- Thread starter
- #551
And the Dominiques' grow-out crate gets some updates:
They're still able to wriggle through the bars of the dog crate but are having troubles getting back in when chased by the Sussex. So...
I zip-tied a wire shelf to the outside edge of the crate and slid a piece of cardboard (cut to fit) between the crate and the shelf. I wedged a cement block between the edge of the coop and the crate. It should keep the chicks in, and give them a buffer from the rain (forecast for Tuesday).
Then I zip-tied a refrigerator shelf to the end, and a leftover piece of hardware cloth around the corner and most of the length of the other long side of the crate:
I had placed the chicks' feeder on top of the small shelter inside, but realized that it would get wet if it rained. I moved the waterer to the top of the shelter (who cares if it rains on the waterer?), raised/leveled it on 2x4 pieces, and then put the feeder up on a board on the side away from the weather.
Since the Sussex have been putting their heads through the bars to steal the Dominiques' food I added another cardboard barrier. When the little chicks started eating ravenously the Sussex milled around outside the crate, frustrated at not having access to the food!
I also added a dog house roof on top to deflect most rain, and fresh straw underneath the shelter and on the side area. The Dominiques made nests in the straw almost immediately.
Now while I'm at work tomorrow I won't worry about them...as much!
They're still able to wriggle through the bars of the dog crate but are having troubles getting back in when chased by the Sussex. So...
I zip-tied a wire shelf to the outside edge of the crate and slid a piece of cardboard (cut to fit) between the crate and the shelf. I wedged a cement block between the edge of the coop and the crate. It should keep the chicks in, and give them a buffer from the rain (forecast for Tuesday).Then I zip-tied a refrigerator shelf to the end, and a leftover piece of hardware cloth around the corner and most of the length of the other long side of the crate:
I had placed the chicks' feeder on top of the small shelter inside, but realized that it would get wet if it rained. I moved the waterer to the top of the shelter (who cares if it rains on the waterer?), raised/leveled it on 2x4 pieces, and then put the feeder up on a board on the side away from the weather.
Since the Sussex have been putting their heads through the bars to steal the Dominiques' food I added another cardboard barrier. When the little chicks started eating ravenously the Sussex milled around outside the crate, frustrated at not having access to the food!
I also added a dog house roof on top to deflect most rain, and fresh straw underneath the shelter and on the side area. The Dominiques made nests in the straw almost immediately.
Now while I'm at work tomorrow I won't worry about them...as much!
