I have been picking grass and sprinkling it around the inside of the coop for about a week now and the hens love it. They swarm the piles of fresh grass, stepping over each other to get to it. I was excited to be able to get the outside of the coop.
We decided to use a dog kennel as the fencing for the run for a number of reasons. First, we wanted something high enough to be able to walk in the run to make it easier to clean. The dog kennel was actually cheaper than buying fencing and posts to make a 6-foot high run. Also, the kennel had a pre-made door. We didn't go for the totally pre-made kennel because we could save $100 and put the kit together in an hour, maybe faster with "a helper." I'm not sure if I was the helper or if Big D was the helper, but it took closer to 3 hours!
It was dusk by the time we were done. But, I was so excited I wanted to get the ladies out in their yard. At first they just sat in the doorway they didn't even know existed. Two of the Buffs were the first to take the leap, followed by an Australorp. More followed, but Big D had to get in the coop and shoo the last few out.
They loved their yard! They were clucking and talking, pecking and scratching. It was so fun to watch them. It's going to take some time for the ladies to figure out the ladder to get in and out of the coop. Big D had to give them a little help getting back in.
Tomorrow we'll be putting the netting over the top to keep the hawks and owls out.
They look so cute. Confused, but cute!
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