Copyright (c) 2010
Winters Express
312 Railroad Avenue, Winters, CA 95694
(530) 795-4551
news@wintersexpress.com
Web site by
shawnpatrickcollins
@yahoo.com

Getting ready to get all cooped up

By Rebecca Bresnick Holmes
I know, I know, it’s been a while since I’ve written about life with chickens. It’s been so long, in fact, that several people have asked me when I’m going to get busy and write
another one. One such person, who shall remain nameless, added that he was tired of reading “those other guys.” So now the pressure is on, and I don’t work well under pressure. Nonetheless, I’m giving it a try.
There really hasn’t been much to write about because the girls haven’t been up to much lately and it’s been too cold to go outside and just hang
out with them. About
a month ago, they
started molting and stopped laying eggs. It was not a pretty sight. They looked horrible — like bedraggled, half-plucked chickens (he-he). This was the first time they really molted, so although they looked scary, I knew what was going on and didn’t panic or have to call chicken-savvy friends.
Thankfully, their feathers are all growing back in nicely, and two of them have started to lay eggs again. They are up to two eggs a day — wahoo!
There is big news
in our chicken world though: we are getting a new coop! It’s going to be a hand-built,
top-of-the-line model, made by my dad!
I recently learned (when he told me) that when my dad built me the first small coop, he thought my interest in chickens was a passing one and thus built a small and not especially long-lasting coop. He figured the chicken interest would last a few months. He was wrong.
Several months ago, while visiting my home, he noticed the aging condition of the coop and admitted
his original thoughts about my backyard chicken interest. He also noticed how small the coop was relative to the seven hens who call it home. He commented that he should really build a bigger, better coop.
I’m no fool, so right away, I went to the computer and looked up coop designs. There are more designs than I can count — it’s overwhelming, really. I reviewed a few designs and sent him one I
really admired. It had all kinds of great features, like a slanted floor for easy hosing-out of the coop area, a lower level and upper level where the chickens can roost, a nesting box with lift-up lid that is accessible from a standing position, and removable parts for easy cleaning.
It’s all very exciting. My dad, with the occasional help of a friend, has been putting in a lot of work on the coop. (It’s a good thing he’s retired!) The coop is fantastic and nearly complete. I suspect it’s going to cause a great deal of envy among
local chickens.
We plan to have some kind of coop-warming party when it’s done and the girls can move in. I’ll have to figure out what one does for such an event. Maybe I’ll get some music and special treats like mealworms (both dried and fresh), shredded lettuce and spaghetti for the grand opening. Anyone who wants to attend the celebration is invited! Send me an email and I’ll send you an invitation when we have a date! It’ll be BYOW of course!
(Reach Rebecca at
Rebecca@clayground.biz)

.