The Chicken Ranch

My latest Spring endeavor is in line with last Spring's veggie and herb goals. I get all earthy and farmer-y when I get a hint of warm weather. I decided that I needed some chickens. Hens, really, because I have no need for roosters. All I want is about 4 cute little hens to cluck around and make eggs for me. We used to have quite a few hens. We never had to buy eggs and they made the best lemon meringue pies ever.

How, you may ask, will you have chickens in the city? Well, there are no ordinances forbidding chickens in the city. I guess as long as they don't bother the neighbors I'm fine. I'm putting them on the side of the yard where the neighbors I DON'T like live, just in case they are a little bothersome. His pile of junk is bothersome to me so maybe we can work out a bothersome treaty.

That brings us to your next question...In what will you keep your chickens? Well, I've been working on a plan since last year. My sweet husband is usually very indulgent with me. If I ask him to build something for me, he does. He always goes along with my hare (or is it hair?) brained schemes. This time it was a no go, so I had to use my feminine wiles. I had to use money. Since I have a college aged boy, I know how much they need a few bucks. My friend, Mycah, has a brother who is B's age and a very talented carpenter. I put those two qualities together and had the perfect solution to my problem. I offered to pay Cole to build a chicken house for me. Little did I know how wonderful it would turn out.

After he agreed to do it, I began searching for a "floor plan" that I liked. I didn't want it to look too hokey but I didn't want it ratty, either. We settled on one and he started to work. That kid works fast and in a few days after he started, I had my city chicken condo. It is fabulous! There is no way I could have afforded to buy one this great. I LOVE it!!!!! I'm posting some pictures now and when the girls move in, I'll post some more. I have dreams of collecting eggs with my little Reiderbug and making breakfast together. Won't that be wonderful?

Bottom end doors open on both sides to let the girls out.

Top doors on both ends open for easy egg collecting and box cleaning.

Front panel lifts off to clean. Little ladder lets down so the girls can go up and down.

Front view with panel on. The handles on the end are to allow for easy moving around.

So if you need a chicken condo, or a doll house, tree house or whatever, give my friend, Cole, a call. He is a hard working young man and does great work. Thanks, Cole!