Chicken Condo

In a slow housing market recently occupied: A condo with lots of yard space, sleeping lofts (roosts), plush carpet (pine bedding), handicap access (ramp), security system (raccoon proof latches and snake proof mesh), bi-level kitchens (feeder and water in coop and run), excellent lighting (heat bulb in coop and run), beautiful views, and lots of chicks!

The chicks were rapidly outgrowing their brooder, and loved to be outside in their daytime pen. In looking at housing ideas on the Internet it seemed that there were two options-a coop or a tractor. There are advantages and disadvantages to both. The coop can be larger and more secure, but cannot provide fresh ground or shade or sun as the weather changes. The tractor can be moved as the weather dictates, and gives the chickens access to free range while keeping them safe. So it seemed the tractor would be the best option, but as they are designed to be easy to move, I couldn't find a plan that was large and secure enough for our kids.

I drew up a rough plan for Bill, (builder extraordinaire) with these provisions: moveability, security, easy human access; warm when needed, but ventilation when needed; and this is what he built.

The coop has "awning windows" on both sides, covered with hardware cloth. These can be closed for cooler temps, or opened via an attached washer which hangs on a screw. It has bottom openings on each side so I can easily sweep out old bedding and replace with new. The back panel will be replaced with an outside access nestbox before they are layer age. There are 2"x4"'s in the coop for roosts. The wheel assembly made of wheelbarrow wheels took a whole day to fabricate and weld, but allow the pen to sit flush to the ground when not mobile. All of openings have raccoon proof locks. The coop is wired for electricity so we can keep them warm with a heat bulb while they are young, or provide extra light to keep them laying in the winter.

This coop/tractor can be moved with the lawn tractor or truck.

This was built from leftovers of several remodeling/building jobs and the chicks love their new home!

Chicken Update

Here are the girls at just a bit over three weeks of age. (And I thought my tomato plants were growing fast!) Actually I think the third from the left chick is a roo. He's behind the rest in feathering out and his comb is redder and more developed. Although we purchased 6 pullets, this is only 90% guaranteed. I've read that chick sexing is highly specialized and takes years to learn. The hatcheries pay premium wages to their chicken "sexperts" but even so, it is not an exact science. I'm hoping this little guy will grow to be a hen protector and will not be as aggressive as some roosters I've known.

They are rapidly outgrowing their brooder, but as the weather has been so mild, we move them to a snake and hawk proof enclosure for much of the day.

They love to be outside. They can perch on the feeder and waterer, flap and fly a bit, and scratch in the dirt. Every time they are moved, they seem to have to re-establish their social hierarchy (pecking order). It's a riot to see them posture and stare down each other. They will face off and one will fly at another, like banty kung-fu fighters, but within minutes they settle down to more passive activities.

This stage-between chick and hen- is sometimes called the "ugly" phase. Although I will admit that they slightly resemble molting prehistoric velociraptors, to me they are adorable bright eyes and bushy tails.

Azaleas

I could not let Spring slip by without a few comments on the favorite blooming shrub in this area. It seems there are azaleas in nearly every yard in Gainesville. They grow unnoticed 10 months of the year, saving their glory for February and March. They are so prolific here you'd think they were given to new homeowners at every closing. This time of year it's easy to understand why people like them so much. They have a "take your breath away" impact. Most of the azaleas here are the magenta Formosa of the Azalea indica group. They require little care other than providing enough water during dry spells as they are shallow rooted, and an occasional light pruning after flowering. I have two pet peaves regarding this shrub. Often these are used as foundation plantings where they soon grow to their mature height of 8 or more feet, upon which they disportionately overwhelm the architecture of a house, block windows and create a security hazard. Much better to place them in the yard as underplantings of oaks and pines where they can get the dappled shade they prefer. My other peave is when the pink and magenta azaleas are planted with those of orange and coral shades. This so offends my color sensibilities.

Signs of Spring

Just in case you missed that it's been in the 80's here the last few days, and the Dogwoods, Redbuds and Azaleas are putting on their annual Spring Show, spring arives a few weeks earlier than the official date here in North Central Florida. My Japanese Magnolia starts blooming in late February and this is my signal to get busy. Plant, prune, edge, fertilize, mulch, and plant more. Whew!! It's not like I've spent the winter curled up with garden catalogs!