I ignored the wisdom of experienced chicken keepers and ordered day-old chicks BEFORE having the coop/run built. Oh yes, of course I’ll have the coop/run built in no time (I reassured my wife).

All is well in spite of my indiscretion. Though much remains to be done, our flock is safely enjoying their run. Certainly, not “on time” … and budget wise … let’s not go there.

In any case, here are some photos of the happy flock and their home.

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Major progress on chicks’ day 16. I will be glad when the foundation is done and I can start framing!

My neighbor and good friend helped me the other day. He brought his water level, know-how and help to establish the level references for the coop/run foundation. The largest difference is between the north corner and east corner (16 3/4″).
Have changed my mind about using cinder blocks for the foundation. Going to pour concrete into forms. With the substantial slope of the site, I will be stepping the foundation. In the photo you can see a drain pipe. Want to be sure the chicken run doesn’t become a chicken swimming pool!
I need to pick up the pace of getting the coop/run built. Today is the Chicks’ 13th day here at Trinity Farm. Want to be sure it’s ready before it is time for the chickens to move out of the brooder!

The chicks are growing fast!

Day 2. The chicks are already curious about life outside the brooder!

Please excuse the poor lighting. It’s reddish due to the heat lamp.

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Beginning the excavation in earnest now. Looks like I’ve got my work cut out for me. Planning to use 6″ x 8″ x 16″ concrete blocks for the foundation. Will have the bottom of the first course at least 6″ below grade. That, with a hardware cloth apron around the perimeter should prevent mongoose from digging under the walls.

Broke ground today on the chicken coop and run. It’s on mocha knoll (where our cacao trees and coffee trees are). The total footprint will be 8′ x 20′, with an elevated coop integrated at one end.

You can see the coop/run footprint near the banana, cacao, papaya, Tahitian lime & calamansi trees.

Well, making some progress on the “virtual” aspects of the farm. Need to get away from the computer, and out to some real lumber!

With the chicks due to hatch in early March, they will outgrow the brooder soon enough. Need to get the coop built!