Hollywood Chickens

Perusing Craigslist as I often do, I came across a posting for year-old Golden Buff layers for sale.  Our housemate Kristen asked a long time ago if she could keep chickens but we laughed it off.  I would joke with my wife about buying chickens but it was never seriously considered.  I admit to being an impulsive person and perhaps not always acting rationally but buying a few chickens really isn't so rash is it?  With time on my hands I spent the morning re-purposing a turkey transport cage and building a nesting box to fit inside.  I called Kristen (who was surprised but enthusiastic) and by 1pm we drove south to a free-range chicken operation just west of Wellington and picked up three hens for $5 apiece.

The drive home and conversation for the remainder of the afternoon was settling on good names.  I have no idea how to tell the three apart but we've settled on Noble, Cascade, and Willamette.  If more chickens are added later, there are plenty more varieties of brewing hops to choose from. :-)

We are expecting 5-6 eggs per week from each hen which doesn't seem to be over-doing it for a single household.  However, I have a feeling the neighbors will be on the receiving end of free eggs now and again.

I put up a large kennel in the backyard last autumn but our dog barks her fool head off whenever she's left alone inside it for more than 5 minutes so it might as well be put to use by the chickens.  It is 7' high but open on top so I hope to clip the chickens' wings to prevent their escape.  Thank goodness for the internet and YouTube.  I feel like an expert already.