https://chickenscratchfever.com/2020/10/13/fire-and-rain-and-soggy-chicks-in-a-pool/2020-10-13T18:08:28+00:00monthlyhttps://chickenscratchfever.com/2020/08/06/kindness-of-strangers/2020-08-08T21:56:12+00:00monthlyhttps://chickenscratchfever.com/2020/06/05/weekly-chick-flick-2/2020-08-05T23:02:43+00:00monthlyhttps://chickenscratchfever.com/2020/07/25/weekly-chick-flick-8/2020-08-05T23:01:19+00:00monthlyhttps://chickenscratchfever.com/2020/07/18/weekly-chick-flick-7/2020-07-26T01:11:06+00:00monthlyhttps://chickenscratchfever.com/2020/07/16/brave-lil-fella/2020-07-20T23:33:12+00:00monthlyhttps://chickenscratchfever.com/2020/07/03/weekly-chick-flick-6/2020-07-19T01:46:37+00:00monthlyhttps://chickenscratchfever.com/2020/06/23/weekly-chick-flick-5/2020-07-25T21:23:38+00:00monthlyhttps://chickenscratchfever.com/2020/06/17/weekly-chick-flick-4/2020-06-23T19:23:47+00:00monthlyhttps://chickenscratchfever.com/2020/06/21/hot-chicks-love-frozen-corn-muffins/2020-06-21T04:50:29+00:00monthlyhttps://chickenscratchfever.com/about/https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/img_7043.jpgimg_7043https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/img_7144.jpgimg_7144https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/img_6284.jpgimg_6284https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/img_5403.jpgimg_5403https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/img_0211.jpgIMG_0211https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/matt-jilli.jpgmatt-jillihttps://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/mattandjilli-e1387249633691.jpgmattandjillihttps://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/mattandjilli-e1386551221724.jpgmattandjillihttps://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/matt-and-jilli.jpgmatt and jilli2020-06-21T01:27:31+00:00weekly0.6https://chickenscratchfever.com/2020/06/15/egg-machines/2020-06-18T03:23:37+00:00monthlyhttps://chickenscratchfever.com/2020/06/11/weekly-chick-flick-3/2020-06-18T03:13:42+00:00monthlyhttps://chickenscratchfever.com/2020/05/23/weekly-chick-flick/2020-06-05T22:57:05+00:00monthlyhttps://chickenscratchfever.com/2020/06/01/at-the-fence/2020-06-01T17:10:26+00:00monthlyhttps://chickenscratchfever.com/2014/11/07/catching-up/https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/gigimolt.jpggigimoltThe feathers on Gigi's neck are thinning, and she's got a bare spot on her lower back.https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/family.jpgfamilyMy family takes a break to look at the birds.https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/greenegg.jpggreeneggOur first green egg, plus a light brown one from Nellie.2020-05-27T02:30:08+00:00monthlyhttps://chickenscratchfever.com/2016/01/16/catching-up-moving-with-chickens/https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/img_7766.jpgIMG_7766The new chicken coop.https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/img_7767.jpgIMG_7767Inside: an electric door and nesting boxes.https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/img_7637.jpgIMG_7637Loretta, Nellie and Gigi in their new digs.https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/img_7619.jpgIMG_7619The temporary coop had two small caged areas that served as runs, plus four nesting boxes on the second level of the coop. The girls were cramped.2020-05-27T02:23:41+00:00monthlyhttps://chickenscratchfever.com/2016/01/16/difficult-decision/https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/img_63581.jpgIMG_6358Jillian and Nellie.https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/img_7647.jpgIMG_7647Loretta, looking skinny and missing many of her feathers.https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/img_7643.jpgIMG_7643Loretta looks out the window at the vet's office.https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/img_6358.jpgIMG_6358Nellie and Jillian snuggle in the yard.2020-05-27T02:19:41+00:00monthlyhttps://chickenscratchfever.com/2020/05/22/breaking-lockdown/2020-05-23T14:12:43+00:00monthlyhttps://chickenscratchfever.com/2018/03/19/a-new-beginning/https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/img_7017.jpgimg_70172020-05-09T21:53:19+00:00monthlyhttps://chickenscratchfever.com/2016/12/29/losing-loretta/2017-01-06T05:20:32+00:00monthlyhttps://chickenscratchfever.com/2016/03/27/little-siouxsie-sioux/https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/img_0149.jpgIMG_0149Siouxsie Sioux. Sweet baby.2016-03-29T01:25:30+00:00monthlyhttps://chickenscratchfever.com/2016/03/14/an-egg/https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/img_0324.jpgIMG_0324The ugly shell contained a very normal egg.https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/img_0322.jpgIMG_0322Loretta's first egg in almost a year. It felt like a soft, squishy ball.https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/img_0314.jpgIMG_0314Loretta, our Black Copper Marans, hasn't laid an egg since last