I have been busy! During the American shut-down, and seeing the empty egg shelves at the grocery store…I decided it was finally time to get my dream of keeping a few chickens up and running!
In the past, I raised ducks because we lived on a ranch and had lakes, however, the massacres I would wake up to let me know that half the battle with chickens or ducks is to just keep them alive. You must have a good coop that can not be penetrated by possum or coons! I have had my chicks since they were 2 days old, so to take all that time and care, just to lose to other wildlife – is not acceptable. So yes, I put a lot of thought into my coop arrangement.
In the old days, I would have built my own coop. I am not as handy as I used to be so I decided to buy a storage building from Costco and convert it into a coop. I also was keeping in mind that if the chicken factory thing doesn’t work out long term, I wanted a building that I could easily use as a dog run for those times when we may need to be away overnight or for a long day.
For the storage building, I didn’t put the windows in, instead opting to use wire for air ventilation. We also placed it in a very shady area. On a 100 degree day, it stays very cool due to the shade/ventilation combo!
The run is also in the shade. At night, the chickens put themselves back into their house and snuggle together. i do lock their little door each night in case something were to get into the run, it’s an added step of security!
I did have someone come build the run for me, but then I went back around the bottom perimeter and screwed in more wire mesh, placed dirt and rocks over it to create a barrier and keep wildlife from digging under to get in. My husband thought I went overboard, however, I don’t want to have a massacre one day just to prove my point! He helped me do a lot of the perimeter work and went to buy all of the supplies.
The funny thing, is that my husband did not want chickens. I think the responsibility freaked him out but now he’s all about them and has taken ownership!
It is rewarding to be in nature and let this terribly messed up world we live in take a back seat. It is amazing how relaxing it is to watch nature work and connect with wildlife. It has always bothered me to buy eggs from the market – knowing how most egg farms work. I feel we should treat animals humanely and try to let them have a nice life while they are here. I understand that some people eat their chickens or cows or whatnot for meat but while they are living we should respect them.
All I want from my chickens is an egg here or there so that hey can help me not buy corporate eggs in the future. These little guys and girls have feelings and personalities and deserve humane treatment, as do all living things. (Except for snakes! Snakes can go to hell.)
Joking aside, it was always on my bucket list to have chickens so I am very happy! Now I just need to finish building up Eden, our farmland project. I better go buy a lottery ticket!
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