Chicken Run Reno
Many veg box customers know that we have been trying to increase our egg production for a couple of years now. We’ve faced one main challenge in our efforts – foxes.
Our original chicken coop and run were built almost a decade ago and have been patched up many times. But on at least two occasions foxes have gotten in and killed or maimed dozens of our hens.
Our girls need a new, purpose-built run. And we’re pretty excited about our plans to give them one!
The entire perimeter of the run will be fox-proof, with wire buried deep so the foxes can’t dig under, and wire on top so they can’t climb over. This will give the hens the freedom to go into roost at dusk and pop back out again at dawn, following the sun and their instincts rather than waiting for one of their humans to let them in and out.
We will also split the large run area into seven runs so that we can grow delicious crops for them as we rotate them around the spaces. Otherwise, they reduce the area to dust and never get to forage amongst plans because they dig up the seeds or sprouts.
Fencing does not come cheap, and we have been putting this project off because we haven’t had the funds to do it. So, we’ve launched a crowd-funding campaign to help turn our dream into a reality. If you can chip in, head over to https://green-connect.com.au/new-chicken-run/. All donations over $2 are tax-deductible and come with a bucketload of gratitude from the chooks and us, their humans.
The ultimate goal of course is to produce enough eggs for all veg box customers who want them, plus more for others. We can’t wait!
Enjoy,
Lindsay Burlton
Fair Food Coordinator
In your box this week:
Note: We sometimes need to make changes to what we pack in your veg box based on the quantity or quality of produce that we can harvest and source. If you have any questions about what is in your box, don’t hesitate to contact us at [email protected].
Feature Veg: Beetroots
Beetroots are members of the amaranth family and are related to swiss chard and spinach. They come from the taproot of the beet plant and have a sweet and earthy flavour. They are delicious when eaten boiled, roasted, or raw and can be added to a huge range of dishes, including bakes, pastas, and smoothies. The green leafy portion of the plant is also edible! Young leaves can be eaten raw in salads and mature leaves are good boiled or steamed and eaten in a similar way to spinach.
