All Things Chicken

All Things Chicken2019-01-08T09:56:14-05:00

Hello to all Chicken and Rooster (non-hen) lovers!

This is our Garden’s saga about the hens and roosters we found ourselves caring for these past ten years. Enjoy!

  

From: EH
Subject: The Rooster I call Chicken
Date: September 26, 2011 9:19:51 PM EDT

Hello everyone,

Please meet the fantastic Lady Farmer, Ms. Elizabeth Ryder from Ryder Organic Farms!  She happens to have 25 chickens who were all hoping so hard a rooster would show up that one finally did – our gorgeous Rooster #2.  And we came to meet at the Union Square Market, where I just asked her if she wanted a rooster and she just answered, well, yes. Here he is in all his glory, and with Elizabeth Ryder holding him in her arms. She says her chickens are beautiful, and resemble his breed, so all are happy and visually coordinated.  It seems that she kind of ended up with those chickens by accident, kind of like the MFK Garden way of having roosters. What a relief to have a home for our dear friend!  We were both delighted and hugged and cried and a good time was had by all including the photo oppers snapping away. Below is a link to Elizabeth’s farm and I hope you will all be sure to stop by her stand at U SQ Market on Saturday to buy some of her absolutely radiantly healthy produce to take home.

Many many grateful thanks, Elizabeth, for taking in our beloved friend ! I will be sending you a care package and some info, and I look forward to coming for a visit soon !

http://www.ryderfarmorganic.com/

Love from,

EH

From: EH

Subject: Re: rooster gone?
Date: September 26, 2011 5:03:05 PM EDT

Hi,

Yes, off to an organic farmer with 25 chickens all 6 months old. WAYYYYYY 2222 bizzeee right now, it was FAB and more later !

Kind regards,

EH

Subject: Rooster report (from EH)
Date: February 17, 2011 8:26:27 AM EST

Hello Chicken helpers,

Probably you wonder how the rooster is doing.  He does not make the best house guest, that is for sure !  But he is extremely funny even if he is sick.

Today he is still here at home, recuperating from his very strange condition. After getting a bit worse, he now seems to be doing better, and the best day so far is today.  How do I know?  He has started to crow again, which got me up today!

The vet is puzzled  and doesn’t know what the large black growth is on his stomach.  It seems to be in the last stages of healing and from what I can tell the swelling is down but it’s very hard to figure out if the growth is growing or shrinking.  Yesterday he started to eat a little by himself, and I still have to hand feed his super nutrient mix, which neither of us likes to do !!!  Plus we do the warm compress on his little behind while he falls asleep upside down in my arms.  It is pretty ridiculous , but if I didn’t do this he would just waste away.  The vet gave an herbal powder to put on which I make into a paste and he has stopped picking at himself so he can heal.

He discovered our kitchen sink and yesterday fought Antonio, who was washing something, for rights to use it as his bedroom.  See photo!

Hopefully soon enough he will be a little chubbier and stronger and can go back outside !  Thanks to our friends at the Woodstock Farm Sanctuary.

Noone else seemed to know much about how to deal with a sick rooster, how much to feed him, etc.

More later, have a nice day everyone,

Kind regards,

E H

Below is a bit of our history from the emails:

Subject: Garden wildlife
From: kw
Date: September 30, 2009 3:37:20 PM EDT

hi all,
just fyi we have a possum in the garden. Apparently in good health. B and the seniors are keeping track of it. Don’t pet it please.

We may call the Urban Park Rangers.

kw

Subject: Rooster in the Garden
From: kw
Date:  December 8, 2009 12:51:32 PM EST

hello everyone.

Hope you are having a good pre-winter. We now have a rooster in the garden and one hen [turned out to be a rooster too -ed.note]. I was told that he spent some time in Liz Christy before arriving with us. Someone has deposited him with us. And then someone added a hen. My neighbor, who is a chicken keeper upstate, looked things over and thinks that with a little help  the rooster/chicken could do very well in our garden. The seniors have taken on feeding them.

We put a cardboard box with some leaves and a towel inside in KF’s plot (where they appear to have nested). Lucky you KF.

Would anyone (ahem, A) be interested/able to make a chicken coop? It would be about 2’x2′ with a slanted roof, small opening (about 10″x10″) with a door and a hook to close. Long story but apparently you give them food and water for two days while they are locked in, so they get the feel of it. According to my neighbor (who will bring chicken feed down soon) they become very tame and will come when called. They can eat cooked rice, greens, NO MEAT. I know that a while ago I wanted chickens, but I promise, I didn’t bring these here. At least until the spring and we can think about it, I propose we make them a home. With this economy, we might need the eggs.

Ps the gate opening might be an issue. We can put our heads together about that one. KF has been opening the garden in sundays.

Thanks KF.

See you all soon.

Love,

K

From: MM
Subject: Re: Rooster in the Garden
Date: December 8, 2009 2:21:55 PM EST

To: kw

Hello everyone,

The rooster and hen are beautiful but they really need a safe chicken coop. I took some oats over to feed them and while there they suddenly ran off in fright and hid in the bamboo making quite a lot of noise. I usually don’t get that reaction from animals and looking up I realized it wasn’t me that was frightening them but a Peregrine Falcon that was eying them hungrily from a branch overhead. B, Bu and I waited until it had flown off- each wishing that we had a camera with us to document this gorgeous bird. I hope the chickens survive.

I’d like to ask all dog owners to keep their dogs on leashes and leashes firmly held to avoid any more stress on our new garden inhabitants.

Thanks,

MM

From: P
Subject: RE: Rooster in the Garden

Date: December 8, 2009 2:27:55 PM EST

MM’s correct about dogs; we found the rooster would always run for cover when they were walked through.

P

From: P

Subject: RE: Rooster from Liz Christy

Date: December 8, 2009 2:25:54 PM EST

The rooster appeared at Liz Christy three or four weeks ago, apparently pushed over the fence. We enjoyed him for a week or so before the Avalon super e-mailed to say that his crowing was keeping their residents up at night and that they were going to call the ASPCA. The next time I was there he was gone. K. told me about the MK rooster last night at the community board meeting, and it sounds like the same guy. I had e-mailed our gardeners to warn them about the ASPCA, so I’m guessing one of them (not me) took the initiative of moving him to MK over the fence. He won’t wander during open hours, and so far (he’s young) he wasn’t aggressive, so open hours should be fine. Our visitors thought he was great. He crows a lot, and it’s fun to see people’s amazement when they find it’s not a joke recording. I’m sure the elderly people will love him. Be aware that the possum will steal the eggs.

