The Hen is in the House... and so are the Roosters

Agnes is eating in peace.

May was a busy month here at Haefen.  Corey was able to finish the chicken coop so now our hens and roosters are safe and dry.  It took them a couple of weeks to figure out that they could walk up and down the ladder to enter and exit the roost. Once most of the cluckers solved that puzzle we started letting them explore our property.  Now they are definitely free range chickens.  They scratch, roll in the dirt, and find shady nooks to rest in.  Once the sun begins to disappear they make their way back to the roost to settle in for the night.

Before Corey could finish the roof a rain storm blew through and the chickens got a bit wet.

This is the roost with the perch removed for cleaning.

The roost opens on the outside of the run for accessible cleaning.  We just installed composting stalls along the garden shed wall right next to the roost which is very convenient.  Corey made a removable perch so that the kids could easily remove all the soiled pine shavings.  Eleanor can efficiently accomplish clearing out the roost by herself.

the finished chicken house - 21 chickens are safe and dry.

In addition to settling the chickens we also saw a lot of baseball games and even traveled to St. Marie’s and Pinehurst to watch some little league baseball.  All of our children increased their knowledge about the Great American Sport, and they play together at the bottom of our hill.  Isaac enjoyed hanging out with the other boys, and says that he will miss playing games.  Over all it was a great experience and we will probably sign up next spring.

We also were blessed to have two visits from the Grandpas and Grandmas.  My parents arrived during the middle of April and Corey’s parents showed up towards the end of the month, with about five days in between my parents’ departure and Bruce’s and Greta’s appearance.  We were able to visit, watch baseball games, trim trees, chip wood, sew doll dresses, and hem clothing.  A very enjoyable and productive time.  May was a great month here at Haefen.

Frank and the hens are enjoying some scratch time in the newly chipped wood.