Chickens like to take "dust baths". Over the weekend, the weather was warm and beautiful. It was actually 80 degrees. Our hens decided it was time for a bath...in my herb box.
I haven't got around to cleaning up my herb box for the season yet, and the hens were more than happen to get in there and turn over the soil for me. My husband found them in there twice and chased them away both times.
I found them in there once myself...of course, I ran to get my camera before chasing them off.
They were probably thinking, "ok, what's up with this lady, first she takes a photo cause we're so cute..and then she chases us away."
After I chased the chickens away, I got out my little spade and fork and turned over the soil and added a fresh bag of potting soil.
Three of my herbs actually grew back from last year and are already sprouting leaves: tarragon, chives, oregano and thyme. I'll be adding basil, parsley, cilantro and dill...also another couple of thyme plants. I've noticed that I use thyme a lot and I ran out of thyme in November. Ugh. Can't let that happen again.
By the way, here is what my herb box looked like in all it's glory last summer. I even grew a little lettuce in there as well. It's just quicker and easier for me to pick it for lunch and dinner when it's right close to the house. I can't wait until it looks like this again.
P.S. Even after I made my herb box beautiful and ready for planting, on Monday afternoon, I found our white Americauna bathing. Well, she hates it when she's spotted bathing. I am not kidding. She hopped up so fast, squawed and bawked and jumped out of my herb box. Her feathers were covered in black soil. As she ran away shaking out the dirt and sqwaking at me, I told her "no, I am not going to apologize, your on my turf baby." Ahhhhhh, chickens are so funny!
I never tire of watching hens bathe in the dirt... and you got some good shots of yours. Sometimes they look like they are dying, having seizures! And now, just look at your gorgeous herb garden! Very nice... hope those chickens don't assume you have spruced up their tub for them!
ReplyDeleteLove your herb box, and would like to have one of my own too. Hmmmmm.... And your chickens are so cute. I would feel bad chasing them out, but they'll take over the world if you let them right? Tee hee.
ReplyDeleteLove your herb box. I have one, but it's low to the ground and sometimes gets eaten by the possums, groundhogs and squirrels. We will have to compare our gardens come July. Your chickens are great. Wish I could have some, but they're illegal in Philly.
ReplyDeleteThe husband & I were just saying the other day that I would like to start a garden. Last year herb's look beautiful!
ReplyDeleteLove your herb garden!! Wondering what you do with the tarragon. .I inherited a start from my grandma. .and it is taking over. .and I haven't even been sure what to eat it with! I have a little one outside of my door too. .but I am not too good at using it yet.. maybe this year (mostly I like to grow the herbs. .and haven't made time to learn how to cook with them!!) Any ideas are appreciated!
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