P

From: d

Subject: Re: Rooster in the Garden
Date: December 8, 2009 2:46:49 PM EST

i’m with the avalon, insofar as i don’t like the idea of a rooster crowing under my window, but so far i haven’t heard  him (so it may not effect me) – i can see where neighbors might object, though, and i ask everybody to consider if we want to add unnecessarily to the noise of an already noisy neighborhood – who wants to be a nuisance and for what?  i put forward, just for your consideraton, that the surrounding apts might reasonably expect to have to deal with the bother of trucks and late night carousers, but roosters?

From: L
Subject: Re: Rooster in the Garden

Date: December 8, 2009 4:52:46 PM EST

Hi,

Just Food has a chicken program — for hens, not roosters. Maybe the rooster in our garden could go to live with the CSA farmer (or another suitable location) and the hen could stay and be joined by others in the future…

I am happy to help. Haven’t tended chickens in a while but I’m sure I’ll remember.

-L

From: T
Subject: Re: Rooster in the Garden

Date: December 8, 2009 5:39:58 PM EST

My bro-in-law, Leroy and I were walking by the garden this afternoon. I was telling him about the big chicken kerfluffle in the garden when, lo and behold, there was the rooster, on the lam on the sidewalk. We rounded up some people to try to corral the miscreant. He was a tough bird, but we finally herded him back around the corner and through the gate where there’s no chicken wire. Now we know why they call it that. If he hasn’t learned his lesson about escaping, Dick may not have to worry too long about his crowing.

T

From: S

Subject: Re: Rooster in the Garden

Date: December 8, 2009 6:44:16 PM EST

hope someone is keeping all these mails as a record.  Okay, I will.  They are priceless and might make a nice “piece” to publish somewhere.  I love you all for caring so about those farm birds and wanting them out of earshot.

Bless our garden,

S

From: M

Subject: Re: Rooster in the Garden
Date: December 8, 2009 9:06:46 PM EST

That’s funny T… I like roosters and hens . . . was brought up on a chicken farm.  But it might not make it. I had one upstate and a hawk got it less than a week after I bought it for 75 bucks.

MM

From: Ma

Subject: Re: Rooster in the Garden

Date: December 8, 2009 10:47:04 PM EST

I’m not a garden member but am a community member and have to say a rooster crowing would be a welcome sound, noise to me is what the trucks make as they go down bowery.

Ma

From KF

Dear Everybody,

Assuming we still have them, they are welcome to my plot. I expect high fertility will ensue. Cheers to Ma for nailing it: trucks make noise, chickens lay eggs. If we need more chicken wire I can get some. Cheers alors, KF

From:  d

Subject: Re: Rooster in the Garden

Date: December 8, 2009 10:59:47 PM EST

yes Ma i can understand how for you (and for maybe most of us) you a rooster might be welcome sound, surely when compared to the trucks noise.

but whether or not the trucks run up and down chrystie is not up to us.

imagine for a moment that somebody you care about lives over the rooster and that the rooster’s crowing wakes him up and he can’t get back to sleep and it happens every day and makes him miserable.

then how do you feel about the rooster?

d

From: MM

Subject: Re: Rooster in the Garden

Date: December 9, 2009 12:56:14 AM EST

d,

When I lived on Avenue C in the early 80’s a rooster crowed every morning waking me up.

It reminded me of my teenage years living in Virginia and sparked memories of being happy and safe in my parents home far far away from the crack epidemic and violence that were plaguing my new (to me) neighborhood.

I had no problem falling back to sleep, although I was a lot younger then.

I also live over our wonderful oasis that is M’Finda Kalunga Garden and am looking forward to hearing the rooster crow in the mornings.

Lets give it a chance. OK

MM

From:  d

Subject: Re: Rooster in the Garden
Date: December 9, 2009 8:07:10 AM EST

there is the particular issue:

some people like hearing roosters crow

some people don’t

that’s unresolvable

there is a practical fact:

no one has complained

therefore there is no reason to do anything one way or another about the rooster there is a hypothetical:

if some neighbors were to complain would we as a garden be inclined to address their complaint beyond asserting that we happen like to hear roosters crowing?

on this last, no one can wonder where i stand

now, let’s all hope, i, at least, am finished with my crowing

back to bed

d

From: TG

Subject: Re: Rooster in the Garden

Date: December 9, 2009 8:38:55 AM EST

is that haiku?

cockle doodle doo

From: MM

Subject: Re: Rooster in the Garden

Date: December 9, 2009 10:27:43 AM EST

A good summation, d.

Yes a very good summation d.

I’d like to make one final point.

if people do complain-roosters make really good eatin’

Get the grill ready Bu.

MM

From: LZ

Subject: Re: Rooster and Hen in the Garden–yes!

Date:  December 9, 2009 8:07:46 PM EST

I’m in favor of keeping the hen and rooster in the garden and sharing the eggs (if any) among the gardeners.

Hearing a rooster crow at daybreak (or even throughout the day) is infinitely preferable to hearing kids yell, scream and hurl insults at each other all night long or oversize tractor trailors snorting and pounding down the avenue.

From: ms

Subject: Re: Rooster and Hen in the Garden–yes!

Date: December 9, 2009 8:43:10 PM EST

Much as I’m an animal lover, I’m not so sure this is the best habitat for these two- between an ominous hawk and near escape in the unforgiving streets of Manhattan, this does not seem to me the best place for our new neighbors….

Anyone ever hear of the farm animal sanctuary in Woodstock, NY?

From: Mic

Subject: Re: Rooster in the Garden

Date: December 9, 2009 9:10:30 PM EST

Hi K,

…J rang me around 6pm to say he saw a woman walking down Bleeker Street with a handsome fowl under her arm….could it be our dear rooster?? I regret not packing him up and bringing him home. But he seemed to belong in the garden, and the gorgeous women seemed delighted to have the birds there. I am definitely ready to come and get both birds if they need rescuing. Just let me know.

Also, who wouldn’t love the song of a rooster at dawn….it beats the sound of a siren.

…XO

Mic

From: MM

Subject: cockle doodle doo

Date:  December 10, 2009 2:27:11 PM EST

Here they are- [photos]

From: L

Subject:  chickens

Date:  December 15, 2009 8:39:24 PM EST

Hi K,

I’m curious if someone dealing with the chickens? MM told me that their cardboard box collapsed after the rain. They looked pretty soaked when I saw them on Sunday. I’m happy to help (or build) a small temporary coop on Saturday using the extra lumber we have in the garden. I’m concerned about this week though because it’s going to be cold tomorrow night and I think those birds should have a warm place to sleep. They’re so skittish that I think they’re stressed and that combined with the cold will adversely affect their health. If we can get them some nice shelter and a reliable food setup, I’m sure they’ll be fine through the winter.