summer.2016-03-22T19:18:02+00:00monthlyhttps://chickenscratchfever.com/2016/03/13/more-chicks-yes-please/https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/img_0088.jpgIMG_00882016-03-13T21:46:36+00:00monthlyhttps://chickenscratchfever.com/2016/01/26/return-of-the-egg/2016-01-27T03:16:32+00:00monthlyhttps://chickenscratchfever.com/2016/01/16/week-16-crazy-chickens/https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/img_7370.jpgIMG_7370Early stages of Loretta's bare butt.https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/img_6903.jpgIMG_6903Nellie (foreground) rushes the camera.https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/img_7552.jpgIMG_75522016-01-16T19:01:52+00:00monthlyhttps://chickenscratchfever.com/2014/11/22/snow-birds/https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/inthehouse.jpginthehouseThe electric water fountain (left) and the food are now in the hen house.https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/threeladies.jpgthreeladiesGigi, Nellie and Loretta check out snow for the first time.2014-11-25T13:12:21+00:00monthlyhttps://chickenscratchfever.com/2014/08/27/hooked-up-for-power/2014-08-28T15:08:37+00:00monthlyhttps://chickenscratchfever.com/2014/08/16/in-the-trenches/2014-08-21T17:51:30+00:00monthlyhttps://chickenscratchfever.com/2014/07/31/a-green-egg/2014-08-01T09:35:54+00:00monthlyhttps://chickenscratchfever.com/2014/07/29/week-19-we-have-eggs/https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/eggs.jpgeggsWe think the darker brown egg belongs to our French Black Copper Marans, Loretta, and the lighter one to our Dominique, Nellie.2014-08-03T03:56:05+00:00monthlyhttps://chickenscratchfever.com/2014/07/13/week-17-prepping-for-eggs/https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/gigi.jpggigiGigi: I'm ready to lay some egg-cellent eggs!https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/bryan.jpgbryanMy brother, Bryan, snaps a few shots of Loretta and Nellie.https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/loretta.jpglorettaLoretta is ready to give us some eggs!2014-07-14T02:11:47+00:00monthlyhttps://chickenscratchfever.com/2014/07/05/a-dirty-little-secret-resolved/https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/girls-coop.jpggirls-coopWhat are you talking about? Our poop smells like flowers!https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/clean-coop.jpgclean-coopEverything is clean and all mixed in!https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/apply-pdz.jpgapply-pdzhttps://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/initial-clean.jpginitial-cleanhttps://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/sweet-pdz.jpgsweet-pdzhttps://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/dirty-coop.jpgdirty-coopThis is where all the cool girls hang out. Due to its high traffic, this corner gets dirty quick.2024-05-03T10:53:10+00:00monthlyhttps://chickenscratchfever.com/2014/07/02/combs-and-wattles/https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/nellie-comb.jpgnellie-combNellie: "I'm different because I have a rose comb!"https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/gigi-comb.jpggigi-combGigihttps://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/loretta-comb.jpgloretta-combLoretta sports a new comb and wattles.2014-07-03T00:59:13+00:00monthlyhttps://chickenscratchfever.com/2014/06/30/nite-nite/https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/freedom.jpgfreedomWe're footloose and fancy free!2014-07-02T15:23:34+00:00monthlyhttps://chickenscratchfever.com/2014/06/28/toe-trim-trial/https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/hand.jpghandBlood on my hands.https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/gigi1.jpggigi2014-06-28T22:40:51+00:00monthlyhttps://chickenscratchfever.com/2014/06/25/week-14-chicken-sitter/https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/treat.jpgtreatThe girls enjoy a welcome-home watermelon.https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/nellie-shrub.jpgnellie-shrubNellie and the girls forage under a bush. They say this is much better than time in the coop.2014-06-26T03:51:24+00:00monthlyhttps://chickenscratchfever.com/2014/06/17/week-13-geez-its-hot/https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/mulberry.jpgmulberryGigi spots a mulberry. Yum!https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/cauliflower-e1403053502306.jpgcauliflowerThe itty-bitty cauliflower.https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/baby-tomatoes.jpgbaby-tomatoesBaby cherry tomatoes are starting to grow.https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/watermelon.jpgwatermelonGigi, Nellie and Loretta dive into a cool watermelon.2014-06-18T01:18:32+00:00monthlyhttps://chickenscratchfever.com/2014/06/09/week-12-hey-thats-my-foot/https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/eating.jpgeatingNellie, Gigi and Loretta take their lawn mowing duties seriously.https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/jilli-garden.jpgjilli-gardenJilli and the fantabulous garden.https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/feet-e1402362364442.jpgfeetNellie pecks at Jilli's gardening shoe. Mmmm. Better than