Close Watch
I think the trail cam was too close to the coop. It seemed to trigger upon the movement of the shadow across the front door. There were 400 images recorded over the 24 hour period! That was really only 200 triggers, because I had left the setting at 2 images per activation.
The chick(en)s were under close watch for this first day in the coop. Temperature is not controlled as much as it was in the brooder located inside the barn. As far as I can see, they are not showing any signs of discomfort or distress. Why would they? These birds have moved into a Taj Mahal of chicken coops.
Still, Cyndie is not sure we are avoiding minimal desired temperature and is checking on them regularly.
I peeked in the window after setting up the camera Sunday night.
Cyndie checked on them first thing in the morning, yesterday.
Then she stopped by several times during the day.
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Delilah even made an attempt to monitor their status on her own. Luckily, Cyndie was on the other end of the leash.
Finally, at the end of the day, the front door got opened for some adjustments and the introduction of a larger food dispenser. With little in the way of bugs to eat, the poor birds are devouring the starter granules faster than Cyndie can keep up.
That was all interesting enough, but the real winner on the trail cam was the night vision capture. It didn’t take long for us to have the first visitor make an appearance. There is no doubt in my mind that my attempts to critter-proof our coop will be well-tested.
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Let the games begin…
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Relative Something 
Is that a cat or a racoon?
obsidcomm
April 19, 2017 at 7:13 am
It’s a cat, and if the image was color, I’m pretty sure it would be orange. That feline is a frequent sight at night outside the house, and during the day around the hay shed.
I figure it is helping control rodent population for us, but I get the feeling it likes birds, too. We’ve seen evidence.
johnwhays
April 19, 2017 at 7:36 am
This makes me want to get a trail cam! Sure takes some of the guess work out of things.
Liz
April 18, 2017 at 10:07 am
Mother’s Day is coming up. What a nice gift that would make! It sure clarified for us, which neighbor dogs were regular and frequent visitors.
johnwhays
April 18, 2017 at 11:21 am
Not a bad idea….But I have Mother’s day pegged for apple trees this year. Time to start the orchard! 😊
Liz
April 19, 2017 at 9:05 am
Now that’s a GREAT plan! Hope that project is fruitful for you!!
johnwhays
April 19, 2017 at 9:15 am
Best of luck with having the coop critter proof.
Jim Parker (@drjparker)
April 18, 2017 at 8:34 am
Thanks, Jim!
johnwhays
April 18, 2017 at 8:41 am
cool.
George Walker
April 18, 2017 at 6:49 am
Yeah. Cool, and calculating, I suspect.
johnwhays
April 18, 2017 at 7:52 am