its urgency, adjust the day’s schedule, and determine the most efficient way to get it done. Yesterday, Pete from my outdoor grounds crew took a short time out to repair the doors on a small wooden storage shed inside my chicken coop yard. The repairs will help keep bins of chicken feed securely stored and protected from curious, unwelcome wildlife. Even the smallest maintenance projects play an important role in keeping my farm organized, safe, and running smoothly.
Here are some photos.
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- In my chicken yard, I have five large coops that house my chickens, Guinea hens, and turkeys. I keep them as clean as possible to keep my fowl healthy and the unwanted vermin away.
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- This small shed needed proper doors to keep the bins inside well protected.
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- Temporary panels kept the space somewhat closed, but the wood could still be pushed giving access to intruders.
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- Pete measured the space for sliding doors that would work more efficiently.
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- In my back field, I store a lot of scrap materials for use on various projects. I always impress upon the crew to reuse, repurpose and recycle whenever possible.
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- One piece of scrap plywood was retrieved for the door project.
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- Pieces on the structure that were no longer needed were taken down.
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- Pete worked carefully and efficiently having all his needed tools close at hand.
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- As the adage goes, measure twice, cut once. Here, Pete measures the space again.
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- Because my chickens are raised around humans, they are very accustomed to all the activity and curious to investigate everything they see.
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- They use their beaks, which are rich in sensory receptors, to explore and peck at unfamiliar objects, bugs, and to navigate around obstacles.
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- Using a set square ruler, Pete makes the appropriate marks for cutting.
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- Pete tries to cut materials all at once before installing.
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- This hen watches from her coop doorway.
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- Here is a group of Guinea fowl – naturally active, independent foragers with strong curiosity, but they startle easily and keep their distance.
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- Pete secures a piece of 2×4 wood which will provide a base for the sliding doors.
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- He also attaches scrap wood to make usable handles for these doors.
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- Side pieces cut to fit will prevent the doors from sliding too far.
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- In the end, it is an easy and quick solution for an important storage need.
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- Lastly, the doors on this unit are painted my signature “Bedford Gray.”
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- Another hen comes to check out what’s happening.
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- This small maintenance job took less than one hour to complete, but it will protect the feed, keep the area neat and tidy, and possibly prevent any bigger issues from happening later.
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