& coop-coop-a-doop

2 posts in one week is a big deal, so 2 in one day is AMAZING–right?

Anyway, Just wanted to update you on chicken progress. To start, the Chicks are looking more like real egg-layers everyday. Sure it will be several more months, but it’s crazy to watch them grow so fast…glad humans don’t have the same life-span. Perhaps you can catch a tiny glimpse of them in the pics of the coop.

So. Building a chicken tractor/coop would seem simpler than it is. One might think there’s be LOADS of info on this on this extensive loop of knowledge known as the “internet”. There are plans you can buy & you-tube videos you can watch, but nothing simple–nothing all that tangible. Nothing FREE…

We put our heads together & spent approx. $70 on all materials. There was no & in the manner of the chickens, scratch that–is no plan. It’s simply a place to sleep & lay that will hopefully meet all their needs. To start, a wheel barrel base…We’ll find a use for the barrel, probably plants. Drew used found lumber & scraps we already had to build a “frame” and of course, bought 2 sheets of plywood to make the walls.

The back box area is where the nesting boxes are & the lid on it can be lifted for egg retrieval. The whole front is on hinges & can also be lifted up to clean out the coop, although it’s not terribly accessible as we’ve read that’s not a frequent activity.

The chickens seem to approve. We’re a little worried about the open top as there is at least 1 hawk that makes regular visits to our yard, but they’ve been staying under the coop pretty much all day, so maybe that won’t be a problem.

That’s the update & some pics.

AT 7:30pm: The chickens finally came out from under the coop this afternoon at around 4 & were running, pecking, dashing, scratching & more all over the fenced area. They agree with this weather & outside…they do NOT agree with coming back in for bed 😉 Chirp-chirpity-chirp…

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