The Girls P1

the original GIRLS

Our story about... the girls...
Page 1

For the past several years when I've said the words, "the girls", I was referring to our daughter (aka The Mommy) and her daughter (aka The Little). In May of this year that term took on a new meaning
for all of us. "The girls" lately means our 5 laying hens (all Golden Comets - a cross between the Rhode Island Reds and the White Leghorns). They reside in their chicken compound in the back yard - awaiting the completion of their winter retreat. (More about that later.)

the LOML measuring

Through last winter, the LOML (that's the beloved spouse) did some online research about building chicken coops. We intended to get 5 hens through friends who've had chickens for 20+ years. The LOML decided upon a coop design that had 3 laying boxes. Our friends selected the breed knowing that the Little would be very involved in their future.

The building process began in the spring. And, like most other things around our property, it became a full-fledged family affair. We're big on #FamilyMatters around here :)

There were family trips to the lumber store & hardware store. We researched the varieties of bedding for the hens. We checked out feed for laying hens. We looked into the best way to provide them with water and food in their area that was being designed from what we already had in place.

The LOML headed up the building project with a little bit of help from the rest of us. There was measuring... cutting... hammering... sanding... priming... painting... and much, much more.

progress

skylight installed

hole cut for the
nesting boxes

A skylight was installed in the roof to allow for natural daylight to enter. The roof was waterproofed. A hole was cut & the 3 laying boxes were installed. 

The "dog pen" left by the former owner was cleaned up & weeded to remove briers and thistles. Several irises were moved along the south side of the pole barn to make room for their coop.

dog house
& pen
before

Upon completion, the coop was placed beside the "dog pen." A portion of the chain link fence was removed for them to have an enclosed chicken run from their coop. And, that area was covered with chicken wire to prevent the chickens from being an easy target for the various birds of prey that are common in these parts. Things were pretty much done.

in place

The pullets were picked up on the afternoon of May 30th. One of the worst wind & rain storms we've ever had happened later in the night. What they must have thought of their first night in their new home. 

the girls first day

home sweet home
1st day 5-30

MORE TO COME... but, there's an explanation of what we mean most often lately when we say... THE GIRLS :) 


(what I was SUPPOSED to be writing when this was written right HERE)