This month’s “Cool Coop” is home to the beloved hen, Lucy. ♥
Lucy, who suffers from the aftereffects of Marek’s Disease, is cared for by author and artist, Lauren Scheuer. I’ve followed Lauren’s blog, Scratch and Peck, for years. The stories, photos and wonderful artwork of her endearing backyard chickens are such a treat to read. As chicken keepers, we know that there is nothing more fun that watching the entertaining antics of a chicken, but even if you don’t have your own flock – Lauren’s humorous tales of each hen’s unique personality will have you smiling! Continue reading as Lauren shares Lucy’s Special Needs Coop:
Five years ago, Lucy contracted Marek’s disease. Her feet, legs and stamina were permanently affected. But Lucy is a survivor. Today, Lucy is a wise old hen and a treasured friend. Her feet are twisted, her legs are stiff, but her life is good. In her Special Needs coop, Lucy manages to get where she wants to go — and she gets all the respect she deserves from her young flock mates.
I began with a basic, kind of ugly, 6X8’ prefab shed.
but of course everyone wants to sleep next to Lucy.
I do believe Lucy approves.
– Lauren Scheuer
Thank-you Lauren for sharing the construction and layout of your special needs coop. I am sure that your set-up will be helpful to others who have had to make adaptions to their coop because of a hen with disabilities. And – it’s nice to know that a chicken can live life to its fullest despite a few obstacles… The stories of Lucy’s trials and triumphs are an inspiration to all of us that life may not be easy, but it can be enjoyable. It’s good to know that Lucy’s got a great chicken keeper looking after her – and comfortable and accessible coop!
To read more of Lucy’s adventures and Lauren’s additional backyard hens, visit these sites:
Lauren Scheuer (website)
Scratch and Peck (blog)
Scratch and Peck (facebook)
Lauren Scheuer (twitter)
You can read Lucy’s epic tale in Lauren’s illustrated memoir, Once Upon a Flock: Life with my Soulful Chickens – available wherever books are sold…
Click on the link below for previous entries in the “Cool Coops!” series…
Do you have a “Cool Coop” you’d like to share? Email me at: RNickols@communitychickens.com
175 Comments
such a wonderful thing your doing for sweet Lucy!
This giveaway has ended and a winner has been chosen by a random drawing! Check your email – the winner might be you!
be glad to read this! adamae59@aol.com
Great ideas! laurapaladino8@yahoo.com
Just discovered this site! So many new ideas (well, to me), great resources, and great pictures. Looking forward to reading more —and perhaps even winning a book! Best, Laurie
shoppergirl8@mac.com
I’m reading this book right now, a library copy. I’m really enjoying it, not only the writing but the drawings as well. I would love to have my own, signed copy. I’m so glad she didn’t give up on Lucy! zookyla at yahoo dot com.
I have a chicken who kept getting egg bound, then she would get peritonitis, so the vet put a Suprelorin implant in her (it’s normally used to treat adrenal disease in ferrets). She gets a new one every three months. It keeps her from going a cycle so she doesn’t lay eggs. When she would get sick I would bring her in the house where I had a little bed made up for her. The last time she was sick in the house, I came home and found her roosting on the guest bed pillow with my cat sleeping about two feet from her. It was like he was watching over her until I got home:)
D Heimstead
Stevens Point, WI
dheimste@uwsp.edu
Being a builder of coops myself, I can’t believe I didn’t think of putting a seat inside! I think I may need to do a retro-fit. Lucy’s story was heartwarming. I love the blog and would love the book. I am at earthcirclefarm@yahoo.com. Thank you!
Sweet Lucy is a very blessed little hen! Love the innovations you made for Lucy. I too have a hen named Lucy-she’s a Red Sex Link and is quite the mischievous one. LOVE your book, especially the cute illustrations and would absolutely love to add it to my collection of chicken keeping books!!!! Cluck Cluck!
Thanks for the ideas. I”m new to Chicken raising, well I will be once I get my chicks next week!!! I can’t wait to check out the Scratch and Peck blog too.
Thanks for the giveaway. tenderholts @gmail.com
This will be our first summer raising chickens and could really use all the info we can get. We built an A-Frame chicken coop. We will be adding more hens in the spring. So far, we only have to hens and a rooster (Rhode Island Reds) jeansandts@rocketmil.com
jeansandts@rocketmail.com
Lucy is the luckiest hen to have an awesome, caring owner. I too have a hen that is a special needs girl. She’s white, tiny and frail but is hanging in there with special treats
like warm oatmeal and raisins on cold days. (upstate NY). Her name is Snowflake and
all her coop mates keep her in the middle of them to stay extra warm. Your book has to be a wonderful read because you have obviously taken a hen into your heart.
Stay Warm!! magnum4994@aol.com
We are in the process of moving to another state, our flock went to a good home. We hope to buy a new house that will allow us to set up a new coop and a new flock.