Seven Weeks
Hey there! It’s now been seven weeks, and my girls are ready to be outside — except I still don’t have the coop set up, and the chicken run isn’t predator-proof yet.
We’ve been going outside every day, and I sit in the run with them while they explore. Every day — except today — they’ve been super excited and didn’t want to come back inside. Today it was 85°F, and they seemed like they were panting. I don’t know much about chickens yet, but we weren’t out there very long, so now I’m a little concerned about the heat. I definitely need to come up with some good ways to keep them cool.
Chicken Run
The run is set up under a shade tree, but it still felt really hot when we were sitting in there today. I might have to hang some shade cloth to block the afternoon sun. If anyone has tips on how to keep chickens cool, I’m all ears — I’d really appreciate it!
I’ve set up a camera to keep an eye on the run and make sure the girls stay safe. Honestly, I think I’m struggling with this part the most. I know they want to be outside, and the run should be done by the end of the week. I’m just waiting for the hardware cloth to be delivered so I can wrap it around the structure.
Chicken Coop
As for the coop — I still don’t have one yet. I’m thinking about modifying an old doghouse we have, but it weighs a ton, so I’m not sure how I’d move it. Ideally, I want to elevate it off the ground and add venting at the top. I’d also like to cut out one of the side panels and add a nesting box that’s accessible from the outside. If anyone has input or ideas, I’d love to hear them!
I really love my three girls and just want them to be safe and happy.
Bantam Chicks
I still have the five baby chicks, too. One of them — I think she’s a Mille Fleur d’Uccle — is a little troublemaker. She keeps trying to escape! She flies out of the brooder and then freaks out, chirping until I put her back in. Half of the brooder is covered and the other half is open; I only cover it fully at night. She’s so inquisitive — she’s definitely going to be the problem child of the group.
Then there’s Mouse, the smallest and only gray chick. He has no fear of the older girls and keeps trying to get them to sit on him when I bring the groups together. He’s so funny and cute!
One of the yellow chicks — I think she’s a Cochin — is named Goldie. She never stops eating and is so much bigger than the others. She also doesn’t mind when I pick her up and put her in my lap — she falls asleep! It’s so sweet.
I can’t wait for them all to get bigger. I’m really enjoying getting to know each of their personalities. Who knew raising chickens would be so fun?
I’ll include a picture of what the run looks like. It doesn’t have the hardware cloth on it yet — just the chicken wire it came with — but that’ll be replaced by the weekend.
Clockwise Goldie, Lila, Mouse, Frannie and Toffee
Louise my ninja chicken and Thelma
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