Last weekend I spent time getting the new chicken shed (I call it the shed so as not to confuse it with the old coop) all ready for the new generation of chickens. I love the shed. It’s just the right size and with five huge windows it’s open and airy. However, the more I look at it, I think it’s oddly out of proportion. It looks a little weird. Therefore, it fits right in. It’s perfect.
Like a shed in a Dr. Seuss book…just a little wonky.
I lucked out and got solid foam insulation and “vintage” paneling at our local recycled building supply place. Then I went to a few thrift stores and got some huge, horrid art pieces framed with plexiglass. I immediately threw away the art and used the plexiglass to make covers for three of the five windows. I’ll cover up the other two when it really gets cold.
It was a pain (no pun intended) to build, but glass and goats don’t mix.
Then I built and installed the roost and poop boards. All it all, it took two days of work, but I like the way it turned out.
Nice and clean. And it stayed that way for about two hours.
The teenagers, NoKnot, Molly Brown, Spot, and TopKnot had been happy with their temporary roost and transitioned easily the first night after the renovations were finished.
Their first night on the temporary roost. They got the hang of it immediately. Aren’t they cute?
The babies, however, proved a bit more reluctant. For three nights I gently pulled them out of their nesting box, placed them on the roost and explained it was their new sleeping area. At last check in the evening, they were always right back in the nesting box.
Aaack! We don’t know what to do! Why did you put us here?
On the fourth night, last check was a little early. I slid open the door and there were the teenagers, all snuggled together as usual. One of the babies (I’ve got to stop calling them the babies), who is currently named Big Man because he is twice as big as the other four and most probably a boy, was having a roosting fail.
Dude, you’re supposed to be ON the roost.
The other four babies were nowhere to be seen. Aaugh!
I immediately panicked. I ran to the coop. Nope, just ten older hens on the roost, no one in the nesting boxes. I checked the goat shed. Four goats, one pig, Lucy and Louise – no babies. I ran around the barnyard, looking in the few nooks and crannies. No babies. Then I remembered (I lose my brain when I panic) they hang out UNDER the shed during the day. Flashlight obtained, a near headstand in the wet dirt…no babies.
But wait! I HEAR them. In the shed? Back into the shed. WHERE ARE THEY? I stood stock still and listened…and looked up. Apparently my fancy roost was not to their liking. They made it all the way up to the top of the wall.
THERE YOU ARE!
They seemed happy and comfortable. Every night since then, that’s where I’ve found them.
Rock on, babies. Marching to the beat of your own drummer is pretty much standard behavior around here!
(Shared at Clever Chicks Hop, From the Farm Hop, Old-Fashioned Friday, Simple Lives Thursday, HomeAcre Hop, Down Home Hop, Backyard Farming Connection, Tuesdays With A Twist, Thank Goodness It’s Monday and Homestead Barn Hop)
Love your new chicken shed! It looks happy and what an accomplishment building it yourself! So glad you found the little ones.
I really LOVE your coop/shed! The story about your pullets adapting to it is entertaining, but what I really love is the coop and your resourcefulness for the windows. I’ve pinned it, and also shared it on my FB page!
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Thanks Janet!
Joan Hobbs recently posted…Hello? Chicks? Where Are You?
Really nice shed! May I suggest cutting down the 2″x4″ roosts to 1 1/2″ so they can grip with their feet? I also rounded off the edges a bit. I read somewhere that they like to grip and feel safer! I really like your poop catchers – they look like a countertop and easy to clean…hmmm, if I ever build another coop, I’m going to remember yours!
Hi Deb! In our sub-zero winters, it’s recommended that the roost be wide so their feet are fully covered by their feathers when they hunker down on the roost in the cold. They can get frostbite on their feet, just like their combs!
Two of my chickens look like your babies, with the black and white spots! They are so pretty. Looks like a great shed!
I love the new shed! It looks so fun and cozy and yay! I am noticing a pattern over there though… Your girls are originals, meaning they are rule breakers not followers… I like that. Makes me think of your girls that liked to roost outside on the tree last year 🙂
Me too! Lucy actually flew up to the treehouse a couple of days ago. It looked like she surprised herself at how high she was 🙂
I love your shed, but I gotta say, those babies are the best! How funny that they ended up doing it their own way, just like a gang of teenagers.
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They are too funny! I tried to catch them yesterday to give them a quick once-over to make sure they were healthy…yeah, that was a fail. I didn’t get a single one!
Love the chicken coop and what a clever idea with the plexiglass /art! I like looking at your pictures so much. Your chicken dilemmas are fun to read too:}
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Your new shed is adorable. Great post. Thanks for sharing.
I love your stories, they make me smile every time I read one (love the coop,too). Thanks so much for sharing with us at Simple Lives Thursday. Hope to see you again this week.
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That is super cute! Thanks for the submission to the HomeAcre hop. Feel free to stop by at http://www.PintSizeFarm.com or another one of the hosts to submit another this week!
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