Chickens Finally In The Coop

The chicken condo is in use! The babies seem to be very happy. Loving the space they have and enjoying the light in the coop.

After our plans had been made, and we had agreed on what the cost of the construction etc was, Charlie added two skylights on the roof. It seems the chicks are madly in love with them. And the light makes all the difference.

Now, as I read more books on chickens, I realize light is essential to their well-being and something they enjoy a great deal.

We realize that the chicks, as they mature, will feel happier laying eggs in a sunny coop. In fact books tell us that they will lay more often. Yeah!!! See the coop photos here.

Being finished now are the three outdoor play pens, that will be rotational and will have the grass and dirt they will need for their pleasure and sustenance. These three areas are fenced with an 8-foot high chicken wire fence. Dug deep in the dirt with extra footage, to ensure predatory critters cannot enter the fence, or at least deter them a bit. I hope this is true. We toyed with the idea of enclosing the area from above as well, to keep it safe from owls and predatory birds, but finally, I let myself allow nature to take its course. If that happens, we shall brave that, too.

The chicks are growing bigger by the hour it seems. They are showing more color and patterns as the days pass. The rooster has begun making his call. He was somewhat scratchy at first, but now is very good at it and his sound gets louder by the day. He is growing quite impressive and his confidence is quite easily noticed. When I make a call myself, he has to return with his and try and be louder. Quite charming!

Lucy, a gray and white speckled chick (or shall I call it hen already?) is adorably curious. Even as we are entering the coop, she is already aware of the fact and is instantly at our feet to get our attention and affection. She pretends she has no interest, will look the other way if we stare directly at her, but in the end, will be sad if we do not pick her up and play with her. You can see the chicks here.

The Divas, the ones with fancy hairdos, are also quite confident. They also stand out amongst the group of 42 chicks we have. We had 48, but 6 of them are on loan to Hildene, the Lincoln Family Estate in Manchester, VT. Our friend and local guide and cheese expert, Peggy Galloup is the farm manager there and asked if we would share 6 of the girls for the summer. We were delighted to be able to help Peggy and also give these chicks some stories to experience and come back with some fresh energy. I just hope the 6 chicks, upon their return, can mix without trouble with our other 42. Fingers and toes are crossed!

Just knowing that the chicks are in their own coop gives me so much pleasure. I feel finally, we are giving them some comfort and joy. They bring so much to all they see them and are able to play with them. Poignant, how animals can bring so much joy, and need so little in return.

Comments

[trupti]

Those chickens are quite lucky to have you guys around!

[Suvir]

and we quite lucky to have them.
cannot wait for them to start laying eggs, I am desperate to cook with their eggs.
they are quite adorable... and very fun!
the pleasure, I hope, is mutual. I know from our end, it is wonderful having them... and enjoying their energy and playful manner.

[musical]

Aren't they cute! i remember playing with the neighbors chickens as a child, even as the Mama hens would keep a strict watch!

[Suvir]

They are adorable!
I could play with them all day, but then another side of me, the neat-freak side, cautions me to not do that, and be careful....
These babies are precious.. and in more ways than one.
Where did you grow up Musical?

[Silvia]

I enjoyed reading about your chickens and their coop. I have linked to your post at my blog post about chicken coops. (http://casaincostruzione.blogspot.com/2007/07/chicken-coops.html)I hope you'll come visit!