Seven Hens a Laying

Well, no one is laying just yet.  All seven of our Rhode Island Reds are getting used to their new coop and enclosure. After three days of working in the ninety degree heat, Mike (whom I can only guess has had severe, pent up chicken envy for years) finished an adorable, yet sturdy chicken coop for our new ladies. Noah placed the straw appropriately and was sure that eggs would start popping out as soon as the chickens saw how nicely he had arranged their home.

  

And of course, there was a little disappointment when they did not.  However, he did have something else to keep him distracted...two somethings to be exact.  Apparently Mike just couldn't say no when the chicken broker offered two free chicks to Noah and Emily on their way out...a poultry bonus.  I'm not exactly thrilled with the idea of having these two guys (which they will undoubtedly turn out to be) in my house until they are big enough to be outside.  But, they did provide hours of entertainment today as the kids chased them around on the back porch. 

 Hopefully we will be seeing some eggs soon, but in the meantime everyone seems to be happily snatching up worms for now.  At first they didn't want to come out of the coop, but finally one or two took the plunge, and after that they were all out and about enjoying their new life.

And there you have it. There are chickens in my backyard.