worms!2014-06-10T13:41:27+00:00monthlyhttps://chickenscratchfever.com/2014/06/01/week-11-my-how-youve-grown/https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/gigi.jpggigiHey lady! Where have you been?https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/corn.jpgcornCorn and Brussels sprouts.https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/herbs.jpgherbsThe herb garden.https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/garden.jpggardenA look at the garden. In a few weeks it will be bustling.https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/cucumbers.jpgcucumbersWe planted three kinds of cucumbers and built a humungous trellis for them to grow on.https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/trio.jpgtrioNellie, Loretta and Gigi free-range in the yard.2014-06-02T11:30:43+00:00monthlyhttps://chickenscratchfever.com/2014/05/19/week-nine-the-daily-grind/https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/droppings.jpgdroppingsJudging from the soiled bedding that was removed, you can see where the girls prefer to perch.https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/loretta1.jpglorettaLoretta eyes the feeder. Time to eat!https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/coop.jpgcoopThis week we added stones to border the base of the coop.2014-05-20T00:36:29+00:00monthlyhttps://chickenscratchfever.com/2014/05/17/free-range-sort-of/https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/yard.jpgyardHopefully these little white fences will keep our dog Charlie out of the new grass seed.https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/morel1.jpgmorelMatt found this morel in our front yard.https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/girls.jpggirlsGigi (foreground) Loretta and Nellie forage the yard.2014-05-18T01:21:02+00:00monthlyhttps://chickenscratchfever.com/2014/05/14/officially-official/https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/finalpermit.jpgfinalpermit2014-05-15T02:20:39+00:00monthlyhttps://chickenscratchfever.com/2014/05/12/week-eight-clucky/https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/loretta.jpglorettaLoretta is ready for her close up.2014-05-17T15:22:50+00:00monthlyhttps://chickenscratchfever.com/2014/05/10/a-day-on-the-homestead/https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/our-take.jpgour-takeThis was our take from the side of the house!https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/morel.jpgmorelLook what Matt found in our yard!https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/sifter.jpgsifterAfter constructing the sifter, I added handles.https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/scoop.jpgscoopMy new Stand-n-Scoop.https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/roost.jpgroostLoretta, Nellie and Gigi hang out on the high roost for an afternoon rest.2014-05-11T03:03:05+00:00monthlyhttps://chickenscratchfever.com/2014/05/09/a-big-big-world/https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/trio.jpgtrioLoretta towers over Nellie. Well, she's really stretching her neck, so I don't think that counts. But she's getting super duper big.https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/nellie-upclose.jpgnellie-upclose"There's a big, big world out there," Nellie says.https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/outside.jpgoutsideNellie surveys the outside of the coop, while Loretta and Gigi watch safely from inside.2014-05-09T12:10:07+00:00monthlyhttps://chickenscratchfever.com/2014/05/04/week-seven-pecking-order/https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/nelliefly.jpgnellieflyThis not a selfie. This is a photo of Nellie flying off my shoulder.https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/jilliandgirls.jpgjilliandgirlsI know it looks like I have a death grip on Gigi and Nellie, but they wiggled loose just before this photo was taken. I swear! Loretta (peeking out of the door) witnessed the whole thing!2014-05-05T21:02:19+00:00monthlyhttps://chickenscratchfever.com/2014/04/27/week-six-freedom/https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/img_5907.jpgDoorPurple door!https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/img_5903.jpgIMG_5903Mesh is installed on the bog coop window.https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/catcora.jpgcatcoraCat Cora helps check on the chicks.2014-04-29T18:09:02+00:00monthlyhttps://chickenscratchfever.com/2014/04/28/poop-scoop-boogie/https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/standnscoop.jpgstandnscoopA blurry closeup of the Stand-n-Scoop.2014-04-29T18:08:31+00:00monthlyhttps://chickenscratchfever.com/2014/04/24/bears-confinement-well/https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/matt.jpgmattMatt has his hands full with (from left) Gigi, Nellie and Loretta.https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/roost.jpgroostNellie checks out the new baby roost during a visit to the coop.https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/gigi2.jpggigiGigi is ready to move into the big coop.https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/brooder.jpgbrooderThe