The third chicken run was mostly finished over the weekend and I feel like a huge burden has been lifted.
It was hard to get a good picture but it’s for the original 14 chickens. They had a small temporary run but now they have their permanent run. The temporary run was about 8’ x 12’ and the new run is about 25’ x 35’.
Saturday Vince had put up the poles and the chicken wire and all he needed to do was take down the old fence and tie in the new fence to the walkway that goes into the coop, and then cover the whole thing.
They’re used to being let out of the coop by 6:30 a.m. but Sunday morning we left them in the coop while we finished the run. It was about 9:30 when we finished and let them out. They were getting pretty frustrated at being kept in the coop but when we let them out, they realized right off that something was different and they were not about to come out of the coop.
We came in and had breakfast – eggs, bacon, hash browns, toast with raspberry jelly – and when we were done, we went back out and the chickens were loving their new run.
They flew, and ran, and scratched and chased grasshoppers. I think they love it! We still need to bury some chicken wire around the edges and anchor the bottom of the wire to the ground but for now, they have a bigger run, completely covered and safe.
I’m thinking that this might be the week I get my first egg. I’ve checked the egg boxes a dozen times a day for the past few days. I’ll be so happy to see that first egg!
SarahB says
Judy, can you show some close-ups of how Vince built the fence? Our fence doesn’t seem to be secure enough (we had raccoons get in twice now) but we don’t want to build a wood and welded-wire fence if we don’t have to. It looks like Vince used the same set-up as the garden fence…
Anne C. says
Now I truly understand the saying “I hate being all cooped up.” Can’t wait to see the variety of eggs you’ll soon gather.
Sue H says
You and Vince have worked so hard on the garden and the chickens! I see the best-tasting veggie omelets in your future.
Judy D in WA says
I’m so excited for your first egg, that means mine are close behind!! 🙂 The pen looks great and I love those trees. Esp that spiral looking one. And now I want hash browns and eggs.
Doe in Mi says
Happy chickens for sure. They will be glad to give you some eggs now.
Ava Crotinger says
Great chicken run! We have 3/4 of a chicken coop. My dear husband has been working on it for a couple of years now, but we’re still hopeful for chicks in the near future. We dug one row of Jonagold (? I think that’s the name) potatoes this morning. I had to try a baked one for lunch and it was delicious.