Homestead Happenings

 

We’re expanding our flock this season.

When Omlet came out with this larger coop,

we knew we needed more living space for our girls.

The other thought was that it would mean

only one coop to clean for me.

How exciting it was to find these awaiting me 

when I arrived home one afternoon.

Omlet gives you everything you need!

Omlet coops come with great, easy-to-follow instructions,

and there are videos found online if needed.

Big K and I had this assembled in a couple of hours.

The improvements, like the new ramp,

should make life even better for the chooks.

There are so many wonderful features about this coop

that I really love,

like the new separated nesting boxes,

which allow hens more privacy,

the larger size, and the enhanced security doors.

It is worth the high price tag,

because we’ll never need to buy another coop.

I don't endorse many products, 

but I believe in Omlet products so much,

that I became an ambassador.

The second improvement we made for the chooks,

was replacing our janky fencing

with a new enclosed run.

Another diy project,

Big K and I tackled this job in steps.

The frame came with chicken wire,

but we wanted a sturdier material for the surrounding cage.

This 1x1 inch welded wire did the trick.

We also found stainless steel tie wraps 

to connect the wire to the frame.

It took us about 6 hours over a few days, as weather permitted,

to get the structure up.

We love the more streamlined look,

and the chooks are getting used to their new digs.

It makes me feel better

knowing that the hawks that live in our neighborhood,

will have to go elsewhere for their lunch.

The buffet is closed.

Remember I said that one of the reasons

I wanted a bigger coop was so that I would have 

only 1 to clean?

Well, that didn't really work out,

because Betty, our barred rock,

still has issues with her balance,

and I don't think she'd be able to use the ramp.

She is also mercilessly picked on by three of the girls,

so we have her and Queenie living in style

on the other side of the big run.

This will get some updates as well,

we just haven't gotten to them yet.

For now, they seem content in their Omlet Go.

Big K installed this automatic door to the run,

so that the chooks can free range at least once a day.

We have it set to open for an hour in the afternoon.

The bonus is that we now have a working camera out there,

so that we can check on them from inside the house.

Overall, we're happy with the added security,

and although we've only had one predator attack (a dog)

in the three years we've been chicken tending,

these additional measures should give this chicken momma

a lot of peace of mind.

What’s new on your homestead?