Anyway, I’d like to help them out and I’m free on Saturday. Until then, I’m swamped and can’t spare a single minute.

Hope all’s well.

-L

Hi K,

Yes, if you can get them something temporary, I’ll go on Sat. with some people and set it up. They could use some oats and maybe some apple scraps or something too. I’ll send around an email to the group (or you can) for people to help. We’ll just need to know where exactly we can put it. Bocci court?

I think we should keep the chickens!!! I know the rooster will have to go (I know, I know, I read the comments) but roosters can really be a-holes and are noisy so I’m sure he’ll eventually cause some trouble and get the boot. Hen’s are darlng. Let’s keep them as long as we can. Think how much we can all learn about them. It would be loads of fun.

I’m sure that MM will help and probably A. I’m pretty handy and could probably rig something myself too.

Thanks. Let me know…

-L

On Dec 15, 2009, at 9:06 PM, kw wrote:

just reread your email. I will try to get over there tomorrow or I’ll call B to set up something temporary.

K

On Dec 15, 2009, at 10:02 PM, kw wrote:

L, can you send an email to just the folks who expressed interest? MM maybe P (and yes, Ai).

I’d like not to bombard the group with chicken stuff just now (especially for those who oppose the chicken!). If they can’t help, we can get the seniors to. They are already feeding the birds. A few who were out there said they liked having the chickens and one woman said, in English, I love them. Very sweet. They also are interested in the eggs! I say yes we keep the chickens and probably the rooster will go upstate with my friend eventually but yes, keep him around as long as we can. I agree, good for our kids and the kids in this neighborhood who used to see such sights in the casitas but no more.

Re; where to put it, they seem to have “roosted” in Kt’s plot so I’d just put the box there and see.

It’s great too that the chinatown y wants to be involved. They have lots of volunteer kids and they live in the neighborhood.

See ya.

K

From: L

Subject: Re: chickens

Date: December 15, 2009 11:23:21 PM EST

OK, I sent it. We’ll see how it goes.

-L

Subject: Re: any interest in building housing for chickens this Saturday?

From: kw

Date:December 16, 2009 4:07:18 PM EST

hello fab chicken gardeners.

I don’t think we need to do a major building project since the Y is going to build a coop (see below) for us. I went this morning and redid a cardboard box with a tarp over. B is feeding them along with some of the seniors. We’ll have to coordinate feeding better soon. I was going to ask Ki from the BRC Senior Center if she could ask a few of the seniors to take this on during the week (a few are interested).

My neighbor said she’d bring feed next time she comes in.

what do you all think? Build something this weekend so they have more protection but not too elaborate? Fun for the kids methinks.

I’ll let you know when I pin them down for the day to look at the garden for siting. B thinks we should put it in T O’s old plot where the bench was. We’d let him know by email.

K

From: A

Subject:      Re: any interest in building housing for chickens this Saturday?

Date:             December 16, 2009 1:35:58 PM EST

Hi L,

I could be there 9.30-10am to give a hand.

As for tools, etc. – if we can get into the BRC, we do have the garden’s (power) tools in there, though not much by way of screws/nails…  Yes, I believe the lumber yard is open on Sat.  Not sure about whether we have turkey wire, but it sounds like a good idea (do we want to use turkey wire for the bottom of their abode, otherwise they’ll crap all over the floor, no?).  I brought in a bunch of NYC paving stones this summer, maybe we could put it up on those?

Out of curiosity, do possums eat chickens?

A

Subject: happy holidaze with chickens

From: kw

Date: December 18, 2009 1:06:16 PM EST

hi all,

Looks like we have lots of support for our chicken guests. The Chinatown Y and Hester Street want to build us a coop (it’s gorgeous and not too big).

This Saturday the sturdy A and the energetic L will build a better temporary shelter to house them until their new quarters are completed.

Great to have the Chinatown Y youth helping us and becoming part of this garden in more concrete way.

Can we table the discussion about their future til Spring when we will probably know better if we are being a nuisance in the neighborhood (open windows, etc.)?

For now, they are a big hit with the seniors and passersby and I’ve liked hearing people “come out” as having raised chickens!

K

From: L

Subject: Re: happy holidaze with chickens

Date: December 21, 2009 10:16:44 AM EST

Hi K,

The quick chicken hut is up. It’s actually very funny because it has a picture of George W. [Bush] on the top (by accident). The chickens might or might not stay in it without a pen around it. MM saw the rooster in the bush by the fence (again) in the middle of the blizzard. The chickens won’t necessarily do what’s good for them without us.

We need to get the pen and/or new house up asap since without it, I think these birds will not survive. It’s great that people are feeding and watering them but I really think we have to get a shelter built and set up a feeding schedule that is reliable or it is our obligation to get them a safe place to stay somewhere else during the cold months. Is the Y going to act soon? If not, maybe we could just get a chicken wire fence with a roof around the existing pen with a food and water supply. With chicken wire, staple gun and some 1x2s or something, I don’t think it would be difficult to do. We would also need a guarantee that someone can give them some grain every day and check their water. The timing couldn’t be worse for me as I’m going away Wed. for 5 or 6 days. Also, I’m only doing this because I’m worried about them because of the weather. I have a really full schedule and can’t easily make in except for a day or two per week. I hope this works but I really don’t want them to die or get frostbite.

Thanks,

-L

Rooster

From: MM

Subject:      Re: happy holidaze with chickens

Date:             December 21, 2009 10:36:54 AM EST

Hi All,

I’m happy to report that both chickens are now sleeping in the top of the Honeysuckle bush in Le’s plot- in the middle of the garden-well out of reach of anyone on the outside of the fence (last night anyway). I could feed them and check on them daily but need something designed for a chickens’ diet.

Is there feed over there for them?

I’m running out of oats and am sure that they need a well balanced diet.

MM

Subject:      Re: happy holidaze with chickens

From: kw

Date:  December 21, 2009 11:00:11 AM EST

There is money for chicken wire. I don’t know when the Y can act given the holidays.

Can anyone put up chicken wire? Re; oats, the garden can pay for that too. (Reimbursed by E, receipt/form to D as always).

Thanks MM, for being willing to feed them. Don’t forget the seniors can also do that job during the week.

