Did I say that the barred rocks are our favorite? Well, we’ve changed our minds. We have six golden comets (red sex link) that we really only ordered because my friend Summer said that her golden comet is her most reliable layer. In a surprising turn of events they have become our favorites. While not the prettiest, they are currently the friendliest of all the chickens with the buff orpingtons coming in at second and the barred rocks right behind them. Well, if I am going to rank them all I would say the black australorps are next with the americaunas coming in last (they are the least friendly and the most flighty of the bunch.)
The hen house has to be finished in the next week. Jonny finished the wiring today (yes it has electricity) and is insulating the walls and hanging the metal sheeting we got from our neighbor to use for the interior walls. He has used salvaged windows and an old door we had lying around in addition to a friend’s leftover siding and some cedar planks for building materials. We are still deciding how we want to design the run. Do we want to be able to walk in it or do we want to keep it low to the ground (4 ftish)? It will definitely be completely enclosed because of flying predators like bald eagles.
The nest boxes have exterior doors so that the kids can gather eggs without entering the hen house. Jonny has added the latches to each door since I took these photos.
In case you are interested, here’s a recent shot of Harriet. She’s still pretty darn cool, and awfully pretty as well.
It's so neat that you get to keep chickens. We did chores on a friend's acreage while she and her family were out of town. The children were able to feed chickens and–best of all–gather eggs. They were so fascinated with it. The best part for them was when a hen laid an egg between their first sweep of the coop and their last check before we left. They brought it to me still warm, giggling and dancing. Hope you get to enjoy this as well!
How cool! We had chickens when I was a kid and now you're making me want them again. I wonder if they're allowed within our city's limits? I would suggest you make the run tall enough to walk in, like someone else already said. You might want to clean it or have a sick chicken who needs attention or of course like the other person said one of your hens may decide to lay in there. I'm glad you're having so much fun with them!
WOW. That is one amazing Hen house. I am seriously impressed. And the chickens are cute too.
I love it!!! I can't wait until I am able to have chickens too and what a great chicken coop!Christina
Wow, Jonny, you did a terrific job on that chicken coop!!! You guys are sure making me want some of my own. I have lots of memories of all my chickens while growing up. I would suggest you make the run high enough to walk in because as surely as you make it short, one (or more) of your hens will take to laying her eggs out in the run. Happens every time. Of course if you go to the trouble and expense of making it tall, your hens will be perfectly happy to lay in the boxes. It doesn't really matter because they're going to get you one way or the other. Harriet is a doll! They all are!! But I want fresh eggs again. You think they'd make the way across the country? Nah, I didn't think so either. Thanks for visiting my blog today. I really must get in and get a new one typed up. I enjoy reading yours so much.I need to get to my reading or I'm going to be up all night getting caught up. I didn't quite finish yesterday's allotment until tonight and I am so hoping I can get it all done and here I sit typing away!!! Figures!Marj
I agree – they OUGHT to be friendly, when treated so well! I'll never forget when we took Lydia's chickens out to their permanent home. It was like a place I'd happily vacation! On this beautiful hillside with a view…they did have an enclosed run that the people could walk in, as well as a charming chicken house. Some chickens live pretty well, and yours seem to be of that number!
I am SO jealous of your chicken house. It looks better than my people house! How cool!