Tuesday, July 29, 2008

16. Siding-it!

We made it this far, can't turn back now...
The siding is going up thanks to meticulous measuring from the Alaskan Adventurer (aka Dad). As usual, while he works Lily the pug stands guard.

OK, maybe sleeps guard is more like it.
Either way, she is there... one of the gals.

And speaking of gals, we are fairly certain we heard a rooster crowing at 6am these past two days... Fess up, Ladies.
Which one of you hens is the Roo??
Click below to listen to his baby-crowing, caught on a sneaking coop video!

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

15. It's All in the Details!

We were very busy the week before last that I never had a minute to post. We were intending to leave for a week's vacation in California, but the coop was not yet finished!

After a 13 hour race to the very last second, we got the chickens inside at dusk. The final hardware cloth attachments to the ground corners was done with a headlamp and fierce determination.

Though the coop still needs siding, roof ends trimmed and backfill to cover up the hardware cloth on the ground, the girls were safe and sound within their castle for six days and nights!
Whoooo hoooo!
Above is the chicken hatch.
We were fearful of raccoons outsmarting us, so not only did we attach a dead bolt, we put a D ring on the end for extra security.

This is the super dutch-door! Again, D clipped at the handle latch.

And, finally, the sweep-hatch.
This is dead bolted as well, though because of the flashing it is quite stiff to open and we opted not to hunt around the house for another D clip. We will most likely add one if it loosens up after regular use.

Maybe we are just neurotic about raccoons, but after perusing the web for predator proof latches, I read enough stories to warrant the concern.
A blurry peek inside the coop!

Tuesday, July 8, 2008

14. Windows Are In!!

The Grizzly Man survived his Alaskan trek and came back with renewed energy to tackle the coop!


Yesterday we put in the windows and today was a full day of measuring, cutting and priming the trim. If all goes well tomorrow, the doors and coop hatches will both be done!


The ladies are still in their summer residence, awaiting the coop grand opening, but we have let them out a little bit to peruse the grounds - they are awesome!