The new coop is almost complete. We are calling it The Jail because it looks like a jail. We are going to make the windows look like bars and I will paint a Jail sign.
The green netting will come down soon so we can finalize the roof. Then black netting will go up which should look much better.
The interior of the coop is very basic. Just a ladder roost which I stole from the layer yard.
Four hole nest box I made out of the cabinets that came with the shed that became the layer
Area for feed and shavings storage. Lid lifts for access to the containers. The coop has a vinyl floor for easy clean-up and lots of ventilation.
We had the usual assortment of construction helpers.
WORM!
Here’s the yard as it was this morning. Tonight there is a five foot tall fence separating it in half.
The Icelandic juveniles were moved down to the barn coop under cover of darkness and the Isbars and two Ameraucanas were moved to the jail coop. Now all I have to worry about are the emus stomping the juvenile Icelandics. To be honest, I am worried sick about that. I freed two Icelandic adult hens who had been mothering babies. They were trying to go down to the barn coop. The emus saw them and knew they weren’t part of their flock and chased and tried to stomp them. That is what they are supposed to do to strange animals that enter the property, not my babies! Wish us luck tomorrow.
So I officially begin my life as a chicken breeder with my blue Isbars and soon, cream Legbars. That was the reason for the new coop and divided yard. Until, now I have just had layers and the Icelandics that I help preserve but do not really “breed.” I am excited about this new phase of poultry keeping. The breeds I have chosen should do well in hatching egg sales since one breed lays blue eggs and the other moss green eggs. Those are always popular. Updates to come.