Buff Orpingtons Arrive!

Today the move of the new chicken coop and chain link run to the top field was finally completed just in time for the new Buff Orpingtons to arrive.  Blanch, Dorothy, and Rose along with Orpy the rooster can be seen checking out their new digs. We were pleased to observe the new guests got right on with the job of fertilizing the soil.  After polishing off some 16% pellets and other sundry food, the "flock" decided a communal dirt bath was in order. We are so far very pleased that the chickens took to the coop by dusk without any assistance.

The run needs a few more modifications planned to be completed in the next few days.  We plan to add an area of cover over part of the run to provide shade and shelter from the weather with the rest of the roof being covered with bird proof netting.  We are also building a simple shelter to keep their food dry.  Having experienced some predator issues with the old coop we feel this combination of coop and run will protect the birds from typical predators we find around the farm.  During the day when the birds are outdoors the run should protect against hawks and a wayward dog.  When locked up in the coop at night the design of this coop should protect against possums, raccoons, coyotes, foxes, and other nocturnal predators.  Well, that's the plan!