"That's awesome. The pictures of the yard are two years old or so. Since then I have some great bermuda/fescue growing on one side of the yard. A nitida fig, rosemary, sage, some bottle brush. All of them are just starting out though, and aren't much…"

"Those pictures are from two years ago, so there has been a lot of work on the soil in that time. But yes it still sucks, comparitively. I have been green mulching cover crops and nitrogen fixing the soil for some time to get some of the dark rich…"

"I agree with Chris on the sex links. Incredible production! Mine started laying at 17 weeks of age...and are the only ones that lay through the winter. Mine are from Privett hatchery if anyone's curious."

"You really need to focus on your soil at this point IMHO. The dirt there in your photos looks extremely neglected, and if you want chickens to free range, then you will have to provide something for them to range on first.

Chickens love bermuda…"

"I really want to let them eat greens and fresh vegetation from the yard, as well as having a grain based feed. Is there anything common in my yard that would kill a chicken or anything I can plant that they naturally eat? Any ideas on chicken crops?…"

"I can always use an extra 5 gal bucket with lid or two, if you have some spares."

"Tenacity - I've had chickens for years and built 4 different coops but I never thought of using window screen. I'm getting ready to redo my current coop and I'm going to use your idea. That is an excellent idea! Thanks"

"http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/5724178/raising_backyard_c...
Here are the instructions for the self waterer....and if you need a free 5 gallon bucket with a lid, let me know -"

"Check out the photos from the Tour de Coops (on this site, under most recent) - and definately check out the one whose photos start with the letter C - he has a great watering system, apparently directions on the internet. I will find out where, and…"

"Great advice, I may pick your brain for more hints as I progress. First things first, time to build a nice, shady, misty coop."

"Right on, will take a look at Singh."

"My advice would be to get those trees in with a little maturity first. We have a very heavily shaded yard, and the chickens still seem to suffer terribly in the summer with the heat. Without some serious shade, or an airconditioned coop, you would…"