Little House on the Prairie.

A week and a half is longer than any normally outdoors animal should be indoors.

And like I said in previous posts, it was starting to make an impression on the nostrils.

Pungent poultry smells radiated through the floor. Or at least it seemed.

We couldn't even turn on the AC since the furnace is in the basement without it smelling in less than three minutes. And since it is only going to be getting hotter outside...

I decided it was time.

The chickens were going to have to go.

Outside.

So that meant that we were going to have to provide them with shelter.

{Among other things.}

So last Thursday I drove up to Shipshewana with the truck, and hauled back a very heavy house for the chickens, with the trailer.

Let's just say it was a long ride back going 50mph on US 33.

I had white knuckles from holding the steering wheel so tightly.

The kids were hushed so momma could concentrate.

And, I minimized phone conversations to a few words of "I'll call you later!" Click.

It was kind of a big deal.

But we made it.

Safe and sound.

Then we dropped that hugely heavy Amish built chicken coop right in the backyard.

The Hub pulled it off the trailer with some chains and the muscle of the neighbor's tractor.

{it was a pretty hot scene that I neglected to take photos of... dang it}

After the house was settled nicely, we hurriedly got the bin from the basement and plucked each one out onto the grass.

They were officially free range poultry.

Both of the kids climbed up inside the house while I sprinkled the pine shavings about and got some fresh water for the chickens. They squeeled as they climbed up on the built in bench seating. It was like a little clubhouse.

Just their size.

And after explaining that we bought the house for the chickens...

Nolan decided he wanted to sleep in it with them.

He was later convinced our house was a better choice after he realized sissy wasn't staying out there with him.

Sweet boy. Such a pure imagination.

Who still needs the care of a warm bed in an insulated, heated/cooled home.

Expect updated stories of our chicken life as the days become weeks and the weeks... months.

Little House on the Prairie :) 

 Nev was too curious about the new house.

 Little Rascal.

 Two weeks old. Growing fast in size and adapting humorous personalities.

 I can still see you.

That chicken was running so fast because he didn't want to be caught. Made Nolan belly laugh.