Open front coop done, chicken yard in progress

[llombardo]

I looked for something we could just make but materials I could find were too heavy or too light. This was just a couple of screws and I was inclined to go with quick and easy.

Saw this but I didn't want to wait to get it. I will most likely get this for the coop I hope to make.

 

[igorsMistress]

The chicks were 6 weeks old yesterday. I've been putting them to bed with a handful of scratch. Tonight I went out and they were all on the roost already.

 

[aart]

The chicks were 6 weeks old yesterday. I've been putting them to bed with a handful of scratch. Tonight I went out and they were all on the roost already.

I love when that happens!!

 

[igorsMistress]

6 weeks. Pic 6 is the chick I'm pretty sure came from Fugly and Nyx. Also pretty sure it's a pullet.

 

[N F C]

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6 weeks. Pic 6 is the chick I'm pretty sure came from Fugly and Nyx. Also pretty sure it's a pullet.

They're all a little different aren't they? Some are more naked than others, some have 'bowties', different feather coloring...very cool IM!

That would be so nice if you had one from Fugly

 

[igorsMistress]

They're all a little different aren't they? Some are more naked than others, some have 'bowties', different feather coloring...very cool IM!

That would be so nice if you had one from Fugly

I like the color variety to be sure, thanks NFC. I know for sure one of them is from Fugs, I'm pretty sure that little pullet is the one.

 

[N F C]

I like the color variety to be sure, thanks NFC. I know for sure one of them is from Fugs, I'm pretty sure that little pullet is the one.

That color variety is one of the reasons I've always liked a mixed flock but with the NN's, you're already getting that variety.

Boy, the more I see of them, the more I like them

 

[igorsMistress]

7 week update...the chicks spend a good portion of their day in the coop. Temps are 100+ and will climb through the next week to 109. I see some panting but they all seem to be holding up ok. The coop and yard provide the deepest shade and the patio/ground are hot to walk on. I'm going to make them a shaded chunnel to traverse the patio, something I've been thinking about since last summer. They'll come out to the big yard in the early morning and early evening to play on some logs and in the wading pan. I've got big ice chunks in the freezer and take one out for them at midday, then a second right after work before the temperature typically peaks around 1600.

I've begun fermenting feed and offer it first thing in the morning and again in the eves with pellets available at all times. They all seem to like it. Crickets aren't a favored treat. We're going to try some live mealworms this afternoon.

I've identified 4 definite roos with a fifth possible. 1 is for certain destined for the cookpot, he's a jerk to the rest of the crew. A second is a distinct possibility as he has pecked my hand as I feed them. Not an automatic disqualification but the last roo that did that as a chick turned out to be quite aggressive with humans. I'll be keeping an eye on that little dude for behavior issues though as he's also a bit of a jerk to everyone else.

 

[N F C]

Whew, I think I broke into a sweat just reading about your temps!

 

[igorsMistress]

Whew, I think I broke into a sweat just reading about your temps!

Kinda like being in a hot kitchen during the summer where you live I imagine