The greenhouse is a lively place this spring, even more so than usual. Yes, I'm growing plants in there, but get this--I'm also growing chickens.
Just for fun...and also, for a few other reasons.
One: I needed a place to house my growing flock during the winter that would protect them from freezing temperatures. Not that chickens can't handle freezing temperatures, mind you, because they can. Except, when they are exposed to freezing temperatures, they can get frostbite--mainly on their combs and wattles. This isn't life-threatening, but it does end any chance of them ever winning a beauty pageant. And even though beauty is only skin deep, when you're raising rare birds that might eventually be on display, that skin becomes not-so-superficial anymore.
Reason #2: The warmer temperatures in the greenhouse and the greater exposure to sunlight naturally motivates the hens to keep on laying eggs through the winter months...and having fresh eggs during the winter months is so exciting! If you're a crazy chicken chick, that is...of whom I might be. Maybe.
And the final reason: The added body heat and carbon dioxide released in the chicken breath (yes, I said chicken breath...and I like it much better than dog breath if we're comparing animal aromas) actually aid the plants by raising the overall temperatures inside the room and stimulating growth, respectively. Which is why I have such happy looking plants so early in the season this year...
Just for fun...and also, for a few other reasons.
One: I needed a place to house my growing flock during the winter that would protect them from freezing temperatures. Not that chickens can't handle freezing temperatures, mind you, because they can. Except, when they are exposed to freezing temperatures, they can get frostbite--mainly on their combs and wattles. This isn't life-threatening, but it does end any chance of them ever winning a beauty pageant. And even though beauty is only skin deep, when you're raising rare birds that might eventually be on display, that skin becomes not-so-superficial anymore.
Reason #2: The warmer temperatures in the greenhouse and the greater exposure to sunlight naturally motivates the hens to keep on laying eggs through the winter months...and having fresh eggs during the winter months is so exciting! If you're a crazy chicken chick, that is...of whom I might be. Maybe.
And the final reason: The added body heat and carbon dioxide released in the chicken breath (yes, I said chicken breath...and I like it much better than dog breath if we're comparing animal aromas) actually aid the plants by raising the overall temperatures inside the room and stimulating growth, respectively. Which is why I have such happy looking plants so early in the season this year...
Some of the lavender is even starting to bloom! And the cilantro looks ready for a fiesta already. Cue the mariachi band, please.
While the guys in sombreros warm up, let me just say that keeping chickens in the greenhouse over the winter has been a big success. It's been good for the chickens and the plants, and to be quite honest the whole situation has made me downright giddy...which, in turn, feels doggone great!
And so, (no surprise here) I can't seem to stay out of there. And when I'm in there, I find myself finding reasons to stay a bit longer. Plants and animals have always made me happy, and having them altogether in one room has just about put me over the moon!
No offense to the moon, but I like the earth much better. Especially the part of it where my greenhouse sits.
While the guys in sombreros warm up, let me just say that keeping chickens in the greenhouse over the winter has been a big success. It's been good for the chickens and the plants, and to be quite honest the whole situation has made me downright giddy...which, in turn, feels doggone great!
And so, (no surprise here) I can't seem to stay out of there. And when I'm in there, I find myself finding reasons to stay a bit longer. Plants and animals have always made me happy, and having them altogether in one room has just about put me over the moon!
No offense to the moon, but I like the earth much better. Especially the part of it where my greenhouse sits.
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