Today we packed up the chickens in the covered wagon and brought them to live in their outdoor mobile coop (AKA: "chicken tractor."). Of course they're terribly unhappy about so much C-H-A-N-G-E. (Chickens are now my new standard for complete intolerance of risk.) By tomorrow, they'll love it -- if I can judge by all previous changes I've seen them weather.
This tractor (called an "ark" by those across the pond) is my husband, Rich's, design. He used lightweight materials, all of which were readily available except for the skirt made of "sports netting" that we ordered online. Weight is critical because these units can be so heavy that most people can't move them alone. This one needs a lower handle on the non-wheeled end for someone of my (not very great) height to be able to move. Otherwise, it moves quite smoothly... for a 12' long vehicle! And what a vehicle it is: I bet this baby goes 0 to 60-feet in 30 seconds -- but only if it's on a downhill slope.
The chickens will stay in the coop area for a few days until they become more at home there. In the meantime, we'll be watching for any signs of predator intrusion attempts. If all is well, then we'll let them explore the pasture area... another absolutely horrifying change they'll come to adore soon enough. (click on any of the images below for a larger view in a pop-up window)
The chicken tractor, in all its strange, unique glory | 
Red warming light on for cool night time temps -- they're still babies! |
Recovering from the stress of all that CHANGE while working on their tans while under their red heat lamp. |  They force themselves to eat some canned tomatoes... a break from their suffering |
 Nestboxes accessible from outside the coop; future inspiration for the youngsters | |
