For weeks now we have watched the progress of building the hen house. The existing old shed now has a new roof and floor. Next an enclosure is built with chicken wire before fifteen young hens huddle together as they view their new home.
Gently I move towards the fence giving them time to 'suss' me out and before long they come closer and occasionally stare at me. Flapping their wings, they make a hollow in the ground and I hope that this is a good sign that they are happy with their new home and will start laying some eggs.
At night, they are fed in the shed and the door shut to protect them from foxes, wild dogs and snakes. During the day they are truly 'free range' and wonder around their fenced area being let out into the bottom garden to explore.
When (and if) they start laying we wonder what we are going to do with all the eggs? I have an idea that we will put some in the refrigerator for our guests and bring some back to Brisbane.
