Here Chick-Chick-Chick-Chickens!

Last Saturday we finally got our chickens!

For ValentiCordial Day last year, Bryson bought me a backyard chicken book, and the promise to get our own! I was so excited. After doing tons of research and pricing out the cost to build our own chicken tractor, we ended up finding a premade chicken coup at Sam's Club! It was only slightly more expensive than building it ourselves, but MUCH prettier than we had time (and skills). 

Well, we've had the coup built since last June, but little hurdles kept getting in the way of actually getting the chickens. Namely, hot summers, vacations, chicken availability (apparently they really only sold in the springtime). The biggest hurdle of all though, was getting our yard finally, fully fenced in. Because our backyard is bigger than most on the block, we actually have 5 neighbors! That meant majority of our backyard was fenced in, we just needed to finish closing it up on the sides. As much as I hate to admit it, the fence was another one of those projects that was years in the making. But that's another long story in itself (if you'll remember the literal tons and tons of dirt brought in, the retaining wall, and the back patio). We're not the only ones with long To-Do's lists, right?

Anyways, by the fall we had our fenced in yard, but decided to still hold off the chickens until March. That way we wouldn't have to worry about keeping poultry alive while we were in Seattle for Christmas, had a new baby in January, and through our numerous ice and snow storms this Winter.

Now we have 4 teenaged pullets, and they should be laying come June/July. We can't wait!

So without further ado, here they are! Oh, and we're taking name suggestions, if you have any! Theme is sweets.

Daddy coaxing the chickens out of the transport tub. Chloe supervising.

The Rhode Island White. We're thinking of naming her either Marshmallow or Taffy. But leaning more towards Taffy. :)

I don't remember the breed on this one, but she's the only black one.  Possible name: Licorice.

The Blue-Laced Red Wyondotte. Gingersnap maybe? Cherry Cordial?

Rhode Island Red. She is showing signs of being the top hen, highest in the pecking order. So perhaps Hot Tamale is appropriate?

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And what post would be complete without some pics of the kidlets. Monday and Tuesday felt an aweful lot like Spring, with temps in the low 70's. It was awesome, and we played outside all that we could.

Snacktime. Mommy loves when we can eat crackers outside. No clean up!

Proof of how hard we played that day.