"WTF?" said the Farmer's Wife.

Yup, that was my lovely's reply yesterday when I advised her of a chicken keeping plan. But first, let me bring you all up to speed.

I have a few days off this week and our chicks are scheduled to be available some time at the end of this month.  With this in mind, I reasoned that I had better get the brooder constructed as I am sure the call to come pick up the chicks will be on a day when neither of us is expecting it and I don't want to be caught unprepared.  I couldn't re-use the old doghouse as I had planned, so after a trip to the lumber yard, I had my supplies and in half a day finished the brooder.  It's essentially a box design measuring 5' long, 3' wide, 2' tall.  I elevated it 12" off the ground.  It looks huge, especially when I placed the feeder and waterer inside.  The chicks will definitely have enough space to grow.

After clean-up my lovely and I were enjoying a beer.  I explained to her that when the chicks arrive the brooder will be located in the garage and she will have to park her car outside.  "WTF?" was her reply. 

You see my lovely has become quite accustomed to her vehicle being parked in the garage and not outside, which is where this farmer is relegated to.  She likes that when she leaves for a 6:00 a.m. workout her car is warm and doesn't need to be cleaned off or windows scraped.  Clearly this woman does not appreciate that the chicks need a space that is warm, secure and will allow us to check on them frequently.  No, there were many foul (or fowl?) but good-natured comments about chicken interference. 

What I know is that my wife is one of the most caring people in the world, especially where animals are concerned.  Despite her comments, I know that the day  the chicks arrive she will likely take up residence in the garage just to make sure they are safe and have some company.

The brooder is complete and we have all our supplies.  Now bring on the chicks!!!