First drystone retaining wall

It's only a small one, but it's still our first drystone retaining wall. No mortar, no bluestone or roadbase. Just the rocks we collected around the property as we were shifting dirt around. The most satisfying part about this project is that it was first of all, free - bust secondly utilising a resource already existing on the property so there was no fuel consumed in delivery.

We dug this out to build three future compost bins from leftover wooden pallets. We need to clean up the yard a lot, both with foliage and debris but also the materials we have collected for future projects. It's starting to look a bit like a junkyard, so it's time to get busy!

Reflections, May 2008

We've been here for over twelve months now and so it's time to reflect. It may come as a shock to some, but a few home truths have come to light recently.

On five acres - which we've only civilised one acre for living - is a large project to manage alone. It's winter now so the grass and weeds have stopped growing, but it wasn't long ago we were spending every weekend hitting it with the brushcutter. David is still working full time and with his current studies at the moment, is always tired. Consequently, the responsibility for anything to happen here, falls to me.

Not that I mind a great deal, as it's what I've always wanted. But it highlights the fact of what would happen if anything were to happen to me - or David. We really do need two people to maintain this property.

What does this mean for our bushland project? Well, we're not planning to run off the land just yet. But I wouldn't be honest if I didn't express all the things we experience here. At times it's difficult to manage the size of the property when one person is otherwise indisposed.

I guess we're going to have to prioritise better and take hope that David won't be studying forever. It also means we're going to have to make better, more efficient systems, so that one person can manage it better. We're still happy here, albeit, a little exhausted.

Tractor done!

Forgive me if I gloat, but I'm so chuffed with my finished project. It took me months to construct but it's finally ready for chickens!

Whulla!

Positioned on the edge of the retaining wall.

Nice cosy nest.

And it wouldn't be complete without a working ramp and latches!

Today was move-in day for the new residents too. This little girl was the last to go into the tractor, and left a little deposit in the nesting box before flying out. Of the 6 black pekins we put straight into the nesting box, none used the ramp. They chose to fly down instead.

There are 3 adults and 3 of their chicks who are almost at point of lay. We named the three pullets: Cherry, Blossom and Kiwi...the daddy rooster is called Mr Sheen, and there's mummy Juju Juciy (named by Sarah) and the other mummy hen, Sweety Pie - also named by Sarah.

They all went to roost this evening which I was happy to see, although Mr Sheen couldn't fit on the roost. He was prepared to sleep underneath to be near his girls, but I felt safer with him in the raised nesting box on the opposite side. So I climbed in the tractor, picked him up and put him in the nest. I don't think he was too impressed with that, but last time I checked he had nestled in the wood shavings.

Next project has to be fencing, so I can have them free-range during the day. I hope they like it in their new home.

Nesting box & roost

I've had to divide my time lately, with our daughter's birthday this weekend. But I did manage to get alot done. First, I managed to wire the bottom enclosure and get the nesting box started. The roost area is to be enclosed too, which I managed one side of.

But instead of all this talking, I'll just let your eyes do the walking!

Base & A-frame on tractor

A lot of progress has been made on the tractor in a few days. I would like more done of course, but with only two hands...

Base on!

Base painted! This colour is Mid Bristol Green, made by Taubmans. I was going to put the snake mesh on at this stage, but realised I'd probably need room for attaching the A-frame. Speaking of which, I had a bugger of a time trying to figure out what angles to cut. But the solution soon presented itself.

First I made a template out of newspaper. The triangle had a one-metre base, to a height of eighty centimeters.

Then I measured the width of the wood I intended to use and cut an equal thickness out of the template.

Just a simple matter of placing it on the wood, marking with a pencil and then cutting to shape!

Align two matching sides to form an A-frame! The third piece hasn't been fitted yet, but once it is, the strength of the triangle becomes apparent.

And here is the future nesting box. I haven't attached it to the run at this stage, as I want to paint them first and install the treads for the floor.

This picture gives a better view of what it will be like inside. The wood I'm using is more of my recycled pallets.

It's hard to believe the wood is still very solid and relatively easy to cut - considering it's been lying around in our yard for well over 18 months!

Here is the long view and for now, you'll just have to imagine two more A-frames on the other side. One is for the nesting box and the other will be for the roost. I'm making this up as I go along, so I'm hoping I don't get stuck!

Kookaburra II

"Kookaburra sits on the old Hills Hoist, think'n this position is simp-ly choice!"

"Laugh, kooka-burra laugh, kooka-burra..."

Gawh-on...I know you want to!

More chook tractor

Back to construction and a bit more recycling. I made handles from the 1x4 pine formwork, which previously helped to lay the garden shed pad. Came in handy the second time around too!

Here is where I marked the handles to be cut.

And the finished handle with off-cut to the right. I used the off-cut as a template for the rest of the ends. I chose to taper the ends so it wouldn't seriously injur a person, should they accidently walk into it. I also think it makes it look better!

This is the finished handles laid against the frame. Remember I'm working backwards and this will all make sense once I reverse the position.

And here's one I prepared earlier. Just kidding! After I attached the handles with bolts, and fixed the support braces I was able to turn it upright. This is just to make more sense of what I'm doing. Yes, it even helps me to see what I'm doing as I go!

And the above view to see what the inside will look like. I still need to construct the lower frame to attach to this lot. They will be made from whole pieces of 2x4's I purchased from the Hardware store. So it's part recycled, part new materials.

Actually, I hunted around for untreated 2x4's to make the bottom frame, but to no avail. I had to get the treated variety which I was hoping to avoid. Tomorrow I will make up the base and fix it to the run. It's coming together a bit better now but I'm still trying to figure out how to construct the A-frame on top. I failed geometry so at the moment I'm a little stuck.

Won't stop me from getting this first bit finished though. I plan to paint it and fix the snake mesh before attaching the A-frame on top. I just don't fancy doing yoga while trying to hammer those u-nails in to secure the netting inside.

Get this lot finished first, then onto the A-frame!


SPECS:

Additional materials: 1x4 rough sawn pine, more brackets, screws nuts, bolts & washers.