Birds - part#1

Earlier this year while the snow was still falling during the cold winter months, we started making plans for this year's farm. (okay - the truth is I started making the plans).

I have always wanted to have show birds, but in order for that to happen, the laying hens needed to find a new home to make room for the show birds. 

Adam sketched up a new coop plan and built it in the shop with the help (?) of the boys.

Working in the shop.

After the coop was finished, the tractor came in handy moving it to the right spot.

The coop was placed on our side of the fence with an opening and ladder going into the fenced in field. Inside of the coop is a perch for the chickens to roost on at night and there are four nesting boxes. The nesting boxes are on our side of the fence so it is convenient to collect the eggs.

Below the coop Adam cut an opening through the fence for the chickens. This way, the chickens can find shelter and shade under the coop. Unfortunately the pigs are still small enough to fit through the opening and they try to hog the chicken scratch. 

There is a little opening on one side of the coop for the kids to look through and see what is going on inside.The cows get in on the action and peek into the coop too!

After the laying hens made their home in the new coop I thought the coop needed a finishing touch. Alisha came over and painted "EGGS" and that gave the coop exactly what it needed. I love it!

Even when the latch is closed, the chickens have found ways to escape into our yard. They will squeeze under the fence or fly onto the roof of the coop and then jump down onto the yard. At least two chickens are always running around on the patio and driveway. (We can't figure out if they are the same to chickens who escape each time). I guess it makes it feel like a real country farm. Some days, more chickens decide the grass is greener on this side of the fence and they all manage to escape and nibble on the grass and my veggies. That is when we have to go on a chicken hunt! 

For years we have had eggs from our laying hens and they tasted great, better then store bought eggs. But now these eggs are officially "free range." These eggs taste that much better. The yolk is a bright, fresh orange loaded full of nutrients. Scrumptious!