girls have nearly outgrown the brooder.2014-04-25T15:22:01+00:00monthlyhttps://chickenscratchfever.com/2014/04/20/week-five-drawing-blood/https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/nellie.jpgnellieNellie has a scrape on her nose, too.https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/gigi1.jpggigiGigi's nose, between her beak and comb, sports a small scrape. I got this shot by laying on my belly in the run.2018-04-14T22:58:52+00:00monthlyhttps://chickenscratchfever.com/2014/04/19/loose-ends/https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/lights-closeup.jpglights-closeupA closer look at the party lights.https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/ethernet.jpgethernetYes. I drilled a huge hole in my kitchen floor just so I can know the temperature out in the coop.https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/feeders.jpgfeedersBrackets for the waterer and feeder are installed!https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/bracket.jpgbracketA close look at the roost brace, made from scrap wood.https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/drill.jpgdrillMatt attaches a brace for the lower roost.https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/roosts.jpgroostsThe two roost bars are now installed!https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/party-lights.jpgparty-lightsThe coop now has solar-powered party lights!2014-04-20T01:32:09+00:00monthlyhttps://chickenscratchfever.com/2014/04/16/slideshow-the-chicken-coop-build/2014-04-17T02:07:21+00:00monthlyhttps://chickenscratchfever.com/2014/04/15/week-four-a-breakthrough-and-bald-spots/https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/spot.jpgspotn see a small bald patch below Nellie's ear. All three chicks have matching spots.https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/loretta-arm.jpgloretta-armLookie ma! I'm on your arm, and I'm not freaking out!!!2014-04-16T01:57:11+00:00monthlyhttps://chickenscratchfever.com/2014/04/12/chicken-acrobatics/https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/trio.jpgtrioNellie, Gigi and Loretta and tuckered out from a day of play.2014-04-13T23:34:33+00:00monthlyhttps://chickenscratchfever.com/2014/04/07/whats-in-a-name/https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/flight.jpgflightTaking flight.https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/marans-jilli.jpgmarans-jilliJilli and the baby Marans chill in the loo.https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/marans-side-e1396916170679.jpgmarans-sideThis little black bird is looking for a name. 2014-04-12T01:00:19+00:00monthlyhttps://chickenscratchfever.com/2014/04/08/the-names-are-in-the-polls-are-open/https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/marans-hand.jpgmarans-handWhat's that? Did I hear you call my name?2014-04-12T00:59:45+00:00monthlyhttps://chickenscratchfever.com/2014/04/11/meet-loretta/https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/first-meet.jpgfirst-meetCharlie and Baby Girl go nose to beak.https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/loretta.jpgloretta2014-04-12T01:01:50+00:00monthlyhttps://chickenscratchfever.com/2014/04/09/top-10-chick-names-the-final-vote/https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/topten.jpgtoptenThe girls: The Marans (lower left), Gigi (top) and Baby Girl.2014-04-10T03:46:09+00:00monthlyhttps://chickenscratchfever.com/2014/04/06/week-three-the-name-game/https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/marans.jpgmaransBlurry pic of the Black French Copper Marans. I couldn't believe she stayed still long enough for me to get this.https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/gigi.jpggigiGigi is filling out her feathers, and may have the beginnings of a crest atop her head.https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/babygirl.jpgbabygirlJilli, with Baby Girl, on a visit to the chicken coop.2014-04-06T20:50:12+00:00monthlyhttps://chickenscratchfever.com/2014/03/30/week-two-field-trip/https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/oe-ramp.jpgOE-rampThe Olive Egger checks out the recently installed ramp in the run.https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/threechicks.jpgthreechicksfrom left; the Olive Egger, The Black French Copper Marans and the Dominique.2014-04-03T23:01:32+00:00monthlyhttps://chickenscratchfever.com/2014/03/25/discovering-the-crop/https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/crop.jpgcropYou can see the crop bulge on this chick's chest. Apparently, this is totally normal.2014-03-26T01:07:08+00:00monthlyhttps://chickenscratchfever.com/2014/03/23/week-one-tail-feathers/https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/olive-egger-e1395625277250.jpgolive-eggerThe Olive Egger is the biggest of the bunch, and sporting both wing and tail feathers.https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/water.jpgwaterHanging out at the water cooler.https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/sand.jpgsandFive 50-pound bags of sand. We still have another 10 to