Here at ABC acres, we pursue the goal of being constant students of permaculture. Absorbing relevant information by reading books and articles, watching videos, and attending continuing educational events are all certainly part of this process. Equally important is not only engaging Creation itself as a teacher, but also learning lessons from the designs we ourselves placed on the land. An honest assessment of how things are relating with one another, including our management of it, teaches us valuable insights on how things have the potential for improvement.

This process of following-up on how our designs are working in the real world is based on the permaculture principle of, “apply self-regulation and accept feedback.” Coupled with this design principle is the attitude that, “mistakes are tools for learning.” An illustration of these ideas in action can be seen in the design of our first mobile chicken coop, and then learning of design and build flaws by interacting with it daily and observing its strengths and shortcomings. Accepting this feedback, and then self-regulating provided us with the wisdom we needed to improve our second mobile chicken coop, “version 2.0,” giving us a new coop with key design improvements that make our lives easier, and offers a more hospitable environment for our laying hens.

Some of these new features include a lighter coop, making it much easier to move with our ATV and enclosed storage so the chickens cannot roost and poop in our storage area. We also added exterior access for both egg harvesting and cleaning out the dirtied bedding on the coop floor. Last, and my personal favorite, is the nest box blocker that prevents the hens from sleeping and pooping in the nest boxes at night. All these upgrades decrease our labor and frustrations, and increase our enjoyment.

It has been satisfying working with our new coop, as we now get to interact with design improvements inspired by our previous mistakes. In turn, the feedback loop begins yet again, further educating and guiding us on our journey of becoming better designers and stewards of the land, living creatures, and systems that interact with this place we call home. We are blessed and encouraged through the process, as we have confidence that in each problem we face or mistake observed lies the seed of a solution or lesson to enrich us and allow us to grow a little more. We heartily recommend this approach to life, as it gives hope, positivity, and enjoyment through your day’s activities and thoughts. An easy way to begin is by slowing down a bit, focusing in your senses, and asking, “what is my life trying to teach me about how to improve it?”

Blessings,

Grant