The coop and run have been completely connected by the patented Witzenburg Chicken Tunnel(TM), and Jackie and Lisa seem very happy with their little home. They love the tunnel, and enjoy hanging out in there, probably because it's both safe and shady. Here's another angle on their set up.
Since these shots were taken, Dakota has added some locks and other little items for safety and ease of cleaning. The whole compound is both stylish and secure, in my opinion. So far, there haven't been any incidents with predators, although there were some small holes dug at the edge of the run a couple of weeks ago, and we've seen some suspicious footprints. Dakota is confident that the chickens are quite safe when they're locked in the coop at night, though, and I agree with him. They seem happy in there, too.
The only things still needed are a nesting box addition on the coop, which can wait until Jackie and Lisa are old enough to lay eggs, and the green roof. We might also add a little shade-creating overhang or ledge in the run, for when things get really hot this summer.
Happily, Jackie and Lisa are quite comfortable with their daily routine. Every morning, I open the door to their coop and then close it behind them once they come out into the run. At night, one of us goes down and opens the door to the coop, then comes back a bit later to lock them in for the night. They are usually very eager to get inside at night as it gets dark. If we get home too late, we'll find them already asleep inside the tunnel, pressed up against the closed coop door. They sleep so soundly that it takes some effort to wake them so we can open the coop door to let them in. It took them about two weeks, plus some bribes and a little shoving, to get used to the schedule, but they seem pretty attached to it now.
hello! have so enjoyed going back through your blog archive. (found you through backyardchickens.com) we are looking for some rhode island red pullets as well. yours are darling! and your coop fantastic. i will be checking back to see the green roof!
Wow! What an amazing coop you've built. Very impressed with your handiwork and if we didn't already have our Eglu, I'd be asking for your plans. Glad to be able to follow your adventures into urban chicken farming down in LA here on your blog. Keep up the great work!
Hey! I love your coop design. This is exactly what I have in mind for our backyard. Do you have the plans or know of where I can find something similar? We are up here in San Mateo, and I found you through The Urban Chickens Blog.
Nikki
Wow, that is awesome!