go.2014-03-24T01:42:04+00:00monthlyhttps://chickenscratchfever.com/2014/03/17/homecoming/https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/brooder.jpgbrooderAll settled in.https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/box.jpgboxOur first look at the chicks.https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/charlie-chicks.jpgcharlie-chicksCharlie looks in on the chicks.https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/hatchery.jpghatcheryJilli, just before picking up the chicks.https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/chick.jpgchickOne of our chicks checks out the house, while Cora checks out the chick ... from a safe distance.2014-04-04T01:07:04+00:00monthlyhttps://chickenscratchfever.com/2014/01/22/we-ordered-chicks/https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/oegs1002.gifOEGS1002Olive Egger chickshttps://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/doms1.gifDOMS1Dominiquehttps://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/blms1.gifBLMS1Black Copper Marans2014-03-17T03:24:13+00:00monthlyhttps://chickenscratchfever.com/2014/03/09/the-final-countdown/https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/hutch.jpghutchThe rabbit-hutch-turned-brooder.https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/ecoglow-e1394415341202.jpgecoglowThis is where the chicks will chill.2014-03-15T03:58:49+00:00monthlyhttps://chickenscratchfever.com/2014/03/01/meeting-our-neighbors/https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/basket.jpgbaskethttps://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/letter-e1393703292176.jpgletter2014-03-01T20:01:09+00:00monthlyhttps://chickenscratchfever.com/2014/02/22/brooder-experiment/https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/lamp.jpglampThe heat lamp proved, umm, too hot in my brooder experiment.https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/sand.jpgsandThe first three of a gazillion sand bags to fill the run.https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/hutch.jpghutchhttps://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/master_brin014.jpgmaster_BRIN0142015-05-24T05:17:02+00:00monthlyhttps://chickenscratchfever.com/2014/02/08/its-how-cold-in-the-coop/https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/aculink.jpgaculinkThe weather station and a sensor.https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/sensor.jpgsensorI placed the coop sensor next to the nesting box, at chicken-level.2014-02-10T20:31:09+00:00monthlyhttps://chickenscratchfever.com/2014/02/02/chicken-techno-geek/https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/weather.jpgweatherThsi weather station works well in the house, and even about 30 feet into the yard. But the coop? Not so much.https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/screen-shot-2014-02-02-at-2-28-36-pm.pngScreen Shot 2014-02-02 at 2.28.36 PMThe AcuLink Internet Bridge will allow me to monitor the atmosphere of the coop from my phone.2014-02-03T14:55:14+00:00monthlyhttps://chickenscratchfever.com/2014/01/29/we-did-it/https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/approved.jpgapproved2014-02-01T03:13:34+00:00monthlyhttps://chickenscratchfever.com/2014/01/26/pretty-much-almost-exactly/https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/ramp-view.jpgramp-viewThe chicken coop.https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/windows.jpgwindowsThe windows are installed!https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/ramp.jpgrampA view of the ramp leading up to the chicken door. We will attach a string to the top of the sliding door so we can lift and lower it every day.https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/window.jpgwindowMatt installs the large window on the south side of the coop.https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/door2.jpgdoorEric installs the guillotine chicken door. We will attach a string to the top so we can lift and lower the door every day.https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/night.jpgnightWe also worked outside at night.https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/frame1.jpgframeEric braces the small window.https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/measure.jpgmeasureEric lines up the window pieces before bracing it.https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/finished-coop.jpgfinished-coopJilli and her (almost) finished chicken coop.2014-02-02T20:30:24+00:00monthlyhttps://chickenscratchfever.com/2014/01/23/chick-supplies-and-customer-service-surprise/https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/cora.jpgcoraCora looks for her own nesting box.https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/nestingbox.jpgnestingboxToday we received a shipment of three nesting boxes and a baby chick feeder (to match the chick waterer we bought last weekend).2014-01-24T21:35:02+00:00monthlyhttps://chickenscratchfever.com/2014/01/19/prepping-for-chicks/https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/supplies.jpgsuppliesy we picked up a heat lamp and bulbs, a couple