Free Ranging Time

Once I get cold frames on the veggies that I plan on overwintering, it's time to let the chicken out.  They were very happy to get out and clean up all the lettuce, swiss chard, spinach, cabbage etc. that wasn't under cold frames.  Not only do they like to eat all the greens in the garden but they scratch around in all the gardens looking for bugs and make a terrible mess of things.  That's why they are only allowed out once I have everything covered.  The rest of the year they are in their coop with a fenced in pen at the back and I bring the greens to them.  They get all the bits that we don't eat and as many of the edible weeds I can be bothered to bring them.  Usually a couple of handfuls a day.  It's worth the effort as we get a dozen fresh eggs a day and ten wheelbarrow loads of manure in the spring to feed back to the garden. 

We also get a kick out of watching their antics as they scurry around the yard.  Just have to watch out where you step; the chicken bombs can be nasty and get stuck in the tread of your shoes....