For years now, there's been a voice inside my head whispering "you need chickens" ...

One of the big benefits with moving to our new house in Pozuelo is that 1/3 of the lot is not developed and can be used for our diabolical agricultural pursuits! Even though the deck is not yet completed, we shifted gears to start building the chicken coop near the garden. Two weeks ago we ordered 18 chickens through a Swiss friend at church. He said it would 'take a few weeks' whatever that means. It was too hot to get baby chickens during the summer, but now is the perfect time to get started.

Except we don't have anywhere to put them.

Not a problem I say! Although I've never built a chicken coop before, I abound with useless theoretical knowledge about chickens and chicken coops. The rest we'll figure out through trial and error.

As Duke Ellington famously said, "I don't need time, I need a deadline".

So Sunday we started building the chicken coop, and we want it to be suitable for 24 chickens. Why 24? Because we ordered 18 hens and I’d like to have room to expand if we want without building a brand new chicken coop.

It was a family effort: Jess and the kids helped measure and cut lumber, and dig holes. Addi helped mix and pour the concrete. Priscilla played in the grass and looked cute.