of latches and a baby chick waterer.2014-01-22T05:35:02+00:00monthlyhttps://chickenscratchfever.com/2014/01/12/the-doorway-to-victory/https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/door1.jpgdoorA peek inside.https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/henhouse.jpghenhouseDoesn't she look lovely?2014-01-12T17:01:08+00:00monthlyhttps://chickenscratchfever.com/2014/01/11/victory-and-defeat/https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/door.jpgdoorThe hen house door.https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/mallet.jpgmalletTapping the wood pieces together for the hen house door.https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/frame.jpgframeThe frame fits!https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/flood-coop.jpgflood-coopWater also surrounds the coop.https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/flood.jpgfloodAfter a winter thaw, we found 3 inches of water in the run.2014-01-12T14:44:46+00:00monthlyhttps://chickenscratchfever.com/2014/01/09/inspection-date-set/https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/inspection.jpginspection2014-01-12T16:39:46+00:00monthlyhttps://chickenscratchfever.com/2014/01/05/mystery-snow-prints/https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/photo.jpgPrintsA close look at the evidence.https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/photo-3.jpgCoop openingThe mystery critter gained access to the chicken coop run by easily hopping into the open hen house then jumping through the chicken door (seen to the back left).https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/photo-1.jpgphoto 1What the heck?!? Who left these paw prints in the run?2014-01-05T19:37:19+00:00monthlyhttps://chickenscratchfever.com/2013/12/24/installing-the-door/https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/coop3.jpgcoopThis is what the coop looks like now.https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/latch-e1387916038168.jpglatchThis is the latch we used (on display at Home Depot).https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/install.jpginstallMatt installs the door. Yes. We now have a door!!https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/jillian2-e1389318654766.jpgjillian2Jilli and the seriously awesome chicken coop door. It's rock 'n'roll, baby.https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/jilli.jpgjilliDoesn't the door look awesome? Seriously. It's rock 'n' roll!2013-12-28T17:23:44+00:00monthlyhttps://chickenscratchfever.com/2013/12/22/building-a-door-part-2/https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/shop.jpgshopInstalling wood braces.https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/mesh.jpgmeshMatt staples the mesh onto the door.https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/frame.jpgframeThe basic frame is complete!https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/corners.jpgcornersAn up close look at the two kinds of wood braces we used on the door.https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/coop2.jpgcoop2Victory! The door fits!https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/coop1.jpgcoop1Matt trudges through sloppy snow to see if the door frame fits on the coop.https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/finished.jpgfinishedIt's still in the basement, but we finally have a door!2013-12-23T01:54:07+00:00monthlyhttps://chickenscratchfever.com/2013/12/21/building-a-door-part-1/https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/broken.jpgbrokenThe stinking broken frame. I know we needed longer screws!https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/predrill.jpgpredrillPre-drilling the wood pieces.https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/measure1.jpgmeasureMatt measures wood for the door.https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/wood.jpgwoodPre-stained wood for the door.https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/coop.jpgcoopMatt installs a piece of wood for the top frame of the coop door.2013-12-22T05:31:30+00:00monthlyhttps://chickenscratchfever.com/2013/12/16/inspectors-sneak-peek/https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/snow.jpgsnowThe door we finished will go in the middle open spot. Next we will finish the door going into the hen house (on the right). 