The chicks are enjoying a nice dust bath in the shade on this steamy spring day.
These girls are the fat orange cats of the chicken world, and as such are already getting a little spoiled. They come running at the sight of me in the backyard, not out of affection, but because I usually have a delicious treat. Lately it’s been dandelion greens, broccoli leaves, strawberries, and a tiny piece of ham. I think they nearly lost their little chicken minds over that piece of ham.
Curious.Snagging a bite.Once Big Bossy gets a bite, everyone moves in for some, now that they know it’s safe.
The girls are getting bigger every day, and looking more and more like real chickens. I think I may have even heard a cluck last night as I was closing them into their coop.
Looking proper.Big Bossy eyes the camera.Green eyed dinosaurs.Chickens have inscrutable faces- the only way to tell if they’re angry is body language, since their faces have a permanent frown.
Look at those little fuzzy heads!mini adult chicks (pullets)
They’re quickly getting too big for the brooder, and I’m eager to get them outside. Little known fact: chickens wake up earlier than yours truly, and immediately want to be fed and run around. I’m all for that when I’m not sleeping less than a foot away from them.
Lots of stuff happening in preparation for the permit and inspection!!
The chicks were acquired March 18th, and have been staying in my house in a brooder box. I didn’t get them at the tiny fluffball stage- they had a few “big girl” feathers, and were likely about 3 weeks old. They’re growing FAST, which means that I need to get them out of the brooder box and into the coop as soon as possible. It’s been a madhouse trying to get everything built and installed, but the end is in sight and we should have it ready for the chicks this weekend.
Now, the difficult part: trying to figure out who I need to contact at the city for the permitting process, and what forms (if any) need to be filled out.
Per the ordinance that was passed, “Completed applications shall be submitted to the community and economic development department along with the fee which shall be determined by city council resolution. Application shall be made to the community and economic development department and shall include any drawings or other information required by the department.”. I looked on the Ferndale city website, and couldn’t find any application. I feel weird about filling out a building permit application, or writing my own- but if it’s necessary, I will. I’d also like to know what the exact requirements are for drawings/information that I need to submit- can I just list out the dimensions, or do I need to mock up a drawing of the coop? So many questions, and no time to go down to city hall. Hopefully they respond to my email today, so I can get started on any paperwork and drop it off this week.
Ferndale Chickens 