Ditto! Unfortunately, hubby isn't so keen on my 're-use, re-purpose' concept, especially when it is other's 'stuff' I have decided to repurpose!
I'll get him trained right eventually!
All this past week everyone has been roosting when I got home (4:30 - 5-ish), but it’s very dark and dreary so I don’t blame them!Mine roost at slightly different times. I have one coop that is pretty shaded, and those chickens go to bed about 20-30 min. before the other coops (the others are all pretty close to each other.) This one coop goes at the hint of the sun setting, presently at about 6:15 pm. Then, there are stages for the rest. My older girls roost first, the first couple starting at about 6:30 pm...with the youngsters roosting last (partially because they are young, partially because they sneak in after everyone is roosted so they don't get harassed.) They are roosting about 6:50ish, just before the light is gone.
Then...there are the ducks & geese. Oh, boy!!! They are thinking about going to bed once the sun has set and you are at the point of just being able to see, but not well, without a light. (again, 6:50 ish presently) However, when I am locking everyone up and move the few roosting in the trees into the coops...the ducks say 'oh, party time!and any in the coop come running out quacking up a storm! It is almost like having young kids who grudgingly go to bed at10 seconds to 8pm (when they have to be in bed by), but the minute you turn your back, they are sneaking down the stairs to the playroom to play again! The only REAL difference is this: the ducks aren't shy about it and don't sneak!!!!
They do get the routine, though...and after a couple of loops around the neighboring coop, I can gently herd them into their coop and they settle down as I lock them in.
As far as the morning, the ducks are alert/awake whenever I go out there...even if it is pitch black still in the morning, and start quacking softly. If I say my greating ( Good morning girls, morning my duckies!) They quack loudly/excitedly as they know I'm going to let them out. Once it is light enough for the chickens to see, they start streaming out of the coop...again, youngsters first, with most of the older girls bringing up the rear. They come out shortly before 'dawn' in the dusky light, but more towards brighter rather than darker. A few will hop off the roost at the first hint of light, and wait for 'mom'. I can't/won't let them out before light, though, due to raccoons! They would be sitting ducks (pun intended) Until I can get a solid (but clear) roof over the second half of my main 'run within a run' so it is completely secure, that is how it has to be.
Can’t wait to see my chickies 
This is about daylight with my hens. They go in certain order if humans are not outside with them. If I'm out then all bets are off.
Do not be sorry for me that they are not yellow. I may have wanted it to turn out yellow but I am ok with white. Rosie is not the only one who misses Cricket and her cute Dalmatian spots. Black will always be my favorite color, but, I'm open to other colors in my flock as well. I'm even now planning on getting white silkie eggs in the spring. White mind you, what I would say is my least favorite color in the breed. There is a reason though, she shows her chickens, and has several from her breeding pens being shown. Rosie is interested a little bit in showing chickens. My chosen silkie breeder, white is her best line as far as showing, followed closely by her blacks. That is why I'm splitting my egg order in half for 6 white, and 6 blacks. Now, I know nothing about showing chickens, but if we go that route she offers up advice and help on preparing them for a show. We will have to see what next year brings.
Who is the enabler here? I asked if she had a Roo. You offered yours up for a visit.Rebecca is an enabler
If you need to borrow a Roo I am sure Mr P would love to visit
Quick thought. If I were a true enabler I would offer this. I cannot ship eggs, but, anyone traveling through eastern Ky is welcome to stop by for a dozen eggs. Every egg I collect is properly stored and rotated for hatching. Even the ones I sell for eating. Why is this, well, as my mom and grandma proved, you never know when I need to set a hen.Rebecca is an enabler
If you need to borrow a Roo I am sure Mr P would love to visit
Gucci
They can break your heart when you loose them. Plenty of us on here can attest to that. I would still recommend them. Knowing full well it is going to hurt when I loose one, I would not miss all the joys they bring. They bring peace when out watching them do what they do. It is even more special when they choose to be with you, or on you.
