Category: Writing | Farm Posts

A Little Bit of Country in the Big City

Our little hobby farm was once tucked away in a quiet corner of Phoenix, but over the years, the city has grown around us, bringing many changes. Housing developments and businesses have increased traffic, and the once-tranquil surroundings are now filled with the constant hum of a nearby freeway—a freeway that didn’t even exist when we first bought this property. We also live near what was once a small airport, which has since grown into one of the busiest in the country. As a result, overhead air traffic and noise have become part of our daily lives.

Our hobby farm

Yet, amidst all this change, our little hobby farm remains much the same. We still raise chickens and visit the local feed store, a community staple since 1966. Walking into the store feels like stepping back in time, with the scent of fresh hay and grain in the air, friendly faces, and free-roaming feathered friends adding to the charm.

One of those friends is a regular at the feed store—a large turkey who follows me around and always makes me feel welcome. He’s often in the way, taking his sweet time strutting in front of my truck—especially when I’m in a hurry. Guinea hens perch on the rooftops like vigilant security guards, while the resident chickens entertain with their antics in a unique rustic enclosure.

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What’s New in the Chicken Coop

The Ultimate Set-up Just Got Better

There have been many coop improvements made over the winter. The coop was once an open-sided covered corral for horses that I had professionally enclosed with heavy-grade hardware cloth – more about that build HERE.
The desert doesn’t offer many options for lush greenery, but I managed to find bushes native to the desert southwest and planted three of them in front of the barn for a little color and hopefully some shade when they mature. I have a giant drum fan to help move the air in the coop, and it’s suitable for normal summer heat, but Phoenix doesn’t have normal heat; we have to keep chickens alive in 115+ temps, which is nearly impossible without human intervention. Usually, that means a mist system of some sort, along with fans, ice, and whatever else might offer them some relief. In other words, everything needed to keep chickens alive in these ridiculous high temps is a giant inconvenience and one I was determined to somewhat avoid this summer. Here’s what I came up with…
I bit the bullet and bought an evaporative cooler large enough to cool the coop area. I also bought 10 lb. feeders and scattered them in different areas of the coop to help minimize feeding chores. Daily farm chores now are basically watering and clean-up. Even my clean-up chores are easier now since I ditched the pine shavings and switched to sand. If you want to know more about sand vs. shavings, all the information is in a previous article HERE.
Purchasing an evaporative cooler is a double win-win scenario: it benefits the chickens by providing a more comfortable environment, and let’s be honest, it’s a relief for me as well. Working in scorching temperatures I definitely won’t miss.

About The Evap. Cooler…
Portacool 2000-CFM 2-Speed Outdoor Evaporative Cooler

What’s an evaporative cooler? It produces cool air wherever needed, such as a backyard patio, garage, barn, or workshop. Evaporative coolers are most effective in dry climates where humidity levels are low. They can be an energy-efficient and cost-effective cooling solution compared to traditional air conditioning systems, as they consume less electricity. You can learn more about this evap. cooler or check out the large selection of different models available at Lowe’s.

TBN Ranch Chicken Coop

The Coop, Inside & Out…

A Few of the Hens…

A Guide for Keeping Chickens in Hot Climates

There are many ways to help your chickens survive the heat of summer. Luckily, in most parts of the country, this isn’t a big concern. However, if you are a desert dweller and have chickens, you’ll find a wealth of information in this article on how to manage them in hot weather.

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What’s for Breakfast in the Coop?

While bagged commercial feed may suffice, there are numerous ways to enhance the overall health of your chickens.

I make it a priority to provide my hens with ample greens, including homegrown sprouts, eggs, berries, romaine, tomatoes, and whatever other goodies I can offer them daily.
Greens provide essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that may not be present in their regular feed. For instance, greens like kale, spinach, and lettuce are rich in vitamins A, K, and C, which are crucial for overall health, immune function, and egg production in chickens. Greens contain dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and helps contribute to the overall gut health of chickens.

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