Fluffy Butt Acres: Stories of our flock

[MaryJanet]

Preparing for the Newbies

in preparation for the newbies I spent an entire day improving security in the run and the old prefab coop.

First there was run security to improve.

There was a wire seam running the length of both long sides that I had closed when I built the run with zip ties that I had always meant to fix. I have been afraid all along that this was where the weasel got in to get at Maleficent. Hence no hen has been permitted in the big run since.

I ran a 2x4 down each side of the run and screwed the wire down.

View attachment 2024371
View attachment 2024372

Because of the presence of the tree and its toot system, I can't really dig out around the run and put down wire. So as another temp measure I put pavers down to create a flange around the complex.

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Then as I reassembled the coop inside the run I installed a plywood floor and changed out all the latches on all the doors. Making the old coop as secure as the big coop.

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Of course as soon as I opened the big run, my ladies ran back in. Lilly took a huge dust bath.

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Here is the old coop assembled in the big run waiting for its new occupants.
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Awesome. I'm so happy the older hens can go back in the run again!

 

[BY Bob]

They are really beautiful chickens!

Thank you. I will let them know you say so.

 

[BY Bob]

Awesome. I'm so happy the older hens can go back in the run again!

Not now. The big run is blocked off for quarantine. Only the newbies get access to the big run. That's where they spend the day. The old prefab works for roosting but its too small for 3 hens to spend 2 weeks in confined.

 

[MaryJanet]

Not now. The big run is blocked off for quarantine. Only the newbies get access to the big run. That's where they spend the day. The old prefab works for roosting but its too small for 3 hens to spend 2 weeks in confined.

Oh I see! How long will the pullets be quarantined for? Ah, two weeks!

 

[BY Bob]

Oh I see! How long will the pullets be quarantined for? Ah, two weeks!

2 weeks. That is correct. It's like I gave you the answer.

 

[micstrachan]

Preparing for the Newbies

in preparation for the newbies I spent an entire day improving security in the run and the old prefab coop.

First there was run security to improve.

There was a wire seam running the length of both long sides that I had closed when I built the run with zip ties that I had always meant to fix. I have been afraid all along that this was where the weasel got in to get at Maleficent. Hence no hen has been permitted in the big run since.

I ran a 2x4 down each side of the run and screwed the wire down.

View attachment 2024371
View attachment 2024372

Because of the presence of the tree and its toot system, I can't really dig out around the run and put down wire. So as another temp measure I put pavers down to create a flange around the complex.

View attachment 2024373

Then as I reassembled the coop inside the run I installed a plywood floor and changed out all the latches on all the doors. Making the old coop as secure as the big coop.

View attachment 2024378

Of course as soon as I opened the big run, my ladies ran back in. Lilly took a huge dust bath.

View attachment 2024379

Here is the old coop assembled in the big run waiting for its new occupants.
View attachment 2024381View attachment 2024382

You’ve done a great job, Bob!

 

[micstrachan]

Preparing for the Newbies

in preparation for the newbies I spent an entire day improving security in the run and the old prefab coop.

First there was run security to improve.

There was a wire seam running the length of both long sides that I had closed when I built the run with zip ties that I had always meant to fix. I have been afraid all along that this was where the weasel got in to get at Maleficent. Hence no hen has been permitted in the big run since.

I ran a 2x4 down each side of the run and screwed the wire down.

View attachment 2024371
View attachment 2024372

Because of the presence of the tree and its toot system, I can't really dig out around the run and put down wire. So as another temp measure I put pavers down to create a flange around the complex.

View attachment 2024373

Then as I reassembled the coop inside the run I installed a plywood floor and changed out all the latches on all the doors. Making the old coop as secure as the big coop.

View attachment 2024378

Of course as soon as I opened the big run, my ladies ran back in. Lilly took a huge dust bath.

View attachment 2024379

Here is the old coop assembled in the big run waiting for its new occupants.
View attachment 2024381View attachment 2024382

And that Hattie! So beautiful!

 

[BY Bob]

You’ve done a great job, Bob!

Thank you. You are very kind.

I've made mistakes and hens have paid for it. Each generation is safer than the one before. I try to learn and improve everytime. I'm human and fallible. I pray every day that no more hens pay the price for my mistakes.

 

[micstrachan]

Thank you. You are very kind.

I've made mistakes and hens have paid for it. Each generation is safer than the one before. I try to learn and improve everytime. I'm human and fallible. I pray every day that no more hens pay the price for my mistakes.

I think we all feel that way. Mine are fat, which is my fault. I haven’t lost any to predators, but I have a seam where the rolls if HC meet, too. They overlap anywhere from 6 to probably 16 inches, secured by J-clips. However, a weasel might be able to pry the wire apart and slip through, I think. (Are they that strong?) I’ll have to do your 2x4’s at some point.

 

[BY Bob]

I think we all feel that way. Mine are fat, which is my fault. I haven’t lost any to predators, but I have a seam where the rolls if HC meet, too. They overlap anywhere from 6 to probably 16 inches, secured by J-clips. However, a weasel might be able to pry the wire apart and slip through, I think. (Are they that strong?) I’ll have to do your 2x4’s at some point.

They are strong for their size. I am truly paranoid now. I may be going overboard a little but better that than the alternative.