Coop Ramp and Enclosure

Tuesday Farmer Rick finished the ramp and a small chicken wire and t-post enclosure for the new flock's first exposure to the great outdoors. (Notice the chickens-with-disabilities wing rail for Ahab).

The idea is to make sure they don't wander too far and that they learn how to come in at dusk before you let them have total free range.

Creeeeeeak....
Hey, there appears to be a big hole compromising the safety of our coop!

Bruno, the Brabanter rooster cautiously checks it out.

Nothing stops Zena the Appenzeller Spitzhauben. They seem to be a feisty breed. Outta my vay big boy, zee day's a vasting!

After most of the girls are already out scratching, King Avelino the Gold Laced Polish rooster slowly ventures out gallantly brings up the rear with a loud crow. All is well, my fair subjects, enjoy your explorations!

Tuesday evening, we discovered all the chickens had somehow escaped the enclosure, leaving us to chase and catch them to put them back in the coop.

Wednesday morning Farmer Rick raised the height of the enclosure. Wednesday evening Elvis and Ahab had escaped. These are the most unlikely explorers. Elvis can't see (because of his Polish pouf) and Ahab hobbles around (he came with a broken leg) so we found where they had weaseled under the wire and fixed that.

Tonight King Avelino and Bruno made it over the fence, presumably where it sagged. Farmer Rick will be adding t-posts so it doesn't sag.

This flock definitely has a different personality than our others!