The Inspector

I collected six bales of peastraw from G this morning. They fit perfectly into the trailer. Bean came along for the ride and was keen to inspect our booty when we got home. 

They have been stored in the corner of an open shed and have been home to mice and occasionally to chooks, so they are full of brilliant smells. 

One bale is already covering the floor of the wee hen run (not the extension which is all grass) for the new girls’ arrival tomorrow afternoon. I have dumped another bale into the bigger part of the run where the three older hens now reside. They can spread it around to their hearts’ content. 

The other four bales will act as mulch on the bed which has bamboos growing in it. It dries out badly and grows unsightly straggly weeds. This stuff should suppress them somewhat, as well as maintain some soil moisture.

There was only one egg this morning from the three older hens. Presumably being shut out of their usual laying box has upset their rhythm. They have a choice of eight laying boxes in the coop which they now occupy, but they are evidently nothing like as comfortable, nor familiar as the other one. I hope they adjust quickly. 

I’m off to the shed to sow beans, melons and cucumbers now…