Completion of a Project

So a while ago (long enough ago that I don't want to admit the actual length of time) we started a new chicken coop.  In its evolution, it has actually served as several things - when our donkey foal was old enough to need her own feed that her mama couldn't get to, instead of building or buying a creep feeder we would separate them and mama would have dinner in the lovely big outdoor stall that had 3 half walls, so the air flowed through quite nicely.  Then, when Penny was big enough that she and Lulu could eat together, we stored hay in it, covering the hay with metal wall panels to keep it dry in case of rain.  A bit cumbersome, but at least the hay was in an easily accessible shed. 

The main barn expanded when we were expecting goat kids, and the interior was absolutely too full of things.  The chickens had their own area, but only separated by a wire fence that went floor to ceiling.  On "Our" side of the fence was the milking stand, and the various feed containers for all of the animals feed and some shelves for care products.  To say it was crowded is probably the understatement of the year! 

So this morning we went to a farm tour at Latte da Dairy (Really, go check them out!  What they do is our dream.)  We spoke with some interesting people, and met the owner and one of the ladies who works with them.  Both were so kind and welcoming, and shared so much knowledge!  We left with a wedge of Caerphilly, (which tastes like cheddar, but without the cheddaring process!), and inspiration!

When we got home, it was a quick lunch and then to work we went.  The kids stayed inside enjoying the last of their weekend while Bill and I finished turning that long ago begin second building into a chicken coop with half walls, fenced top sections, nesting boxes, roosts (made from recycled monkey bars!), and a little chicken door that is small enough the goats cannot get in to steal their food!  The big barn chicken section was ripped out, completely cleaned and limed (chickens do after all leave behind a rather penetrating aroma) and revamped so it now has room inside for hay, all their feed, the milking stand and even a little bit of room to spare!

The chickens new roost and boxes which protect the food and water from droppings.

Sometimes, all we need is a reminder of where we are going to get it back in gear and finish our tough projects.  We ache a lot tonight, are sunburned, and thanks to one attack chicken will no doubt have a few scars to sport later - and count it all well worth it!