The Chickens Get a New Run: Preparation and Execution

The chicken coop is moved so that the chickens, Wuhen and Corona, can

have access to a new patch of grass. Soon, these chickens will

have free range of a much larger area. It won't be long until the

grass grows back either, as the chickens have left behind an excellent

amount of fertilizer.

Taken May 26, 2020 at 7:21 PM

My family, the Gilberts, live out near the edge of Albany, Oregon. We might not live in the biggest house or have the largest yard, but we love to keep a variety of pets. These pets, however, are not limited to just cats and dogs. You see, my family has a special fondness for keeping hens. We've found that few animals have as much personality as chickens do, and the joy we find in caring for them goes far beyond the reward of fresh eggs. We never raise chickens to eat them, and everything in our power is done to give them long and fulfilling lives.

Wuhen (Pictured) is a type of chicken called a LegBar, as

is Corona. They grow a fashionable tuft of feathers on

their heads, and can lay blue or green eggs. More

importantly to my family, however, is that they are

known for being excellent at socializing with humans.

Wuhen can be seen here entering her new chicken

run to explore and find a snack.

Taken June 2, 2020 at 8:09 AM

My family has been raising a new pair of chickens for the past few months. Inspired by the current pandemic, they have been named Corona and Wuhen. Interestingly, chicken raising seems to have become more popular recently. When first purchasing Corona and Wuhen from Coastal Farm and Ranch in Albany, there was a long line to collect chickens. Once we had them back home, it was time to start planning where they would be living and what needed to be done in preparation.

The chicks started their time at the house in a large plastic tub fitted with a heater and every amenity a small bird could desire. Eventually, the chicks outgrew this home and needed to be moved to a coop outside. Chickens are grazers, and will eat away a patch of grass in no time at all if they are confined to it. Still too small to roam free on their own, we had to confine them to the coop for a large portion of their teenage years. To keep their grass supply fresh, we needed to move the whole coop to a new location regularly.

Preparation for the chicken's new run is put on hold so that they can find a quick snack. An old board is lifted so that Corona and Wuhen can feast on the insects that live below it. This area has just been cleared of heavy brush, revealing the board which had been left there for many years, rotting away. Many more tasty critters wait to be found by the chickens in the freshly cut grass and soft ground.

Taken June 2, 2020 at 7:10 PM

Lisa Gilbert (Left) and Sarah Gilbert (Right) look at harnesses and other accessories while at Coastal Farm and Ranch. "I got really used to them being in the house." Lisa later said in regards to her wish to find ways she could spend more time with Wuhen and Corona, "They're the nicest chickens we've ever had."

Taken June 5, 2020 at 1:01 PM

Robert (Left) Lisa (Center) and Sarah

Gilbert (Right) lift the chickens' coop over 

the fence to the chicken run. A spot must be

found where the ground is level and

racoons can't reach under to grab

at the chickens.

Taken June 5, 2020 at 6:19 PM

It was time to begin preparing the chicken run. There was a lot to do: trimming away excess brush, fixing gaps in fencing, and clearing out their pond. By this point, Wuhen and Corona were large and feisty enough to hold their own against the neighborhood cats who wander into our yard. They were allowed to roam around while the finishing touches were put on their new home.

One of the last big steps of this project was moving the whole coop into the new chicken run. It took the effort of Robert, Lisa, and Sarah Gilbert to lift it up over the fence and into its final resting place. The chickens have loved hunting and exploring in their new home, and the other pets have gotten used to hanging around and watching them. There will be a bit of upkeep involved in maintaining the pen and keeping it clean and fresh, but for now Wuhen and Corona get to settle in and enjoy the warm summer.

The chickens' coop is finally placed in an appropriate position, and it is time for Corona and Wuhen to move in. Unlike when Wuhen and Corona were confined to the coop alone, it will not have to be moved nearly as often. They have free range of a luxurious chicken run, and their grazing will not be concentrated in one location. Perches and hiding places are present throughout the area to ensure that these chickens have plenty to do and explore when people aren't here playing with them or handing out treats.

Taken June 5, 2020 at 6:26 PM