I’ll send my neighbor a note too (she said she bring some feed down when she came this coming week).

She said similar re: chickens and pen. That we need to shut them up in a pen (doesn’t have to be big at all) for a few days with food and water so they “learn” that is their home.

let us know what anyone can do?

K

From: L

Subject: Re: happy holidaze with chickens

Date: December 21, 2009 10:46:07 AM EST

That’s great MM. The seniors are feeding them and of course, B is too. When the senior center is closed is the issue. B has some oats and some Cheerios but we could get some real chicken feed, couldn’t we? Want me to order some and bring it by? They also need gravel to digest with but If figure they get that from the sand and soil, right?

Thanks,

L

From: MM

Subject:      Re: happy holidaze with chickens

Date:      December 21, 2009 1:44:38 PM EST

Hi

Both the chickens were up in the Honeysuckle bush when I went over today and yesterday and I could tell from lack of chicken prints in the snow that they probably don’t like their feet in it.

So I cleared an area next to the said bush that would be in the sun and left food,water and grit for them.

They flew off to Bs’ end while I was shoveling-but kept their feet off of the snow.

B- could you ask the seniors to leave food there when they feed them?

Thanks,

MM

Subject:      Re: happy holidaze with chickens

From: kw

Date: December 21, 2009 6:37:06 PM EST

love the photos MM. B won’t be back in the city for a few days.

K

Subject: Fwd: happy holidaze with chickens

From: kw

Date: December 21, 2009 6:40:32 PM EST

fyi our continuing adventures with the chicken/rooster.

We are slowly getting our act together. Are you able to come down here over the holidays and able to bring some chicken feed. We’ll have to figure more out as we go!

Love,

K

From: Mi

Subject: Re: happy holidaze with chickens

Date: December 22, 2009 8:33:33 AM EST

Will be down later today with a big bag of food!

Do they have a shelter yet?

Look forward to seeing you.

XO

Mic

Subject: Re: happy holidaze with chickens

From: kw

Date:      December 22, 2009 8:54:48 AM EST

hi all,

My neighbor is coming in today and bringing a big bag of food.

Re: the chicken wire…

I’ll try to get over there this weekend and set something up.

I’ll ask my chicken-keeping neighbor to help!

K

From: MM

Subject: Re: happy holidaze with chickens

Date: December 22, 2009 10:02:50 AM EST

Hi K,

I was planning to get some bird food from Met Grocery today. I guess I won’t have to now. Could you leave it in the tool shed near the water fountain so that I can have access?

I have no keys to any other shed. I can buy a plastic container on Bowery to keep the moisture and vermin out.

Thanks,

MM

Subject:      Re: happy holidaze with chickens

From: kw

Date: December 22, 2009 10:47:46 AM EST

will do. but go ahead and buy some bird food. I don’t know what time she is getting in today.

From: L

Subject: Re: happy holidaze with chickens

Date: December 22, 2009 10:45:54 AM EST

This is great. I can also drop off some grain tomorrow. There is more straw if needed near the new structure in T O’s plot. The thing we made can be easily moved too.

L

From: MM

Subject:      Re: happy holidaze with chickens

Date:  December 22, 2009 1:24:11 PM EST

Hi again K,

I got a bag of bird seed and a container with a lid and a scoop.

This is the first time that the rooster came over to feed in front of me. He was either waiting for seeds or he is getting comfortable in my presence. I think he was really hungry for food that looked familiar to him. The hen is still very skittish.

Hope we can keep them,

MM

Subject: Re: happy holidaze with chickens

From: kw

Date:      December 22, 2009 3:57:58 PM EST

I agree! We need something like this for the neighborhood. So great he is getting used to you. lovely. my neighbor has a big bag she’s bringing in tonight so we’ll bring it over tomorrow.

Subject: Re: happy holidaze with chickens

From: kw

Date: December 23, 2009 8:53:37 AM EST

hi all,

I dropped off a 50lb bag of feed. I had to put it in the office because the bottom lock of the shed wouldn’t let me insert the key. I was afraid it might break off so I didn’t force it. Can’t tell if it is just a frozen piece of ice or something else stuck in there.

So Michael, if you can’t get in either, use the open Whole Food’s bag of feed that is in the garden office (behind the official greeter desk). The 50lb bag is in the back room (unopened).

I didn’t see the hen at all. Hope she is okay. Looked in the bushes etc.

Do we need to make sure they have water or will they drink the snow?

I’ve also asked Ki to ask the seniors not to feed them uncooked rice (Yikes!). the rice I found out there, I buried in the snow.

I also asked her to ask one or two seniors to feed them and ask everyone else NOT to.

I’ll see if I can get a date from the Y as to when they can build. I really feel they need a pen…

Thanks all.

Onward chickens!!

K

From: MM

Subject: Re: happy holidaze with chickens

Date: December 23, 2009 10:39:26 AM EST

Hi K,

The bottom lock is probably just frozen- I was in there yesterday when it was above freezing and had no problem. I take warm water over with me when I go to feed them but of course it doesn’t stay liquid for long. I’ve seen them eating snow so I feel they are getting enough water. The hen is very elusive, but I have seen her the last 2 days that I was there. I’ll mix the feed in the Whole Foods bag with the bird food I put in the shed and use that until I have to open the 50# bag. Uncooked rice = death to a bird as it expands and ruptures their stomach.

Cock a doodle doo,

MM

From: L

Subject: Re: happy holidaze with chickens

Date: December 23, 2009 11:15:22 AM EST

This is great. I hope the hen is OK. I might run by now. I have some corn that I thought I’d leave — don’t know if I have time though.

Water, yes, as often as possible. They can eat snow but it’s much, much better to have water.

Thanks!!!!

And happy holidays. Keep me posted and I’ll be back around NYs Eve.

-L

From: MM

Subject: Re: happy holidaze with chickens

Date: December 23, 2009 12:27:56 PM EST

The lock was frozen- I poured a little of the warm chickens’ water over it and got my key in just fine.

The hen is hanging out under my holly bush and you really have to look in order to see her.

K- I left your plastic container in the shed. The feed looks and smells just like the feed my family used for our chickens when I was growing up.

Lots of cracked corn which the wild bird feed I bought does not have.

Happy holidays to everyone,

MM

On Dec 27, 2009, at 3:10 PM, kw wrote:

hi L,

Happy post holiday! Haven’t checked on the hen, etc. for a few days. Have you? I was wondering if this might ever be useful for our website. I don’t know if you can embed something like this survey? Might help to know what people are thinking who use the site?

