If you build it they will NEST!

Even though we've had the nesting boxes for quite some time now, they haven't been going in there. After a bit of online research I discovered that they can't really jump that high and needed a little ramp to help them along. So, I built a little ramp and a 'deck'. 

They've since been enjoying their nesting boxes.

Last night I found 4 snuggled up together in one of the upper ones. Not sure how they got up that high, there was a lot of squawking...but they managed! 

And two others found a comfy place near the new ramp! 

And "Buttercup" has my vote that she'll be the first to lay an egg. Shes the most dedicated to laying and nesting. 

I heard from a friend that putting golf balls in there lets them practice and suggests to them that they should sit and lay too! So far it's been unsuccessful... we're still waiting anxiously for the first egg! They seem to be going through the molting process as feathers are everywhere! I'm hoping that the molting doesn't delay the laying process.... we shall see! They're fun to watch and play with anyway! They're such sweet gals! 

In Loving memory of "Sprinkles" who met an untimely dog induced death on July 9th 2010. 

Glasses...

Here are a few of the choices we have for glasses. Dempsey picked out some of the more square frames, and I liked the ones with the thicker frame and band so they are *hopefully* less likely to break!

Option # 1

Option # 2

Option # 3 (We call these the "Racing ones" because they have an orange stripe down the side)

Make a comment to vote or give your opinion...this is actually a really hard decision! ugh...

Freedom for the ladies!

Sometimes people say things that are so darn convicting... We've had a pretty cold and rainy spring so far and sadly the garden and some other outdoor projects have been neglected. Our baby chicks were about 5 weeks old when it was pointed out to me that they were old enough to be going outside and learning about the big wide world. I knew that at around 5 weeks they'd be old enough, that yes on a nice day they should be allowed to explore etc. etc. I hadn't gotten around to cutting a hole for their exit let alone building a safe run that would allow them to explore without being EATEN ALIVE. (so I kept justifying not getting out there and doing it!) I assumed that by June we'd actually have had a few sunny days and that it would have been done already. So there I was feeling like a total slacker and realizing that in fact my girls were very quickly outgrowing their little indoor palace. I recruited my handy hubby and we got to work on the next non rainy evening.

We cut the hole!

Demps wasn't a fan of the skil-saw...I don't blame him, that sucker was LOUD in the coop!

I'm hoping my idea is as clever as I think it is (I've been having issues with this concept lately!) I used an old doggie door we had lying around and can easily close it up tight at night. My only concern would be that the girls might get too big to fit through?! Not sure, I'm still new to chicken raising but hubby thought it was a good idea! =) And eventually we'll trim it out so that black tar-paper isn't so darn ugly looking! =)

We built a ramp so they can get outside and then Demps proudly showed our favorite "Squirrel" how to use the door and ramp. She's such a patient and gentle little hen!

Then the others started to figure it out too! I am so proud of these girls!

We're introducing the girls to the dog and one of the cats. So far Lily (Our older black lab) isn't sure what to think and is actually a bit afraid of the hens. Our tom-cat Little Buddy is sure they'd make a good supper. He's quite the hunter and is definitely on the prowl for fresh chicken meat. I'll be keeping my eye on him! Zoe (our lab puppy) is with Little Buddy on this one and sees the hens as a fancy feast. She remains tied up on her leash during the day as she keeps trying to jump the fence and attack the girls. (NOT acceptable behavior!) The other cats just circle the fencing but haven't yet figured a way to get into the run so for now we're all safe. In the end we'd like them all to co-mingle nicely and all be free to roam the property. I've become very attached to these hens and would be sad if anything happened to them.

In the recent days Geezer has started roosting on one of the poles and they're all laying around as if they want to lay an egg or something. We're all waiting anxiously for that exciting time to arrive. I don't believe I've ever actually eaten a truly farm fresh egg. I'm so excited! =)
Of course the picture of Pierce inspecting the area was a must to include in this post.