The Girls are Settling In 5.30.12

Digging a spot to dust themselves.

Penny planted the corn today. I had to put up chicken wire around the garden we have had rabbits cutting down the plants.

I put scare crows in the garden and the owl but cannot keep the varmints out. So today I added some red pepper to the plants.

My Rattle Snake Green Beans are looking good.

This is the fence we put up this weekend.

The girls have a nice yard to play in.

Black Star or Black Sex Link

Penny helped me put in the windows before a big rain storm today.

This was our 1st egg but we have had four since the girls arrived. Looks like only one hen is laying.

5.25.12 Chickens Have Come Home!

Chickens came home in the pet carrier from a friend who was so kind as to sell us birds he and his wife had raised from chicks. He had an impressive flock of birds and goats. I really liked the kidds he had 5 new ones this year.

Penny letting her new girls out into their new home.

As the first one stuck her head out she tasted the sand then went straight for the food. The second bird did the same. Only one bird did not want to come out. But Penny was patient and all six came out and headed for the food.

They ate and dranked until they were full then they started exploring their new surroundings.

So at dark they all went up the ramp and into their roost. They piled up in the corner. I hope they have a good nite. Tomorrow I have to get the perimeter fence up so the dogs will not bother the girls.

The doors are on!

 Front of coop...nesting box side

 Front of coop...run side...

 Enclosed run with nice ramp to roost area...

nesting boxes!



We hope to go pick up the chickens this weekend...
Gary still has to put on the roost bars and put sand in the run.  He is going to finish putting gravel around the outside drip line as well.  He has put an incredible amount of energy into this project....

The Roof Is On! 5.10.12

 Scout likes the new addition to the yard. He hangs around under the shade tree while I work.

 So the roof is on the coop.

 I really like the old fashion look that the tin gives the coop. I hope it will help keep the coop cooler for the girls during the summer.

 All I need is a couple of doors and I will be adding a couple of trim pieces and some sand for the floor. The chickens are at a friends house we are getting full grow Black Sex Link's that are currently laying. We cannot wait for the fresh eggs.

Coop Update as of 5.8.2012

 Completed the inside wall today. Needs a second coat of stain.

 Was a challenge to figure out the sliding door. But Penny gave it a try this afternoon and it was approved.

 By pulling the rope she can open the door into the rub so the girls can go out in the morning without having to enter the roost.

 Completed the nesting box. We decided to go with a tin roof. I think it will give the coop a rustic look.

 Put a latch on the nesting box so we dont have any critters getting our eggs. Penny bought a carabiner to ensure nothing can get in.

 I thought the nesting box came out well. A little concerned about the size too small? I guess we will see.

Coop Update 5.8.2012