Chicken Lesson #1
This post is titled Chicken Lesson #1 because in my brief but unforgettable time as a chicken caretaker, I learned many lessons. But as I sit indoors planning future projects while my air conditioner fights for its life, I can't help but think about one of my first (and possibly last) big summer projects. The chicken coop.
In July 2023 I learned not to start outdoor building projects during an Arkansas summer. This seems obvious, but I was blinded by a desire to provide my chickens with a coop that was predator-proof and cute. And I was encouraged by my younger brother, who agreed to help me, and who, I’m sure, also learned a lesson that summer about volunteering for projects.
This picture should have been my first red flag. I'm pretty sure the hazy glow in this photo is from the sauna-like atmosphere.
Ah, to be young and naïve.
This is probably the last photo taken before my brother really began questioning his choices.
This was taken mid-August. So close, yet so far away.
My brother helped deliver and assemble and then washed his hands of me and this coop. Afterwards, I watched a lot of YouTube videos about how to install roof shingles.
And below is the (almost) finished project! Two years later and I still haven't put the trim on the windows.
Unfortunately, I no longer have any of those chickens (RIP my blueberry-loving friends), but I do still have a super cute giant coop in my backyard that absolutely cannot be moved without a lot of work. I’ll eventually turn it into a dog house of sorts, but until then it serves as a reminder of teamwork, perseverance, and that raccoons (and chickens) are adorable, murderous chaos agents.
