Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Coop De Ville {Unofficially}

A quick photo tour of my husband and sons building the girls their new digs. It's not completely finished but is completely secure for them now. Unofficially we are calling it Coop De Ville until we come up with a permanent name. That one may stick but we haven't voted yet :)


My guys worked whether the sun was shining brightly or a storm was brewing. Of course, that's the way it goes when you only get one good day a week to work on a project.


My son's Roofing 101 class in the fall of 2010 came in handy!



My son's shirt says: 
Of course I don't look busy. I did it right the first time.


Lots of room for the chickies to grow


Added some shavings (haven't found any river sand yet) and then put those baby girls in there and they were so happy. Lots of room to explore...


All tuckered out and catching some z's while Smithy keeps an eye on any dangers that might be lurking outside ;)

We kept them inside the coop until the weather warmed up and they got more feathers. Then it was time for their first foray into the enclosed area.


It took forever but once they made their way out and discovered "real" food (bugs and ticks), they clamored for release now. 


The boys enjoy watching and playing with them. 
The coop had more work done on it but I haven't taken more pictures. The area above the front is now covered with wood so nothing can climb up the chicken wire and get in.


I'm looking for a Rooster Weathervane to go up on top.  

 It doesn't look very big but it's actually much larger than our last coop. We scoured the internet for ideas and sort of put together several different ones to come up with our own design. At least I think it is our own but of course someone out there probably has one almost identical. 

The run has to be completed but we are still in the design stage. We keep changing our minds on how we want it to look and how accessible it needs to be. When they are out in the open I want to be able to watch them and make sure no predators get a hold of them. 



Recently, we noticed a hawk spending an inordinate amount of time flying over their house. I know, the photo is grainy but it's a hawk!




After two weeks the shavings needed changing today. 
That's my job...ew!


One of my four Barred Rocks. Isn't she pretty? 
But they are not friendly.


Smithy is so gorgeous! 
Not sure if he is really a he but I hope so :)

Ok, the tour wasn't quick but it was fun, right?

Do you keep chickens? If so, are they 'cooped' up or free-range?

Sharing with
Rurality Blog Hop #15


12 comments:

  1. That is one fine chicken coop, Anne. Your fellows did a great job. Love the name Coop de Ville!

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  2. What a wonderful coop!! They did a great job!

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  3. Wow - that is a very cool design. This looks like a really great coop.

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  4. Anne - I love it! It is my husband's next project - a chicken coop....we can have up to 15 hens here in the suburbs where we live. We have a very large garden already. I am going to share a pic of yours with my hubby. Do you think your hubby would be willing to share more about the design? Your chicks are cute. I can't wait to follow your stories about the chicks. Fun!
    Hugs,
    Kelly

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  5. What a lovely chicken coop - lucky chickens :) Speaking of chickens, they are adorable!

    Hugs to you!

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  6. wat een prachtig onderkomen hebben ze gekregen echt iets aparts.

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  7. oh that turned out wonderful, i love it, and the name!

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  8. That is an impressive chicken coop the guys built! Great design! Love the photos of the chicks too! Can't wait for more hen talk! xoxo

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  9. Wow, it's GORGEOUS, Anne! Thanks for sharing the link on my Facebook page. I know you're concerned about predators, and rightfully so, which compels me to point out the difference between chicken wire and hardware cloth. Chicken wire is intended to keep chickens in, not to keep predators out. To secure your coop properly, you'll want to swap out hardware cloth for the chicken wire everywhere. I learned this lesson the hard way when a hawk reached through the chicken wire in my run and pulled a pullet to her death. :( Here's more information about hardware cloth for you: http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/2012/11/coop-security-hardware-cloth-vs-chicken.html

    On a different note, I'd love to have you link up at my weekly Clever Chicks Blog Hop! http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/2013/05/clever-chicks-blog-hop-35-brinsea.html

    I hope you can make it!

    Cheers,
    Kathy Shea Mormino
    The Chicken Chick

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  10. Wow, that's a great looking coop! Hope the chickens appreciate all the hard work. You really have some beauties!

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  11. Great job on the coop. I think Smithy is a pullet though.

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  12. Wow, that's just great! I love the name too... Thank you for joining in 'Rurality Blog Hop #15' Hope to see you next Wednesday for #16...

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I am so delighted that you've taken time to come by and comment. Blessings for a joy-filled day!

1 Corinthians 1:3 ~ Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.