The Coop

Well, after much discussion, Chuck & I decided we (as in he) want to use 2 matching - or close to matching - sheds and convert them into 2 chicken coops. Coop #1 will be our layers and Jake. Coop #2 will belong to the Polish and also have a tac room to keep all the chicken supplies.
Here's the shed-to-become-a-coop being delivered by Menard's...

Here's Chuck reading directions... Impressed? LOL!

Chuck & Dustin carrying the front of the shed-to-become-a-coop to the driveway for a flat surface to work on...

Chuck & Dustin raising the front wall into place...

Wendy helping me dig out the pavers to use both for leveling the shed-to-become-a-coop and for a less 'muddy' entrance into the coops...

The shed-to-become-a-coop framed...

Here's Jake & his ladies, patiently waiting and being content with their current living situation - even if we aren't...

This was all done on the 1st day. We are hoping to get it completed this weekend - fingers crossed for decent weather!

Rhode Island Red Hens

I purchased 4 new ladies - Rhode Island Red's - 1 year old. They have been horribly mistreated. They were originally 3 to a cage & used strictly for egg production. Somehow they ended up being sold, along with about 196 others to a lady who was trying to slaughter as many as possible before winter came. Technically I rescued these four by buying them from her. Considering everything they've been through, they are incredibly sweet!! I feel awful about their beaks, though. I definitely do not believe in de-beaking!! Grr.

Now I'm trying to get their health back up to par. I'm feeding layer pellets, oyster shells, fresh fruits & veggies and scrambled eggs with the eggshells crushed. I was thinking about purchasing some poultry vitamins. Anyone have a brand they prefer? Or any other advice on how I can help them recover faster?

I just know they are going to be so beautiful in a couple weeks!! And even though I do not support de-beaking, I do think their little under bites are kinda cute...in an ugly sorta way. LOL!

I'll get some more pic's this weekend - as well as before, during & after pic's of my shed converted to coop. =) For now, I need to get some sleep! 3 concussions in less than 45 days... I think I could use some RnR.

Night!