The First Big Storm

Well, it's the end of December, and Colorado Springs is getting its first big storm.  It was gorgeous out yesterday and this morning, so we got as much done on the coop as we could.  We also made sure to winterize the small coop's temporary location.  We were able to attach the roof, stabilize the coop, staple hardware cloth over the entire top, and put in all the floor supports and framing for the coop's inner door.  It's actually starting to take shape!

Putting up the roof.

The hardware cloth on the roof to protect the girls from flying predators.

Some extra support.

Looking good!

Temporary location.  This picture was taken around 1:00 pm. 

This picture was taken at about 1:30 pm.

The girls had been out free-ranging all morning, but they didn't head to the coop when the snow started blowing in.  We had to run around like maniacs in the blowing snow to catch our three hens and put them into their warm coop.  The silly birds were hiding in a bush and were covered in snow already.  I brushed them off and released them into the warm hen-house with fresh pine shavings.  They'll have access to their run until nightfall.  I made sure to throw in some extra scratch to help them stay warm tonight.

The girls are nice and warm.

And here's one of the "chicks."