As many jokes as I have told over the years about hounds on the porch and chickens roaming the yard, it appears that now, I am eating crow. In just a matter of a couple days we went from one huge dog on our porch to two, along with 11 chickens, fondly referred to as the Fed Eleven. (We did have 12, but lost one due to complications. RIP Taylor Swift.) What, with an old farmhouse like ours, seems only fitting to have a couple dogs and a flock.
As I wrote here, the chicks lived in a brooder box for six weeks. In the meantime, I found a kit coop at the Tractor Supply Co. on clearance. Although it was stained brown cedar, it had the metal roof that I was in hopes for, so we bought it and had it delivered. From there, I got out my primer and paint and started to perform the coop facelift. With my heart set on a white coop and with the weather on the crummy side for most of the spring, I brought in pieces one by one and set up a painting station in our kitchen, of all places.
Two coats of primer, and two top coats. Weather forgiving, I was able to finish the chore outside, thankfully. With elementary instructions and proper hardware included, this coop went together much easier than a simple table from IKEA. We opted to place the coop over by the garden, situated on a huge rock that is just under the grass. It’s like a condo for coops – with an upstairs and downstairs, they get tucked in and stay safe from predators at night.
Our goal is for fresh eggs. Nothing like them. Hopefully around the end of June the Fed Eleven will start laying and earning their keep. Honestly, just really glad they’re outta that box and in their stylin’ profilin’ coop.
Grace Emrich says
Fresh eggs are the best. Enjoy
Melissa says
Looks so great for the Ladies!!!