Chickens

Several months ago Darren and I decided we should get some chickens (laying hens). We thought it would be a fun experience for Nate to feed and water them and, of course, gather eggs. Darren did a lot of research on the various types of laying hens and what type environment they should live in. He used a small playhouse that was given to us and turned it into a chicken coop. Then he built a run (pen) to attach to the coop. We went to get the hens today. We got five: two Buff Orpingtons, two Barred Rock, and one Road Island Red. They are 13 weeks old right now and will not begin laying eggs until about 28 weeks.

We put them in a dog crate to get them home. On the way home we discussed possible names for them. I suggested names like Molly and Emily (from Thomas and Friends) and Lucy and Suzy, but Nate didn't like those. Then I started saying silly things like Sprinkles and Cupcake and he liked those. So, we've named them Sprinkles, Cupcake, Cookie, Pumpkin and Brownie. I don't know if we can keep them all straight, but it was fun to give them names.


I have been wanting a fenced in area for Nate to play in outside :)


We were very surprised at how friendly they are. We thought it would take them a while to warm up to us. The family we bought them from has four children that help care for all of the chickens, so I guess they are use to being around people.