Adding a new run and patio to the Taj Mahal

When I needed a chicken coop, we decided to buy one

instead of make one. You can see it here.

After building the run, here,we decided to add an open porch, here.

Bet you thought we were through didn't you?

We did too. We watched a lot of chicken tv out there

and really enjoy the covered porch.

But we or should I say, I thought the chickens needed

more space to run around since we don't let them out in the yard.

So we decided to give up our porch and enclose it into

another run for the flock.

And this is what we came up with.

Of course we wanted a nice place to sit and watch everyone

so we added a little patio.

Later on we might add an umbrella for shade

but for right now it's working out fine.

We kept the door we had on the inside

so if we needed to divide the runs that

would be an easy solution.

The chicks are really enjoying the extra space.

Lots of running and scratching going on.

Of course you know an extra run means extra decorating.

I decided to add a handpainted chicken window to the new run.

I think they can relate to it.

Kinda like an ancestor portrait.

Since they had more room in the run I

moved the food out of the coop and into the run.

This also gives them more room inside the coop.

Especially since I've added the three chickens that

Bouffant hatched late winter early spring.

Molly likes to investigate.

She's one of the reasons the chickens are not allowed in the yard.

She's a sweetie, but I think she would eat them!

I remembered that I had a tray in storage

that I had painted about 25 yrs. ago.

And so being a chicken I thought it would fit in quite well in the run.

And of course a little landscaping had to be done.

Here are just a few things I did.

A little hosta and wood ferns.

I'm hoping these nasturtiums will grow up the wire on the run.

We'll see. I've read that chickens really like them.

A little mint for them,

and me.

And lastly, a wire rooster that I've had for years.

Long before I had real chickens. 

Filled with a pot of geraniums.

Hope you liked the tour of our new run.

And the flashbacks of where we began.

I lift up my eyes to the hills-
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord,
the Maker of heaven and earth.
Psalm 121:1,2

Feel free to comment. I love to read them.