We are in for some chillier temperatures this coming week, so I decided it was time to start winterizing the chicken coop. I always have a hard time saying goodbye to the warm weather. Perhaps the chickens do too. I love spending time during fall with the chickens, but I have been finding them spending more time inside the shelter of their coop. That was their signal to me that it was time. Mother Nature also sent me a signal. She dropped a tree on the chicken coop. Luckily everyone was okay. I’m just so happy we were able to take care of the tree and we only had one casualty, a garden trellis. I’m hoping to piece it back together. We shall see!
Spending a few hours outside with the flock is always a real treat. They make my heart so happy and I love that they are genuinely happy to see me as well (treats or no treats). When I am out there for an extended period of time, they have free-range of the entire yard. While we handled the tree, they remained safe in the coop and run.
Olive is the last one to finish up her molting this fall. Finally, glimpses of returning tail feathers fill her profile. It’s hard to believe that she is four years old. She has grown into a very regal and distinguished hen. Her eyes appear wise, she is reserved and often waits to come and see me. She has always been content to interact mostly with the other chickens.
Molly on the other hand, is so chatting! That is one of the things that I love most about Australorps. She still is my most curious hen. Eventually, the entire flock finds themselves out in the garden and that leaves me to tidy up inside the run. As I work, they explore.
During fall with chickens, nothing is off limits in the garden anymore. This creeping thyme will be taken in for drying. I will dry all the herbs in the garden. This year, I have grown parsley, mint, marjoram, assorted basils, thyme, chamomile, chives, and lovage that I can recall off the top of my head. I’ll add some to our pantry and I will also create an herbal blend for the flock as well to enjoy during the winter months.
We had such a lovely day together. I know that fall with chickens is fleeting. Snow is set to arrive next week. For now, the coop it clean, the heated waterer is all set up. This upcoming weekend, I’ll be adding plexiglass and plastic tarps to help curb the weather and winterize the coop. I’ve got a new system to share and I think you might want to do this at your coop too!
5 thoughts on “Falling with the Flock: Fall with Chickens”
I am 9 years old and we keep chickens in our backyard. We have 13 hens and I have read 2 of your books, A Kid’s Guide to Keeping Chickens and how to speak chicken. I figured out how to say ‘hello’ and ‘treats’ in chicken. I enjoy looking at your website and reading your books. My favorite breed is the Orpingtons. We used to have 2 Buff Orpingtons named Honey and Z, but Honey has passed. Z is still with us and is the sweetest chicken ever! We named her Z because when the other chicks were exploring, running, and stepping on Z, she still slept on. Although she doesn’t sleep like that anymore, she is the laziest chicken in the flock. We also used to have 5 silkies- 1 black, 2 white, and 2 brown. They have all died out except for 1 brown one named cereal. Unlike yours, she is skittish, shy, broody, and sometimes downright cranky. I do still love her, however. I hope I can get your 3rd book, Chicken Wisdom, but until then I’ll stick with my current books written by you.
(P.S
maybe when I grow up I will move to Cape Cod to and have a chicken farm too!)
I am so happy you are enjoying your flock. It sounds like you have made some wonderful memories and hold some special chickens in your heart.
Can you make a new article, introducing each of your chickens? That would be cool, as I love learning about other people’s chickens.
I own four chickens and have bought two silkies (pullet + cockrell) for my sister. Thanks!
If you go back into the archives- there are lots of posts- sharing and introducing our many flocks over the years. I think you will enjoy them.
Ok, thanks. (: