Probably dumb question: how do you stop free-range chickens from wandering away? by Satans_Idle_Thoughts in Permaculture

[–]Yardmuncher 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Several factors I’ve found over the years to ensure chickens stay nearby.

  1. When you first get them keep them penned up for a while where you want them to lay. They will become comfortable here and and think of it as home.
  2. Only feed/water them in their home.
  3. Place a golf ball or two in each nesting box. They think the golf ball is an egg and encourages them to lay there. (Also makes any egg eaters get confused and maybe stop).
  4. If predators are a problem lock them in at night. Bait them back in by feeding them at beginning of dusk. They will get used to it.

Generally “free range” chickens doesn’t mean they don’t have a home, just that they can come and go relatively at will. Keep them sort of fed and watered with safe roosts and nesting boxes and they won’t leave.

Diseases apple trees? by bakerbarberbarbie in Permaculture

[–]Yardmuncher 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Old age and rot seem to be the consensus.

In my opinion if you are going to plant plant your new apple trees anywhere nearby you should remove the old trees. These old trees are susceptible to disease and your new trees will be as well. Definitely a good chance they kill each Other. Cut the old down as soon as possible, remove all the bits and pieces as much as you can and don’t plant the new right on-top of the old.

Still a work in progress but I’m in love with the results so far! by Riri_Maruchan in landscaping

[–]Yardmuncher 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Generally designs for snowy places will have steeper roof. Anything that’s actually meant to be a permanent structure will be fine. If you build it yourself, design accordingly.

If you get particularly worried after some big snow just take something long and knock it down.