This is the second half of my photo essay detailing my visit to P. Allen Smith’s Garden Home at Moss Mountain Farm in Arkansas to be the guest reporter at his Poultry Workshop a few weeks ago. Part one of The Chicken Chick in Poultryville can be read here. In this series of photos, I’ll give you a guided tour of most of the farm, the low-down on the Poultry Workshop and the eagerly awaited tour of Poultryville!
This is the view from the porch of Allen’s Garden Home overlooking the sheep pasture and Poultryville. The red roof in the distance is the chicken barn
From the Garden Home, we headed towards Poultryville, which is where the chickens, turkeys, ducks and swans live. There are no bad views at Moss Mountain Farm- every step was a new, breathtaking vista and photo opportunity.
Mr. Chicken Chick served as guest photog for the weekend while I had a seat, waiting for the night’s bonfire.
A little further down the path from the Garden Home, a bit closer to Poultryville
Construction of this chicken barn began last autumn. Finishing touches are still being put on it. Each breeding pen inside the barn has its own run to the outside. The pop doors are on a pulley system so that they can be opened simultaneously.
Top left: view of the chicken runs
Top right: view of the sheep pasture and Garden home
Bottom left: view of the chicken barn from the turkey tractor
Bottom right: view of Waterfowl Mecca from the chicken barn
A quick update from Allen and me during the day of the workshop.
Top right: turkey tractor residents
Bottom left: Anatolian Shepherd pair that serve as vigilant livestock guardians in the sheep pasture and area surrounding Poultryville. The female is recovering from an encounter with a coyote who inflicted significant injuries to the back of her neck.
Bottom right: Predators abound on Moss Mountain Farm as one would expect and raptors are no exception. This hawk seemed to be a permanent fixture above Poultryville
Chicken tractors, formerly cotton trailers, were the chickens’ accommodations prior to construction of the chicken barn.
One of Allen’s dogs who was the official greeter at the Garden Home. The white tent was where the Poultry Workshop kicked off, wound up and where lunch was served. The hatching eggs were hand gathered for me by Allen on Friday and given to one of his team members to give to me on Saturday. She stored them in her car all day Saturday without realizing that a hot car parked in the Arkansas sun weren’t ideal storage conditions. The hatch had its challenges, but I consider it a success nonetheless.
Quick introductory video from inside the Chicken Barn.
Inside the chicken barn, filming some segments and taking a selfie with Allen. You can see from the light fixture that the barn is still a work in progress.
P Allen Smith’s Heritage Breed Beauties! Black White Faced Spanish
Buff Orpingtons. Allen allows each breed to take turns free-ranging on the property in order to preserve stock purity. The BOs made the most of their yard time
Welsumers, Partridge Plymouth Rocks, Blue Jersey Giants and Blue Andalusians
I am a beginner chicken mommie and have learned so much from your website. Thank you.
You have been so helpful to this new chicken farmer thanks so much
My chickens would love to see this when they come in the back door to see what treats I am getting ready for them in the kitchen!
Love you set up! The Chicken Chick sent me!