2013-12-16T20:00:25+00:00monthlyhttps://chickenscratchfever.com/2013/12/08/field-trip/https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/boots.jpgbootsBoots! And they are plaid!!!https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/tsc.jpgTSCJilli checks out the feed and water containers in the chicken section of TSC.2013-12-09T01:28:27+00:00monthlyhttps://chickenscratchfever.com/2013/12/07/the-nesting-box/https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/saw.jpgsawMatt uses a circular saw to cut out a piece of plywood that will be used as the bottom of the nesting box.https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/lid.jpglidPrepping to add the hinges.https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/measure.jpgmeasureInstalling 1x2 trim board underneath the nesting box lid for a tight fit.https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/inside.jpginsideA look at the inside of the nesting box.https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/floor.jpgfloorThe bottom of the nesting box is screwed into place.https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/back-side.jpgback-sideThis is where we left it today. Note we added tongue-and-groove wood to the front of the nesting box.https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/back-floor.jpgback-floorInstalling trim around the nesting box,https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/doughnuts.jpgdoughnutsThese doughnuts fueled our day of coop construction.https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/lift-lid.jpglift-lidMatt lifts the lid of the nesting box. This is where we will collect the eggs.2013-12-07T21:26:46+00:00monthlyhttps://chickenscratchfever.com/2013/11/29/back-to-the-grind/https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/southend.jpgsouthendThis is where we left it today. Still need to finish the nesting box and add wire mesh to the window.https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/jigsaw.jpgjigsawMatt trims a piece of wood using a jig saw.https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/window.jpgwindowMatt measures the framing for a window.2013-12-04T01:21:12+00:00monthlyhttps://chickenscratchfever.com/2013/11/23/the-final-stretch/https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/wall1.jpgwallMatt lines up the wood for the back wall.https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/underbox.jpgunderboxStapling mesh below the nesting box.https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/jilli2.jpgjilliJilli staples mesh in place.https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/mesh.jpgmeshAttaching mesh.https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/inside.jpginsideInside the coop.https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/holes1.jpgholesMesh was installed over the ventilation holes to keep vermin out.https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/glue.jpgglueEach piece of the tongue-and-groove wood was glued together before being screwed in place.https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/front.jpgfrontA look at the run.https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/drill.jpgdrillPutting in the last screw.https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/coop1.jpgcoopA look from the side of the coop.2013-11-25T01:49:23+00:00monthlyhttps://chickenscratchfever.com/2013/11/16/installing-mesh/https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/wall.jpgwallMesh installed on two sides.https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/staple.jpgstapleMatt staples hardware cloth (galvanized steel mesh) to the chicken coop.https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/new-saw.jpgnew-sawMatt and his new miter saw. https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/jilli1.jpgjilliJilli staples the mesh to a beam.https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/first-mesh.jpgfirst-meshThe first section of mesh is in.https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/coop.jpgcoopMatt screws in a beam, after we added a small portion of mesh below the coop. As you can see, we ran out of pre-stained beams. I'll stain the remaining pieces soon.https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/back.jpgbackA look at the back of the coop.https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/beams.jpgbeamsCounting out the beams as we prepare for the day.2013-11-17T02:39:05+00:00monthlyhttps://chickenscratchfever.com/2013/11/10/raising-the-roof/https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/tom.jpgtomTom up high on top of the coop.https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/tinroof.jpgtinroofTrimming a metal roofing piece.https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/tarpaper.jpgtarpaperLaying down the tar paper.https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/plywood.jpgplywoodLaying in the plywood.https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/measure.jpgmeasureMeasuring the roof.https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/mattroof.jpgmattroofMatt nails the metal roof in place.https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/jillicuts.jpgjillicutsJilli tries cutting through metal.https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/jilli.jpgjilliJilli is pleased with the progress!https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/hammer.jpghammerNailing it into place.https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/finishedroof1.jpgfinishedroofThe finished roof!2013-11-11T12:08:33+00:00monthlyhttps://chickenscratchfever.com/2013/11/04/chicks-man/https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/marans_chickens-062.jpgmarans_chickens-062A French Cuckoo Maran.https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/java.jpgjavaA Black