Moving day...

 The broiler chicks are around three and a half weeks old. They have most of their feathers and were outgrowing the "brooder" we use, a calf hutch with a heat lamp. Today was predicted to be hot. Last night after work, while I was on an errand, Rachel mowed a handy corner of the pasture and moved a calf hutch there. She set up the electro netting, and Chris helped her "hot it up." I got up early this morning, and after doing all my regular chores, I grabbed the wonderful new garden cart Chris gave me. I easily grabbed the first half of the chicks and moved them through the gate, across the back yard, and to their new home. The second batch had wised up and hid way in the back of their house. I had to get in there and catch them, which was a bit tricky because the hutch does not offer standing room. I hunched, waddled,  grabbed, and waddled some more, then placed the squawking birds into the cart. They rode beautifully, and it was quite fun to transport them to a spacious new home on such a fine summer morning. 

Their new situation confused them, but soon they explored a bit, finding food, water, and shade. I watched carefully all day to make sure they were doing alright. This evening, Chris helped me, and we caught each chubby chick and tucked them into their hutch, where they will be protected from any number of wild animals that enjoy the taste of chicken. We rigged up extra shade, too. Now they can dig in the dirt, bask in the sun, eat bugs and weeds, and grow happily. Moving day went well.