What’s a homestead without chickens? After a lot of research (and a lot of begging!) we decided to add to the homestead. After all, who doesn’t love “free” eggs and the entertainment of watching the hens? After a few trips to the hardware store and Tractor Supply and a few searches on Craigslist and Pinterest, we began building our coop. With lots of help over a few weekends, we ended up with a beautiful home for our new additions.

Now that they had a place to live, it was time to start adding our new feathered friends. After more research and more trips to Tractor Supply, we found a wonderful local breeder online. She talked to me on the phone for what seemed like forever and assured me we were ready. She helped us pick a breed and we headed to her farm. We decided on 6 straight run Wyandotte chicks. We ended up with three hens and three roosters. Two roosters went to a new home when they were grown. For the first few weeks they lived in our guest room in their very own tote. I spent many hours sitting on the floor and holding each one. It was quite comical when they learned to fly!

Once they were big enough they relocated to their new home outside. I don’t think I slept the first week they were out there! Are they scared? Are they cold? Can the stray cats get in? Do we have snakes? I think they thought I was crazy wandering out there with my flashlight to check on them all the time!

When they got a little bigger Allen added a run for them to explore and stretch their legs.

Then the day came that we got our first egg!

We have since added a roof to the run and a chicken tractor with a pair of Japanese Bantams that Allen’s Grandpa gave us.

I can’t wait for the next chicken adventure: our own chicks!