New digs

Shop/shed being an uninsulated metal building, it is not a great place for chicks when the weather heats up, safe though it is. So this morning we decided to bring them to more permanent housing: the coop. But chickens are not kind to any animal smaller than they are (they are really sharks in feathers), so we had to divide the space, at least until the chicks are chicken-sized. Buff Orpingtons are big chickens, which is one reason I picked that breed, so I have hopes that the older girls will not take it out on the younger birds once the flock is united.

The coop is big enough for 24 grown birds, so although roosting space may be a bit tight for the older birds now that the screen is up, everybody should be able to coexist without major issues.

The chicks were not that thrilled with the new arrangement, having to listen to Gracie squawk protests and watching the excited hens pick through the new oat straw for delicacies. But little birds are resilient and they are already exploring the new environment. They are not yet going outside because it is too dangerous, that may take  another month or so, but they appear content right now. Poor things, it has been a traumatic week for them.