I decided to get rid off the apple tree in the chicken run. The run was built around the existing apple tree but since the tree has been in the run it has never produced any apples as the weld mesh puts the bees off from coming in to pollinate it.
I have to prune it back every year to keep it below the height of the roof of the run. It’s leaves get covered in dust as it’s in the girl’s dry dust bath area. It gets strange unpleasant insects on it each year. I have to pick up the dead leaves as they fall and the girl’s have to swerve round it when they fly from the patio.
There are lots of big shrubs in the run and the apple tree serves no purpose so there seemed no point in keeping it.
The apple tree
Part gone
Almost gone
Last bit
The girls rush over to investigate
They are very interested
I think the girls approve
A job well done
The girls were fascinated by the stump and saw dust. They rushed over to look at it and peck at it.
I think this is definitely an improvement and it allows a lot more light in the run. I think the girls like it too.
Click here to see the history of my flock.
Having now seen your girls today I can see that it was a good idea to chop down the apple tree. They gave so much more sp ace and light .
I agree and kind of wonder why I didn’t do it before. Sometimes something just suddenly occurs to me.