Scrap Lumber Chicken Tractor

We have been enjoying some amazing weather this past week, so it motivated me to knock out one of my goals for his month. I would like to share with you, my Scrap Lumber Chicken Tractor! I made it completely out of scrap wood found in the barn. The only thing we had to purchase to finish it was a new roll of chicken wire, because I ended up using the rest of what I had laying around. That cost about $26 for a 4'x50' roll. The rest of that will come in handy for the next one I build. It only took me about three hours from start to finish.

Now, it's not the prettiest chicken tractor around, but it does the job!

I think they're enjoying the fresh air and sunshine as much as I am!

I am beginning to think the Buff on the left is one of my roosters. His comb is considerably larger than the rest of them.

The chicks have grown so much! Since they will eventually outgrow this one, I am making plans for another, larger chicken tractor. I have been scouring the internet for different pictures to come up with ideas for the next one. One website I stumbled upon has tons of pictures, The Chicken Tractor Gallery. If you are planning on building your own, it's a great place for ideas.

This post is linked to:

FarmGirl Fridays
The 'Ole Saturday Homesteading Trading Post 
Barn Hop #54

The Country Garden Showcase
The Country Homemaker Blog Hop 
Frugally Sustainable

Week in Pictures

In my Business Development class I am creating a business proposal for a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) venture. So far it has been a great learning experience. A portion of it is due this Sunday, so no time for a (substantial) blog post. But, I can leave some pictures...

Have a great weekend!

Spring Chicks and A New Family Member

About a week ago I placed an order for 15 Australorp pullets, 5 Buff Orpington pullets, and 3 Buff Orpington males. I have been patiently waiting for an email stating when they will ship. Okay, so maybe I was getting a little anxious! So I went onto the website this morning and they're sold out until May! It could be a while before I get my chicks. Hopefully it won't be that long since I placed the order before they were sold out.

In other news...we have an addition to the family! Sunday night, my parents found a little hound dog cowering in the middle our driveway. Reeking of skunk. They already have two indoor dogs, so guess who ended up taking him?

It started out as just a foster. The local animal shelter is so full they can't take anymore, so I knew taking him there wasn't an option. But by the end of this week, after several baths and an investment in "Skunk Away", he had cuddled next to me every single day while I work on my homework and grown on us.

 So, his new name is Sam. We think he is a beagle/dachshund mix.

Did I mention he hates his picture taken? This is the only full body shot I have been able to get. The rest of the time he is an inch from the camera lens!

Yup, a little ironic that his favorite toy is a skunk!

He will be headed to the vet in the morning to get his leg checked out. He has a limp when he runs, but other than that it doesn't bother him. He will also be getting neutered, but don't tell him that...

Now honestly, I always said we wouldn't have an indoor dog. I'm more of a cat person. Not that I don't love dogs. I have my German Shepherd, Sugar, but she is more suited to be outside. I've always leaned towards bigger dogs. But this little guy has done great so far. I especially like the fact that he doesn't bark at all! Yet anyway!

This post is linked to:
Farmgirl Friday Blog Hop!