Be prepared with generator safety!

It is a given.  In most cases, the only time you will need to use your generator is when you are tired and the weather is less than desirable. 

Be safe while using a generator!

#1 Make sure when using your generator you leave it running outside your home away from flammable materials and far away from open windows.  Generators emit an exhaust similar to that produced from your car and can contain high amounts of carbon monoxide.  Remember carbon monoxide is a deadly odorless tasteless gas.  

#2 Do not overload the generators circuit.  Only plug in the recommended amount of extension cords and do not use an excessive amount of splitters.  Follow the UL listings on your extension cords as well.  If drawing more than the recommended amount of electricity, the cord can quickly become over-heated, melt and possibly start a fire.  

#3 Store any extra gas away from the generator and any pilot lights or flames.  This may seem like common sense but more times than not people leave their extra gas in too close to the running generator making future fill-ups that little bit more convenient.  Keep it far off to the side.

#4 When the temperature is hot, gasoline begins to evaporate and becomes more volatile.  Keep this in mind when the time comes to refill the generators fuel tank.  Shutting off the generator and letting it cool first is a very good idea!

 Following these few simple safety precautions will help you keep the  lights on!

Cheers! ~ Kevin

             

A Better Way To Attach Chicken Wire Fencing

     Keeping YOUR chickens in YOUR backyard as an urban homesteader, can be a daunting task. With the use of a few basic tools and some chicken wire fencing, you can "almost" completely rest assured your hens wont be the ones that
~flew the coop~!
Before we get started here's the tools you will need. I have an air compressor which makes all my daily chores go much smoother, but a regular heavy stapler will work to!

 Chicken wire or hardware cloth.

Sheet metal/ aviation snips.

Stapler and a bunch of staples.

Compressor with enough hose to reach your project area.

     Measure desired area you will be installing your fencing at. Strength out and flatten your chicken fencing on the ground being careful not to cut yourself on the sharp edges.

     Spread it across the are you will be covering and start stapling at one end shooting staples from top to bottom then moving in columns from left to right. I usually skip over about 6 openings to the next staple.

Happy Backyard Chickens!

Following these simple steps will give you a neat looking installation even a chicken will appreciate!

Cheers~ Kevin