The Chiknik House and using what you have

I would like to introduce the Chiknik House!

After debating endlessly on the best way to keep chickens on our land, we finally decided we were never going to get chickens unless we found a way to use what we have to get us started and then build up from there. That way we can observe what will work and what won't work before we get too deep into the setup of our 'ideal system.' And it will be a good way to get some use out of abandoned buildings and make the place feel more like someone lives here. We plan on setting up fences and paddocks, but I think it's reasonable to approach these projects in stages considering how much work needs to be done.

There were a number of outbuildings on our property when we moved in, including a creepy little shed that was full of a random assortment of broken household goods, sprinkler parts, and an anthill. For the first year we used it to store our moving boxes. Our second spring here I decided to clean it out. It took quite a bit of work but it eventually started looking usable.

I build a little loft in it for the chickens to hang out in or for extra storage, whichever we decide is most needed. At first I tried to make it level but the shed is so crooked that I just went with the shape of the shed. There used to be electricity in here but it doesn't look to be working. I think they used to use this shed as a brooder for baby chicks and then the adult chicks would live in the barn, which currently looks like the roof is going to collapse in any day now. We started cleaning out the barn a couple weeks ago so I could scavenge for building materials. I found a cabinet that I cleaned up and made into brooding boxes. I also put a couple of tires that I found in the barn on the ground to be nesting boxes for the ducks (we weren't planning on getting ducks, but the hatchery mixed up our order and gave us a couple ducks and they are the cutest things ever). I put sand on the ground to cover over the warped plywood floor and I started building some ramps and I made a little poop-catching shelf. I thought about adding some curtains but realized that the currant bush outside the window provides a good amount of shade in the summer. I still plan on adding some sort of vent. I hung some food and water for them. I expect to change a few things about this setup this winter.

Some additional decorations I added include a doghouse I found buried in the field, a little birdhouse-type of decoration that was in front of the barn, and a big roosting structure that I pulled out of the barn. I just hung up the wood-burned sign I made for the PEP badge bit.

We put the chickens in their new home a few days ago and they seem to love it so far!