How deep is the well? Is there any worry about having the chickens so close to being right over the well?

Good question. The well is 200 feet deep. That's about 20 feet of clay and 180 feet of limestone for filtration. There are only about a dozen birds in all those pens. I don't think fecal pollution will be an issue.

I would actually be more worried about the nitrogen at least with a deep bored well. I've only heard about fecal pollution in shallow open wells.

I'm a bit further south and definitely not on enough land for full scale permaculture but I am definitely trying to do well with the gardening aspect. We are also thinking about getting some chickens but will probably only have 4-6 layers.

Your project looks great.

I just wanted to say how much I have enjoyed reading all your posts about your big project. It would have been my dream come true to do something like this. Please keep posting so we can enjoy your progress and get inspired to do things even in a small way. I am in Sarasota, FL, living in a very suburban, HOA dominated neighborhood. However, we do what we can to recycle extensively in our home and yard. I have a small garden and some fruit trees. Would love to have chickens, but not allowed. Please give us updates and photos!

Anna