This week on the farm I asked Aiden to build something for our ducks and the other goose that I bought in case its friend didn’t make it. We didn’t have a plan, but I knew I wanted something that was easy to move, offered some protection from predators, and I hoped it wouldn’t cost anything. After a few questions he got right to work, tearing apart an old pallet, pulling some old boards from the burn pile, locating the leftover hardware cloth in the barn, and somehow finding an old hinge from a door that he had kept, to use for opening and shutting the door/ladder where the birds enter.

The wheels were taken off of an old bike that Aiden had picked up for free several months ago. He removed the tires and just used the rims, since the tires were flat. He had plenty of help from Annika and Asher throughout the project. They love to help with projects. The total cost of this new project was zero. I may be starting to appreciate a few little junk piles.  

After the project was complete, we put the new shelter and the ducks and goose in the orchard to keep the grass and weeds down. My hope is that they will protect the trees and fruit from bug damage as well. Annika asked me today if she could do their chores and I said sure. She is really excited to have her first outside chore, and the birds seem really happy in their new home.