Many many moons ago I started a fun blogging project - known as a meme. I had an idea whereby bloggers could post a specific alphabet related subject - be it a photograph, image, text, poem or whatever. We would work our way through the alphabet, week by week. It started about 5 years ago - a long time for anything blog related but here we are, Round 11!
However there has been a significant change in matters - this round I am not managing the project as I have done from day 1. A few rounds back I found I could not run the show alone and enlisted a team to help with the running of such a fun project. Believe me there is a lot to do and for the moment I am passing the reins over to Roger who has been so supportive and helpful throughout his time as team member. I am still a team member, but feel Roger is the man to take us forward.
So..................this round of ABC Wednesday will be based round my chickens, I know so many of you find the everyday happenings of life in the Nesbitt henhouse so uplifting and fun....so watch this space!
A is for........Accommodation!
3 years ago when we first got our hens they started off in a small cosy purpose built house. In these early days - before Ernest joined the family there was just enough room for all 6 of them. Hens are social creatures, remaining faithful to their family group and enjoy cuddling together - for both warmth and safety. Here from the left we have may, Bev, Olwyn, Mabel, Margie and Eva. This sleeping/perching order was the same every night.
When our faithful gander, Jo sadly passed away his rather superior shed became vacant. The hens by this time had progressed to shed number 2, here to be seen on the left but often observed the empty shed on their travels. so eventually they moved in! Shed 2 became chief log store.
Despite having luxury accommodation should the door ever close the girls would happily sleep on the roof! Hens originate from warmer climates and would happily perch in trees - not to be encouraged here in chillier UK! Many a night has seen Jon encouraging the girls out of the branches and into the safety of a warm henhouse.
Inside the henhouse the girls like a quiet place to lay eggs, often sharing the space together.
On average each hen lays 1 egg everyday - sometimes every other day, but sufficient for our needs.
Due to windy weather Jon modified the shed so the girls could come and go as they please without worrying that the door would slam shut.
The hens love to look out of their window from thir own window seat.
We keep a bag of woodshavings inside the henhouse which we clean out every day, allowing the hens fresh bedding each night.
With the arrival of the woodburning Rayburn we use the rear of the henhouse for storage.
Here the hens settle in for the night.
I hope you enjoy my ABC Wednesdays and gain an insight into life with the Nesbitt chickens.
