Hermits Garden

So the chicks are out in their brooder pen in the coop now. They've put themselves to bed every night since I got them, and they know and trust their MHP, so I'll do my best not to worry tonight. My dog is wearing herself out looking for them. And when I had to clean poopy butts today, she cried right along with each chick.

One lil' traveler didn't make it. One of the Speckled Sussex. Nineteen of her sisters (and brothers?) are eating, drinking, and running around like popcorn. So long, lil' traveler.

And they're here! My dog is going insane with wanting to be near them, but she's way too excitable. Seems like everyone made it--they sent 20, when I ordered 15. I'll keep them in the house tonight and tomorrow night, to make sure they know how to use MHP coziness. Poor lil' poopers are tired and need some quiet, so I've stayed away. Hard!

They shipped yesterday from Lebanon, MO. Per Cackle: be here Friday, April 22. That's five days. Talking myself down, knowing their data is inaccurate and untimely. I have their enclosure ready in the art studio, and food, water, MHP, and toys. C'mon, wee girlie travelers!

More big progress. Pop doors, porches, and access ladders/ramps are in. The broody pen framed, inside & out. Perches everywhere. Still needs electricity, netting, stairs leveled, mulch and forest duff brought into the run. And landscaping. I'll grow as much of an herb garden around it as I can. It can get shady, but weirdly fierce in the summer.

Big progress. Pop doors done, the "pen" in the run done. Left to do: porches, exterior ramps, chicken wire for the pen, and the cables/netting over the run. Chicks ship on the 18th, and the hubs' knee surgery is on the 21st...we'll barely get in under the wire! Brooding in the house the first four or five days, then out to the coop brooder.

Nearing the finish line. Hooks, cable, and aviary netting, as well as the outdoor chick pen w/in the run. Pop doors and pen this weekend, hauling mulch/litter into the run, cleaning the coop and putting in pine shavings. Brooding in the garage, 1st few days, then out to the coop w/ MHP.

Big score: a local man wanted scrap lumber gone from his shop. Now I have seven little ladders and ramps for the coop. Time to sand and paint. But first, 1/2" HWC apron. And pop doors. And 1/4" HWC at eaves. And awnings, and porches. This is so. danged. fun.

We're having fabulous weather the rest of this week, so I'll get the HWC apron around the run, and frame the separate pen for littles or cockerels. Also--cut pop doors! Omlet door for main, and a cut out w/ hinges and trim for the pen.

Change of plans. Hubs balked at paying for a partially covered run, so I'm going with wire supports and heavy duty bird netting. It'll suck during the winter, but at least provide some further predator protection.