Day 4- Big Day

Saturday was a big day for the Heights Chicken Project. Not only did we almost build the entire coop but we also acquired 6 baby chicks. Although we were only planning on 2 to 3 chickens, our neighbor kids came with us to the feed store so everyone had to have their own chicken. I figure we have a 50/50 shot of each one being a hen so hopefully a few roosters will turn up and go back to the store as our coop was not built for 6 hens (nor do I know what to do with 6 eggs/ day). We won't know if they are hens or roosters until they start crowing or laying eggs- it is very scientific. Supposedly some people can tell the difference at the baby chickie age, but I have yet to figure that one out. Below are pics of the kids in the feed store and our 6 chicks.

After getting the chicks, we set to work building the coop de resistance. After realizing most of our power tools (not that we had that many) had been stolen we borrowed the neighbor's much better power tools. I have never used a nail gun or a table saw before but now I have seen the light. Never before will I be able to use a regular ole hammer again. And how fun is a table saw? I amazingly did not even cut any appendages off. I may have found a new career as a carpenter (as long as nobody looks too closely at the finished product). Here is the progress of the coop build:

Front wall being built out of recycled shutters and a plastic window material.

Interior with shelf for the nest area and ladder for roosting.

Mostly finished coop. Side is made out of recycled ship lap.
We figured if the kids were misbehaving we would send them to the coop too- so we checked to make sure they would fit.

So far the costs of the project are:
Chicks- $2 each + food & water bottles= $37
Power tool replacement, heat lamp, misc wood- $161 (I am debating whether power tool replacement should be included in the project cost- I think not)
Back to hardware store for more stuff- $30
So backing out the power tools I am guessing we have spent about $100 on chickens and coop materials. Humm.. that is still a lot of money.. maybe it will pay off when we start our all egg diet and save on other groceries.