Confirmed, now have definitive comb development on top of the obvious feather colors. Legitimate cream legbars. The ckl that looked similar to the pullet has a nice crest coming now.
When I was in 4h I would carry one around with me. At the show, home, wherever I had it. Gets them used to handling! You can always wait till warmer weather:)
I've made my own for my old english bantams, and by made I mean I cut off a piece of 5/8" Velcro and tuck around their neck. Good success with young roos, old boys not so much. They get their lower mandible under the collar and can't get it out. Unpleasant for all concerned.
What I'm getting at...
I like having the feed inside, but I've found the water creates too much humidity. Chicken poop is wet enough. Too wet= respiratory issues. Or just a lot more coop cleans.
I would call that an ameraucana, just not a standard color. Easter eggers are just blue egg layers crossed with anything. Typically lay more of a green egg.
A lady I have got hens from before gave me a couple 6 month isa brown hens she rescued. One is in good shape, the other is skin and bones. Healthy hen is laying, obviously the light hen isn't. Both look bright eyed, active, no visual signs of distress. Poop is normal. Any thoughts?
Raccoons have been known to tear apart chicken wire. You should be good if they can't get their paws into it. Chicken wire is great for keeping chickens in, but that's about it.
The reality is that where there is feed, you get rats. Perhaps not where you are? My coop is rat proof but I was keeping scratch in a sealed plastic bucket in my shed. Around two years in they showed up, chewed the lid apart. Now I use a glass jug with a metal lid, haven't seen any signs since.
Keep in mind rats. 3/4" hardware cloth is small enough to keep them out. Are your dogs outside all night where they would hear a commotion? If not make the yard very secure. Run the hardware cloth out from the run a couple feet underground to make an L shape, that will prevent diggers.
Most digging predators come at night. Raccoons, foxes, coyotes etc. Many many people have had great success, some for years, then something comes and takes a hen. Or all the hens.. My advice, be safe! :)