K

From: L

Subject: Re: [SurveyMonkey.com] Welcome to SurveyMonkey.com

Date:   December 30, 2009 2:24:43 PM EST

Hi,

Yes, I saw both the chickens today and they were OK. B had watered them and they had some grain on the ground around the dog house. They were in the holly bush. The weather is not helping these birds and I think we should really decide their fate as soon as possible.

They need some real shelter soon in order to survive the winter. Do you know the schedule the Y has? We’ll need something confining — a pen + a house — and a commitment of several more gardeners to help tend them both over the winter, I think. Otherwise they’ll die or get frostbite when we get a bad cold snap. Michael is helping them a lot as is B and the seniors, PT and others. The problem is that if they wander and they won’t necessarily do what’s good for them. If they’re in a pen, we can force them to be where they’ll have the best shelter and we’ll protect them from hawks or other predators too. Then we can let them out while we’re there and they can run around outside the pen for a while. There are many things that the coop would need — like air circulation, that should also be taken into account. Sorry to be such a worry-wort but I’ve seen what the old folks did to care for chickens when I was young. Realistically, we could have them go to a farm now and then try to get some pullets/hens in Spring when we’re prepared. Without a rooster, I think raising hens wouldn’t be a problem with the gardeners. What does your farmer friend say?

For the website: we could put a survey monkey on the site. The truth is we get very few hits — something ranging from around 3 unique visits/day in the winter and a maximum of around 24 unique visits a day on April 20th (for the April Open House!).

Something that might really be helpful (and we can talk about this more) is to continue to contact sign-ups via special mailers designed to get them interested in and participating in the garden. If we do this, we’ll need to list the upcoming events they can participate in and follow up. This is something I’d be willing to do, I’ll just need the list (from you and Tr) of all the new-ish sign-ups. A nice narrative of how volunteering works would be great.

I could change the site to a blog format and we could post but truthfully, I don’t think this would generate much interest or be something that most people could/would do.

Happy New Year,

L

From:  L

Subject:  chicken feed

Date:  December 30, 2009 2:58:56 PM EST

When we get low on feed, let me know and I can drive up to the Bronx for more:

Animal Feeds Inc
3255 Park Ave (at 163rd Street)
Bronx, NY 10451-4099
(718) 293-7750

Here they are today eating some grain.

-L

From:   MM

Subject: Re: chicken feed

Date: December 30, 2009 3:19:27 PM EST

Hi L- welcome back,

There is a 50# bag of feed in the office that I haven’t tapped into yet. I bought a plastic container and scoop for the feed that is in the tool shed and have been going over to feed and water them every morning (in front of the house you moved over).

It’s funny telling people about my new daily routine.

Happy New Year,

MM

Subject:  Re: chicken feed

From:  kw

Date:  January 3, 2010 10:15:45 AM EST

Hi all,

Happy New Year!

I love hearing the stories. MM don’t you feel you are living a rural life?

I’ve emailed the Y and will call them if I don’t hear by tomorrow eve. I agree they need to be penned and gotten used to living in that space. If this can’t happen within the week, should I ask my neighbor to come and collect them?

K

From:  MM

Subject:  Re: chicken feed

Date:  January 3, 2010 10:38:53 AM EST

Hi K,

As a matter of fact I do feel a bit rural. It was one of my jobs as a boy to feed our chickens in the morning. Just like then I go to feed them right after rolling out of bed and before I feed myself. I don’t have to chop wood and bring it in to stoke the wood stoves we used to heat our house with. Now I go to the gym for that kind of exercise- that doesn’t smell near as nice! The chickens seem to be doing well irregardless of the cold. We will need to pen them before spring if they are still around- my mom says that they destroy flower beds. They also have been bred to grow fast so their life spans are very short and I would hate to go over to find that they have expired from premature old age.

It might be a good idea in the long run to have your neighbor come and collect them. For now I am enjoying having them in our garden.

MM

Subject: Re: chicken feed

From: kw

Date:  January 3, 2010 10:59:24 AM EST

MM, you should write a blog on our website about all of this. I’d love to read your journal with reflection back on your early days. Or send the running commentary to the Villager (our local paper). You write beautifully. Not flashy, very readable. Fun to read, moving.

K

ps let’s get some trees going so that chopping wood thing can happen!

From:   MM

Subject:  Re: chicken feed

Date:    January 3, 2010 11:09:14 AM EST

Wow, Thanks.

I see plenty of trees over there that would serve nicely as fuel. If we thinned them out we could start growing our own veggies. Now to convince my landlord of the benefits of installing a wood stove in my apartment.

MM

From:  L

Subject: Re: chicken feed

Date:  January 4, 2010 9:43:40 AM EST

Hi,

The newest event and the main reason for me to really push for penning them in (with chicken wire also as a roof, obviously) is to keep them away from the local predator, the peregrine falcon. Yesterday afternoon I saw that big falcon for the first time. He was standing on the path about 20 ft. behind the hen who was clucking furiously and heading towards the gate. He seemed to be quite a threat. I shooed him away and then herded the hen back away from the gate towards the food. The rooster was nowhere to be found and I searched all over, looking like a crazy person. I called MM about this and finally saw the rooster walking up after the hen started to peck at some grain I left. They both nested in the holly and things returned to normal.

My 2 Cents

If we have enthusiasm for chickens we could/should get more hens. I’m the worst person to say this because I have so little time but I’d like to have chickens in the garden and think it would be a great thing for us. Imagine when people stop by during open hours and see hens walking around! We could build something when we get a warm weekend day. Then set up a winter feeding schedule that supplements what MM is doing during weekend when the center is closed. B and the seniors are checking them and feeding them during the week. If we could maintain this and add a few more caretakers, with the help of Just Food possibly, I think this is a good project.  I’m good for the building projects and random checks on their health. I’d also love it for Benny to be able to spend some time around them.

-L

Subject:  Re: chicken feed

From: kw

Date:  January 4, 2010 10:23:21 AM EST

I’m with you L re: keeping the chickens. There is something

great about having them around. especially for city kids but for us

grown ups too (and I want MM to write that rooster/hen blog!).

