Comments

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  Andy Young December 17, 2008 at 1:44pm

  Hi Ben. Yes, now is a good time to prune Ash trees as it is easy to identify structural defects as the trees lose their leaves. I would be happy to come out and give you a free estimate. I have a pretty open schedule right now, so just let me know what is a good time for you. Thanks. Andy.
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  Erika November 29, 2008 at 9:36pm

  Hey, I have been trying to find the best wood for my coop. I have used pressed wood temporarily that I had left over, I knew when the rain hit it would not last. How did your's hold up? Did you paint it with anything? I was trying to avoid adding any more paint or chemicals than I have to.
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  Kris G October 29, 2008 at 6:03pm

  We just got our clover planted on Monday, so I hope it's not too late! I had heard that fall planting should happen by Oct 15, but I think as long as it stays on the warm side for the first few weeks, it should be fine. Especially if you start by trying one of the cool season clovers - I think the white clovers like it better cool. I saw one caution that if you are planting grass and clover seed at the same time, not to use more than 25% clover because it can outcompete the grass, so keep that in mind if you want to go for a mixed lawn (that's probably more of a problem when they are both trying to germinate and get established than if you already have grass growing). It's not too expensive of an experiment, I would say go for it!
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  marcy October 28, 2008 at 9:13pm

  lol , i know what you mean about electric starter. i've kick started it a few times and i'm sure if i needed to do it in a hurry, i'd be sitting for at least a few moments. i'll let you know next time we're gonna be out that way :)
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  marcy October 28, 2008 at 2:30pm

  my bf and i both bought stellas earlier in the year. they are made in inda with the same machinery that the old vesps p models from the 80's (i think) i LOVE mine! took a little time to get used to riding, but now i want to ride it all the time. a few of us drove downtown last weekend. sooo much fun. you'll have to get yours running! i get 80/90 mpg on a regular basis with it. did i mention how much i LOVE it? lol
  marcy
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  marcy October 28, 2008 at 9:36am

  ben,
  are you guys downtown? we're in peoria. when you get your scooter running , we can have a scooter/permaculture fieldtrip! lol.
  marcy
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  Erika October 25, 2008 at 9:57am

  Hey Ben, Thanks! I got my 4 chicks at a place called western Ranchman and they keep all of them outside. My husband was not excited about getting chicks so I knew he would REALLY not be happy with them in the house. I have kept them outside since they came home. You can see the top of my coop is covered in a tarp, I keep it down over the sides of the coop at colder times just to keep the wind off of them. So far they seem really happy and comfortable. They don't spend that much time under the heat lamp. I wasn't told to keep them inside. Your kids are adorable! how old are they?
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  marcy October 16, 2008 at 10:57pm

  lol, thanks ben. i try to keep working on it so the neighbors don't get too impatient with my "design", haha. i'm gonna conquer my backyard after i finish the front. i'm jealous of your coop! i would love to have chickens, but can't do it right now. they're so cute! (plus all the benefits that come with them)
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  Julie Norgaard October 10, 2008 at 2:15pm

  Hi Ben - thanks so much for the PDF - Brad is really handy so he will be able to adjust as needed - we saw a great coop/pen that looked very similar to yours at backyardchickens.com under the small coops - you might check it out. No plans but good pictures. Will you post your finished pictures when you're done? We'll post as we start to build...Julie
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  Rachel September 30, 2008 at 8:51am

  Ben- I just got some extra day-old female chicks this morning (long story). I don't know if you have already purchased yours, but let me know if you need some!