New wood chip

It’s been a week since the wooden box has been filled with concrete and every day since then, the ground has been snow covered or frozen. I have been frustrated at not being able to finish off the run because of both the conditions and also being really busy. This afternoon though, we finished work early and there has been a thaw. The thaw had caused the run to be really muddy as the wood chip had got dug in with digging the trench for the gravel board and now with snow and ice melting, water was oozing up when ever me or the chickens stepped in to the run.

I poop picked first then forked over the corner of the run that I leave clear for the girls to scratch in. They were right with me to see if I turned up any worms for them. Then I took out the wooden stepping blocks and dug over and smoothed out the piles of earth in front of the patio. The girls got a few worms when I lifted the wooden blocks so were very happy helping me!

Then I placed the wooden blocks back where I wanted them and tipped the bag of wood chip onto the soil. I raked it roughly in to place but could see the girls were eager to help spread it around. They had a lovely time scratching in it.

Scratching in the new wood chip

Beaks down

Bluebell shows her fluffy bottom

Step

I decided not to bother putting the steps back but instead to use the two wooden blocks. Both the chickens and me find the block an adequate step down into the run.

I feel so pleased to have got this done. I hope this will once more help to keep the mud at bay and the girls happy.