We’ve already been mentioned on Bowery Boogie blog re: the rooster

http://www.boweryboogie.com/2009/12/roosters-in-sara-d-roosevelt-park.html

I’d be willing to help caretake when needed. I just spoke to the Hester Street group (they and the Y want to build)

he might be able to come this weekend but not the group. I think we should go ahead and try to build a larger coop this week. I have some days at this point and could work Sunday. I’m concerned if the falcon has been that bold that he will keep coming back and as you say, the chicken (while lovely) is stupid.

so…

I think we go ahead and build one with chicken wire et al. I will ask my friend at Bowery Home supplies (lumber store) to help me with materials  (the garden can reimburse). And I’ll ask A (hi A!). The ones I’ve seen look like they can use furring strips (kind of like how we built the Sukkah A!) to give them more space.

Can anyone else come by this week daytime? Sunday? Anyday? I’m free tomorrow after 1pm.

Thanks all.

K

From:  MM

Subject:   Re: chicken feed

Date:  January 4, 2010 10:38:46 AM EST

I could help out tomorrow or Friday before 2PM.

Also, L- I’ve been feeding and watering them everyday, not just when the center is closed.

Yesterday after you shooed off the Peregrine Falcon, you left your thermos behind on the cement table.

Hope everyone is staying warm.

MM

From:  MM

Subject: Re: chicken feed

Date:  January 4, 2010 10:59:08 AM EST

Oh, I am wrong.

Tomorrow I can help out anytime in the afternoon-

I was thinking today was Tuesday.

MM

From:  L

Subject:  Re: chicken feed

Date:   January 4, 2010 11:07:19 AM EST

Hi,

I can come this weekend. I would need to book the time soon though. Friday before 2PM would work for me. I would have to leave by 2:30PM.

MM, I know you go every day. You’re a rock. Just looking for some more backup for you so you don’t have to burn out…

As for the coop, I’ve also seen some A-framed ones that look sort of easy to build (famous last words). I’m not an authority but a lazy builder looking for an easy build. See one here: http://www.examiner.com/x-9873-Kansas-City-Urban-Chickens-Examiner~y2009m9d27-Urban-Chickens-101-How-to-have-chickens-in-the-city-Chicken-Tractors

Just for easy transportation, can we ask for a donation from the Rivington St. lumberyard across Chrystie Street? Or do we have the cash to buy supplies?

-L

Subject: Re: chicken feed

From:  kw

Date:  January 4, 2010 11:40:39 AM EST

how about if MM and I do some work on it tomorrow (at 1pm?).

The rivington lumber guys are not into giving us donations (at least last

time I tried). But we do have some money and I can front it and get reimbursed.

I will use John Lo’s lumber yard because he will give us a better deal.

L that looks good re: the website and image. We can probably put that

together. i gave B my power saw but I think someone broke it so that might

be an issue. but we’ll figure it out…

We can let you know how far we get tomorrow and maybe you and someone else

finish up this weekend?

K

From: A

Subject:     Re: chicken feed

Date:   January 4, 2010 11:50:33 AM EST

Hi All,

I could help throw something together this weekend – ideally first

thing Saturday morning (I’d have to escape by about 11am, like last

time).

Does anyone know the dimensions of the chicken/turkey wire?  I assume

it comes in a roll…  If it’s 4-feet wide, perhaps buying 8-foot

furring strips would be the simplest to build a 4-foot-high by

8-foot-long cage to fit over their existing house?  (Have they been

using the one we built them?)  We could also add a hinged door for

easy access…or might the falcon be deterred as long as there’s a

cover – i.e., no actual door would be necessary?  I really have no

experience with chickens (but also enjoy hearing your reminiscences,

Mr. MM!), so I’ll defer to those with a better sense of their requirements.

That reminds me – I believe our garden toolkit could use a decent heavy-duty staple gun.

Let me know!

Best,

A

From: L

Subject: Re: chicken feed

Date: January 4, 2010 12:04:52 PM EST

I’m working on site all day tomorrow but could come on Wed, Fri or Sat.

They don’t like the house — they like the bushes. I think because they can see out and because they can get up high and feel protected at the same time while they perch. I guess they are birds after all.

I know that you have to have ventilation (because of the ammonia build up) and protection at the same time. With food, water and a bit of shelter, they should winter OK. I think the door should open so we can let them run around while we’re there.

The “tractor” type coop is to be moved periodically to different areas and keep the chickens inside. I don’t know if we need that but it might be a good option for us. I trust A’s judgement on the building.

Thanks,

L

Subject: Re: chicken feed

From:  kw

Date: January 4, 2010 4:37:17 PM EST

Okay MM. I’ll call you tomorrow at around 1pm and we can hook up.

I’ll check first in John’s store to see if it carries chicken wire in rolls..

I’ll bring a hand saw, staple gun, staples, screws, drill…

A did you check out the site L mentioned re:

chicken coop? I”ve included it in the attachment.

I think we can use the house as a starting point and build

additions as we go. Just get a pen built around that house

to start with? Once we can pen them, they will start

to use it as home base methinks. (I’m hoping Michael will

do the penning with our help!).

So at least we can protect them when no one is there (let them out when someone can be?).

Can we think of a name for our group? I like titles and names…

:  )

K

From: MM

Subject:  Re: chicken feed

Date: January 4, 2010 12:24:12 PM EST

don’t know the dimensions of the chicken wire but I do know that they aren’t using the house that you made.

If the hen was laying she would probably use it, but hens don’t sleep in nests unless they’re sitting on eggs.

They need a dowel to roost on up off of the ground in a house large enough to have both nests and the dowel.

A door is a good idea to keep out hungry falcons and egg thieving possums.

If we don’t want the “law” visiting and asking us to cease and desist in the chicken endeavor,

we will have to replace the rooster with other hens as roosters are territorial and will chase children and small dogs.

Our rooster is a real scaredy-cat right now , but eventually will start strutting around feeling a deep sense of entitlement.

Give me a call tomorrow K and we can get this started.

MM

Subject:  chickens

From: kw

Date:  January 5, 2010 5:42:30 PM EST

hi all,

MM and I went over a few things today (location possibilities, etc.)

He will fill you in (if he hasn’t already). We left my staple gun, staples, tinsnips,

square (small), hammer, etc. in a bag in the big shed.

The chicken wire is at Mitko (our nearby lumberyard) at $2 a foot (yikes).

and the furring was about $2 a piece. Alexi, they may give you a better price.

Whatever you can get done on saturday would be great. We figured

even a box like structure 4×8′ would work fine for now. Welcome to use

the children’s area (Michael knows where).

S’s mom is dying so I’ll be out of the loop on this for a while but cc me

so I can keep up. Thanks all.

See you soon.

K

On Jan 5, 2010, at 5:49 PM, L wrote:

That’s sad to hear. Send my best to S. I met his parents this summer

and thought they were great.

