(Temporary chicken enclosure that sits down inside one of the raised beds.)
I had a pretty grim day on the urban farm yesterday. I’ve let my chicks spend the night outside for the last two nights in their temporary enclosure and when I came down to check on them yesterday morning, one was dead in the pen, gruesomely missing a leg. I’m sure a raccoon reached in there, grabbed what it could and jerked it out through the poultry netting. This was a very sweet chick and I was pretty down about losing her. I felt especially guilty because I know that poultry netting (chicken wire) is not strong enough and not secure enough for overnight accommodations. I just knew that my chicks were tired of coming in and out and I was tired of chasing them around and forcing them. I knew better and I did it anyway. Poor chick paid the price. Life on any farm, urban or rural, big or small, includes these little vignettes about life and death but you do get attached and I was pretty sad. I completely re-wired the run with ½” hardware cloth, which I should have used from the beginning and now I hope they will be safe. I know I’ll be sleeping with one ear tuned to the yard tonight!
(Seems silly to be so sad over a chicken but this big red and white one is the poor victim.)
I got a plumbing issue figured out and the watering system for the tomatoes resolved. I have fifteen plants in the new bed with the deer-deterrent cage in place. The sides roll up for work and down when I’m through. I’m very happy with the design and so far, no sign of deer destruction! I still need a bit more topsoil to do the second bed but should have that in place soon. It’s late for West Texas but we have a long growing season and, as they say, better late than never!
(Raised beds with deer deterrent cages.)
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4 comments:
Girl, I am SO impressed at how self-sufficient you are. You remind me of that old British comedy Good Neighbors. But I AM sorry about the little chick, ugh nature can be ugly. And the design for deer proofing sounds ingenious.
I'm sure the chickies are safe and sound now.
I understand your feeling bad about the chick. I had chickens as a teen, and I became attached to 2 with very sweet personalities. You are right about life lessons on the farm.
The raised beds look great!
Jeez. You've had quite a week....
Poor li'l bird. Well, like you say, it's one of those things we have to steel ourselves for. Even here in th'big city...
A month or so ago one of the beloved Abert's towhees fell in the pool and drowned. It was especially sad because it was mating season, and towhees mate for life. A pair will inhabit a yard year after year.
Interesting idea about the deer-proofing. It sure LOOKS like it oughta work.
@Allison - lol - thanks! Impending move looming, this morning I sold all my chicks - that dream didn't last long!
@RTC - thanks for the complement about the raised beds. No sign of any deer damage!
@Funny - poor towhee! That's so said and the mating for life things makes it especially poignant. That's nature I guess!
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