The Big Red Broilers are about a month old and are now so big that they are getting crowded in the partitioned area of the coop. So, I moved them into the larger area and moved the rooster and hen to the partitioned area. It was not as simple as that sentence makes it seem.
The broiler chicks have been looking at the coop through a fence for a few weeks. I figured that they would walk out into the coop as soon as I opened a gap in the fence. Nope. Only a few left. About one third could be shooed out with a stick. The remaining third had to be picked up and moved, one at a time, while I guarded against infiltrators trying to re-inhabit the partitioned area. Once the area was clear, I refastened the fence and moved the rooster and hen into their new area. They weren’t too upset about it and didn’t try too hard to evade capture.
Cuckoo Maran
Pearl White Leghorn
The pullet chicks were simpler to deal with. Melissa held a tote with a lid while I caught the chicks and put them in. They were all within arm’s reach on the brooder table, which was convenient. She opened the lid to accept deposits and held it closed to prevent escapes. We made one trip with two totes and another trip with just one. The chicks seemed happy to begin exploring their new environment in the triangle pen.
Mixed Breed
Black Star
I probably should have waited a week, or two, to upgrade the shelter. Never having seen anything different, the chicks are showing no appreciation for the efforts made to provide them a good home. Without doubt, had they seen me and The Eldest at work, their gratitude would be more clearly in evidence.
