Author Archives: joesmithreally

Beautiful sunny December 1st. Since I finished the chicken coop and outside fencing (a.k.a. “run”), I decided to obtain some adult Rhode Island Reds and/or Barred Plymouth Rocks. Both are cold hardy heritage that have been around for 2 centuries. This area already had old, tough metal fencing panels, grape vines and scrubby trees. TheContinue reading “It’s Chicken Day”

I don’t know what I’m doing. But I did it all by myself. It’s… rustic. Repurposed siding and other materials from barn. Frame, flooring, roof sheathing and shingles built with new material. Used a repurposed barn window, cracked it during installation and broke it while nailing siding. Will repair that with a piece of plexiglass,Continue reading “Chicken Coop”

Not the music, I assume, but who knows. I haven’t listened to metal in decades. It’s not on the play list out here. This pile of twisted metal fencing is greatly favored by 15-20 sparrows. They congregate there regularly. I imagine you can barely see them in this photo which, I suppose, is the attractionContinue reading “Sparrows Like Twisted Metal”

One of the leftovers from the barn demolition is this big pile of uprooted trees, twisted metal fence, dirt, and ancient manure. I have to cut up the twisted metal into manageable pieces before I can properly dispose of it. One of the uprooted trees had grown around, into and through the solid metal fence.Continue reading “When In Doubt, Set It On Fire”

I had originally planned to use reclaimed barn wood to build the chicken coop, but I used most of the old, true 2″ x 4″ wood on converting the pergola into a barn swallow house and covered shelter and most of the other wood from the demolished old barn is much bigger than I needContinue reading “Chicken Coop Progress”

The thunderstorm came hours later than predicted, so I was able to wield the chain saw (one of my favorite tools!) and fell the unwanted trees that poke out into the pasture today. The pasture turns to the right past this tree-weed space. Those 7 foot tall weeds with thick stalks and burrs have toContinue reading “Clearing”

Weather forecast predicted thunderstorms today, so I didn’t set trusses on chicken coop frame. Cut down trees instead. This group of trees — and tall, stalky weeds — (pictured below) juts out into into what can be pasture. So, today they’re coming down, with the exception of the valuable black walnut.

I don’t know what I’m doing. But I have successfully made my first truss! Now I just use this as a template to make 4 more. They’re for the chicken coop.

So the basic 8 x 8 chicken coop box is framed. Harder parts — slanted roof, door for me, small door for chickens, and nesting boxes to come…

I’m no fan of bugs, as long as they stay outside, but I kinda like this one. Looks kinda pre-historic. Can’t fly or move very fast. Need to identify it. I have a few of these in the house, too, but they seem harmless, so I’ve let them be (thus far).