We’ll coordinate the chicks later.

-L

Subject:  Re: chickens

From: kw

Date:  January 5, 2010 6:24:42 PM EST

thanks Michael. Yes, it is hard, no matter what, to

lose a parent…

Subject: Re: chickens

From:  kw

Date:  January 5, 2010 6:25:29 PM EST

thanks L sweetly said. I’ll let S know.

From:  MM

Subject: Sunshine

Date:  January 6, 2010 10:16:55 AM ESTHi K,

I just got in from feeding the chickens and saw that the area

in the children’s garden that we were looking at was swathed in sunlight.

When the trees fill in with leaves there won’t be as much sun but now in winter I think that it is important

for their well being to have some sun during the day.

When it is warmer it won’t matter as much. So, that is where I’ll help Alexei and Lauren construct the coop.

The raised bed and soil is frozen solid so we will put it together next to the site and then when the weather permits

I’ll remove the bed and move the locked down items and we can shift it over.

That’s my plan for now.

MM

Subject:      Re: Sunshine

From:  kw

Date:  January 6, 2010 11:00:50 AM EST

sounds great Michael. thank you!

From:  A

Subject: Re: chickens

Date: January 6, 2010 12:33:56 PM EST

Cockadoodle-doo to everyone!

I’ve had a look at Home Depot’s website, and it looks like they have

3′ x 25′ Green (plastic) Poultry Fence for about $17/roll (we’d need

two rolls).  Any thoughts on whether a 3′-high by 8′-long box would be

sufficient for the time being?  I got a couple hinges this morning (I

envision making the entire front of the box flip up, for easier

access).  They also have 8′ furring strips for about $1 ea. (I figure

we’ll need about 10 – pity that the garden lumber was tossed out – we

had plenty!).

Conceivably, I could combine a trip out to NJ to visit my venerable

grandmother this Friday evening with a stop at Home Depot to pick

everything up…  As for putting it all together, I could be there by

9.30am on Saturday morning (I have to take off shortly after 11am).

Does anyone know whether Bob will be around, or if I can get access to

the BRC?  The cordless tools would make the job a lot faster…

Best,

A

From: MM

Subject: Re: chickens

Date:  January 6, 2010 1:03:04 PM EST

Cockadoodle-doo to you too,

I’m wondering if the plastic fence is freeze and wind proof.

Could you ask before you purchase it Alexei?

The orange plastic fencing that they put up around the construction site on my corner

has broken apart into many pieces since the mercury has plunged.

I don’t know if Bob will be around but I do know that he rarely reads his e-mail (I asked him a couple days ago).

I could go over to the BRC before Saturday and get what you will need and will bring it all with me Saturday morning.

Your specs sound fine as this hopefully will be a just a temporary habitat until the Y builds them something more

substantial in the spring.

What all should I look for in the BRC?

MM

From:  L

Subject:  Re: chickens

Date: January 6, 2010 1:17:31 PM EST

Hi guys,

That toolkit and the saw and drill in the BRC are good but I know we need some better screws unless there is another stash I didn’t know about. I had to hunt around for some long ones when doing the dog house build. I have a good pair of scissors (they’re Bob’s) that I will bring with me. I also can bring other tools, just let me know if we need anything specific.

I’m not a giant fan of the plastic but I trust you’ll get what will work.

See you on Sat. I’ll try to be there at 9:30 also.

-L

From: A

Subject: Re: chickens

Date:  January 6, 2010 1:20:20 PM EST

Hello Mr. MM!

It looks a bit more solid than the orange stuff (here’s a link:

http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10051&productId=100384027&langId=-1&catalogId=10053&ci_sku=100384027&ci_src=14110944&cm_mmc=shopping-_-googlebase-_-D22X-_-100384027&locStoreNum=908&marketID=15),

but I’ll ask when I get there…  They also have the standard 3′ metal

netting for ~$24/roll if the plastic stuff looks too flimsy…

Basically, I’m looking for the big cordless tool bag (chartreuse-ish &

black) which was kept under the shelves to the right when you enter

the first office.  We charged up both batteries when we built the

chicken hut, so they should be good to go…  Aside from the tools you

and K put in the shed, a fistful of 1.5″ drywall screws might come in

handy, if they’re easy to find…

See you Saturday morning, bright and early!

Best,

A

From:  MM

Subject:  Re: chickens

Date:  January 6, 2010 1:28:05 PM EST

OK

I’ll go get the tool bag and make sure the power tools are all charged and ready to go.

I will also bring the screws as I have some in my tool box.

See you both Saturday.

MM

From:  A

Subject:  Re: chickens

Date:  January 6, 2010 1:28:49 PM EST

‘ll buy a pound of drywall screws to have around…  I’m no great fan

of plastic either, but it’s cheap and light – this structure is only

supposed to be temporary, right?

I’m thinking it may make sense to purchase a heavy-duty staple gun for

the garden’s toolkit – I’ll add that to the list…

See y’all Saturday morning – bundle up!

A

From: L

Subject: Re: chickens

Date:  January 6, 2010 1:36:27 PM EST

A, can you see if they sell peregrine falcon repellent?

-L

From: A

Subject: Re: chickens

Date: January 6, 2010 1:50:08 PM EST

I’m sure they do, but they probably call it a “shotgun.”

Besides, I want to see it first!
A

From:  MM

Subject:  Re: chickens

Date:  January 6, 2010 1:59:35 PM EST

The chicken coop will be repellant enough, I hope.

I just returned from the BRC and spoke to B who also plans to be there at 9:30 Sat.

So the tools are still over there and we will have access to them and some warmth.

L- I have your green thermos and will bring it with me.

See You,

MM

From: L

Subject: Re: chickens

Date: January 9, 2010 2:50:09 PM EST

Hi,

Done, it looks great. B and A have pictures. The door is open–let’s feed and water them inside until they acclimate, what do you think? Then we can shut them in.

There’s a big chunk of soil we put in there that’s partly frozen. The hen had a snack of some worms in the soil. You’ll see it, it’s like a frozen block like a worm/soil popscicle.

L

From:  A

Subject:  Re: chickens

Date: January 10, 2010 7:59:48 AM EST

For your viewing pleasure, I attach a few crappy cell-phone pics of

the latest in urban chicken accommodations being scoped out by its

prospective tenants…

If you look closely in one of the images, you’ll spy a new potential

predator stalking in the background – the unique (but very friendly!)

B “The Grillmeister” H…

Best,

A

Subject: Re: chickens

From: kw

Date: January 12, 2010 2:05:10 PM EST

what an amazin’ team!

