Good Morning! in 2018

[Killerbunny]

I stumbled upon this last night. Apparently, the best perch should be square and about 4 cm. http://www.yourchickens.co.uk/care-and- ... -1-2842822

That's really interesting. I think we found that out by accident. We start with a square piece and round off the edges slightly. It also means that in winter they can cover their feet for warmth. I also discovered that around the dog pen we had to discourage hens from perching on the steel frame in winter.

[Killerbunny]

Just had a very special experience. Stepped outside the kitchen door to find myself surrounded by Phoebes! Babies were taking their first flights!

[SusanH]

I stumbled upon this last night. Apparently, the best perch should be square and about 4 cm. http://www.yourchickens.co.uk/care-and- ... -1-2842822

Thank you! What a great reference! The adult hens are using the higher roost, which is a 2x2 with slightly rounded edges that I put in recently because that is what I had on hand. So maybe I will swap out the 2x4 and replace it with a 2x2. I have a tree branch to put in also, same size/diameter as the one they like. .

Thanks also KB and Jaye for tips about the light issue. The only light comes in through the fairly large screen vents at the top, one of which is directly next to the motion-activated light, so it's not pitch dark when I put them in. But they do seem to freak out at the door, and a few times when I've popped them in without lifting them onto the roost, they have perched all squashed together in the doorway.. Once this left the Wyandottes perched on the ramp, unable to get in. They really are an endless source of amusement, these feather puppies.

I am not sure how to go about cutting a window. Any smart handy person have a good suggestion? My plan for now is to start with a hole saw and then cut freehand with a jigsaw? I have a hunch, especially since it's OSB, that this isn't going to look too great. So then I will put hardware cloth on the inside and some sort of frame with shutters on the outside so I han close it in the winter. I should go look at the coop design thread and see what to do about windows. I have all sorts to choose from, glass and screen, from getting new ones for the house and never ever never throwing anything away....

[Killerbunny]

I sometimes check out the hardware store clearance sections. A few of our coop windows were from them.

[ross]

What she said . Verticality
/ horizontal sliding up/down / across aluminum window .

[windwalkingwolf]

Hole saw plus jigsaw or sawzall works, chainsaw is what I use. I had a couple Polish once, and found them on my roof several times!

[WaupoosCowgirl]

Morning from myself and some of the slackers! I am patiently waiting on my big crusty orpington to go for drink so I can count the chicks I hear under her. Been crazy busy this spring, but asparagus is finally done...may still mow a few rows so I can force some for pickling. Anyway raining here which is great, crops need it.

[Jaye]

Beautiful photo! You should enter it in the photo of the month contest.

[labradors]

I love it! Your hens look SO content :)

Linda

[Ontario Chick]

It's a beauty, Thanks for posting :)