Java hen.2013-11-05T03:20:09+00:00monthlyhttps://chickenscratchfever.com/2013/07/01/were-going-to-have-chickens/https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/coop.jpgcoopLaura's coop sits near the back of her yard, surrounded by native plants and trees.https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/inside.jpginsideHen house: Laura said she found the three nesting boxes at iKEA (!!!). Sweet.https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/egg-e1372642536187.jpgeggThe incredible, edible egg.https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/tractor.jpgtractorLaura directs her hens into a tractor, a mobile pen.2013-11-25T03:31:59+00:00monthlyhttps://chickenscratchfever.com/2013/11/03/weekend-warriors/https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/roost1.jpgroostTongue-and-groove wall installed.https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/photo-2-4.jpgphoto 2 (4)The coop floor is installed!https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/photo-1-1.jpgphoto 1 (1)Installing the floor in the coop.https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/level.jpglevelEverything is level.https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/ladder.jpgladderInstalled wood pieces connecting the roof rafters.https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/holes.jpgholesMatt drilled holes in the ceiling beams for better ventilation.https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/frame.jpgframeStarting out the day.https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/end.jpgendNesting box now attached to back of coop.https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/charlie.jpgcharlieMatt and Charlie reflect upon a day of hard work.https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/box.jpgboxBuilding the frame for the nesting box.2013-11-05T15:53:53+00:00monthlyhttps://chickenscratchfever.com/2013/10/20/material-girl/https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/mesh1.jpgmeshCora checks out the hardware cloth mesh. She's unimpressed.https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/screws-e1382244404264.jpgscrewsOur first purchase: some screws and a weather sensor.https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/mesh.jpgmeshCora checks out the hardware cloth mesh. She's unimpressed.2013-11-04T02:47:19+00:00monthlyhttps://chickenscratchfever.com/2013/10/28/coop-construction/https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/photo-4.jpgphoto 4The wood base is installed.https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/photo-3.jpgphoto 3Digging the trenches for the foundation.https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/photo-2-2.jpgphoto 2 (2)Laying down the stones. These will provide a barrier to prevent other animals from digging under the coop to get at the chickens.https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/7.jpg7Studs screwed together.https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/6.jpg6Power tools!https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/photo-11.jpgphoto 1Matt breaks ground!https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/wood.jpegwoodhttps://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/studs.jpgstudsThe first studs are secured.https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/string.jpegstringhttps://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/stones.jpegstonesLaying down the stones. These will provide a barrier to prevent other animals from digging under the coop to get at the chickens.2013-10-29T20:48:33+00:00monthlyhttps://chickenscratchfever.com/2013/09/11/the-permit/https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/permit.jpgpermitWe're official!2013-09-12T01:56:40+00:00monthlyhttps://chickenscratchfever.com/2013/09/10/the-paperwork/https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/proposed-coop-e1378861608476.jpgproposed coopThe location of our proposed chicken coop.https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/paperwork-e1378861242892.jpgpaperwork2013-09-11T01:32:20+00:00monthlyhttps://chickenscratchfever.com/2013/07/07/coop-design/https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/rockgarden.jpgrockgardenMatt surveys the new shipment of rocks. There's always room for more.https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/screen-shot-2013-07-07-at-5-18-55-pm.pngScreen Shot 2013-07-07 at 5.18.55 PMWe have chosen to build Wichita Cabin Coop. It will look super cute in the back of the yard!2013-07-23T20:21:00+00:00monthlyhttps://chickenscratchfever.com/2013/07/04/chickens-on-the-brain/https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/books.jpgbooksGood reads.https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/boxwood.jpgboxwoodWe want to add boxwood to our garden.https://chickenscratchfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/stones.jpgstonesCharlie investigates a spot in front of the shed where we hope to build our chicken coop.2022-12-30T04:02:21+00:00monthlyhttps://chickenscratchfever.comdaily1.02024-05-03T10:53:10+00:00