K

From:  L

Subject: Re: chickens

Date:  January 12, 2010 8:59:45 PM EST

Hi all,

How are the chickens? I ordered and received the City Chicken guide from Just Foods. It’s very informative. MM, you probably know most of this but I found some of it very interesting (what kind of nerd am I?). Next time I’m there, probably on the weekend, I’ll put it in the shed for your perusal.

According to this book, Community Gardens can have chickens (hens, only) and can raise them as pets and even sell their eggs. Another thing they say is to keep drafts out of their coops in winter. I didn’t put the tarp up around the space in the new “run” but that will be something I’ll do when there next if you guys didn’t already do it.

Also, did you know that chickens steady themselves with their feet when they sleep and they rest their breasts on branches? I never knew that. That’s why those chickens like the bushes so much.  According to this chicken book, you should place perches 8 inches to 2 feet off the ground depending on the height of your birds.

Unfortunately in the book there is nothing about whether chickens have nerve endings in their feet, Alexei.

-L

From:  MM

Subject: Re: chickens

Date:  January 13, 2010 12:17:29 AM ESTHello Chicken Lovers,

Our birds seem to be fine. They have plumped up a lot and their plumage is much more vibrant since the steady diet of chicken feed.

They are often in the coop when I go to feed them in the mornings, but run away as I draw near.

I’ve been unable to steer them back into the enclosure and lower the gate to confine them.

The rooster still roosts alone up in the bush growing in the fence on Forsyth Steet – plenty of draft!  Brrr!

I don’t know where the hen sleeps at night but think that she is still chaste.

So far- no eggs.

The seniors that I’ve encountered all seem to like them, although a Chinese fellow pointed to them yesterday and said to me yum-yum.

It was probably the same dude who said it to Lauren. We can be certain though that he will never, ever catch one of them.

I believe that we are doing the absolute best for their well being, as we had no prior planning before they showed up, and look

forward to their continuing presence in our little bit of heaven on the Lower East Side.

Thank you all,

We Are an amazing team,

MM

From: MM

Subject: Penned at Last

Date: January 15, 2010 1:06:54 PM ESTHi Guy and Gals,

Finally all those years of watching cartoons has paid off!

Unable to get near the coop while the chickens were in it without them running out,

I started to think like wile e cayote and devised a clever plan to lure them in and trap them in the coop.

I tied a length of string to the bottom board that was holding the door up and ran it through the stand of bamboo.

Then I herded the suspicious chickadees toward the coop area and hid behind the bamboo and waited until they

were both inside eating from their trough of feed. With a tug on my string the door swung down and presto- they

are finally inside the coop and out of reach of hungry falcons who would like nothing more than to eat them for lunch.

Bob and I put the tarp over the top and sides and weighed it down so now they will be snug as bugs in a rug.

Hope you are all enjoying the warmer weather.

Wile E M

Subject: Re: Penned at Last

From:  kw

Date: January 15, 2010 1:10:49 PM EST

Our hero!!!

We really do need you to write a blog MM.

L, can’t we set one up on our website?

:  )

K

From:  L

Subject: Re: Penned at Last

Date: January 15, 2010 1:17:24 PM EST

Yes, that was hilarious! I don’t know which I like better Wiley Coyote or the Stupid Chickens story. I’ll set it up if you write it down!

-L

On Jan 16, 2010, at 9:57 PM, Mic wrote:

Dear K,

I am glad the ol’ birds are settled and have shelter. I am delighted that

they are a community binder, keeping everyone in touch and giving a

different kind of purpose. Are you ready for another bag of food? John will

be down next week and can bring one.

In the mean time, I send lots of love.

Mic

On Jan 16, 2010, at 10:10 PM, kw wrote:

are we ready for more chicken feed? My neighbor asked. her husband is coming

down to the city and can bring some..

From: MM

Subject:  Re: Penned at Last

Date: January 17, 2010 10:00:48 AM EST

Yes- That would be great.

I’m not sure how much is in the trash can on the patio but my 5 gallon container is almost empty.

MM

From: kw

Date: January 17, 2010 10:47:11 AM EST

her husband will be down next week. Is that soon enough?

do we need to monitor the food distribution?

are you coming to the meeting today at 12pm at brc?
K

From: MM

Subject:  Re: Penned at Last

Date:  January 17, 2010 11:04:28 AM EST

Yes that is soon enough.

I have not missed a day so I am sort of monitoring the food- although Bob also feeds them some days-

The wild birds can no longer get at the food so I don’t have to leave as much for the chickens.

Yes- I’ll be there.
MM

On Jan 17, 2010, at 10:54 AM, kw wrote:

are you okay to be the chief chicken guy?

K

From: MM

Subject: Re: Penned at Last

Date:  January 17, 2010 11:05:48 AM EST

Head Chicken Guy please.
MM

From:  L

Subject:  Re: Penned at Last

Date:  January 17, 2010 11:08:43 AM EST

I’ll look when at the meeting. Why not get some? It keeps.

-L

 On Jan 21, 2010, at 6:53 PM, kw wrote:

hi all,

I went by the garden today and brought two bags of feed

from my neighbor (I put them in the big shed).

I was a bit worried because the pen was open and we

couldn’t find them at all when we first came in. The garden

felt so lonely!

But after a while Lee spotted the rooster

near the pen. He was perched

up in the tree hanging out “outside” above the gate…

The chicken was in the front bush/tree near the children’s garden.

Is it okay if they are about? And should we put a lock on the pen?

Thanks all.

K

On Jan 22, 2010, at 1:29 AM, MM wrote:

Hello all,

After 5 days of being “cooped up” I let the chickens out to allow them a wider range of diet and also because of almost spring-like weather.

I was hoping that they would return to our home-made coop at the end of the day but they have other ideas.

Unfortunately, they have returned to their former roosting spots and don’t consider our coop as home.

I think it’s unhealthy for them to be locked in that small space and I hate to feel like I am a jailer.

They are healthy looking and I hope happier being free to roam our garden and they still use the coop for eating and drinking.

We will have to say goodbye to them, too soon, as the real Spring approaches (cock-a-doodle-doo!).

With help from City Chicken Working Group we can plan and build a coop to raise Hens in a more sanitary environment designed to keep

out wild birds and rats.

Freedom to the non-hen(s)!

MM

On Jan 22, 2010, at 9am, K wrote:

freedom to the (non) hens!!!

will you contact city chicken working group?

do you want to be in touch with the chinatown Y group as well?

let me know..

kw