My Idea.

    I'm on a blogg'en roll today.  Two in one day and it's not even 9:15.  I can't help it.  Must be that energizing breakfast...or the fact that it's a cold yet beautiful day out.  So, I have this idea.  First, let me give you a bit of history.  We free range our chickens during the day.  I prop the door open just enough for the chickens to be able to go in and out with a couple of those gray cement blocks - one to keep it open some, one to put against the door so it doesn't open any further.  Been doing it this way for four years.  Not one problem.  After almost a whole year Z has found her way into the chicken run.  She smooshes her head in the opening and then keeps wiggling until she's popped over to the other side.  When she gets in there she not only leaps all over with joy, freaking the chickens out, she gets in their food.  Not good.  This started a week ago.  Now that she has found a way in I can't keep her out.  The chickens are screaming at me because I won't keep the door open and allow them to free range.  If I do, Z will go in.  If I close the door while they're all out we'll have eggs laid everywhere but where I can find them.  So, like I said, I have a idea.
    Now you're wondering what this wonderful plan is.  I'm going to describe it and you give me your opinion.  I told Hon about it this morning and along with having a look of terror on his face, he said, "Draw it out.  Just draw out a picture of what you want to do and I'll take a look at it."  I know I'm not the sharpest tool in the shed when it comes to all that manly goodness out there in his chaotic domaine...the right side of the garage, and I know he had taken to hiding the basic tools I might look for in the car years ago after seeing my method of putting up curtains, but I've grown - and he doesn't hide them anymore.  I've changed.  I'm on a hobby farm now and by golly, tools are my friends, too!  Besides I've proven myself by actually drilling little pilot holes before hammering the screws in the wall for the curtains.  Please don't give me the lecture on drills.  Sometimes what those screws need is a good pounding...and since moving here Hon put the curtains up.
    Here goes.  I'm going to build a dog door of sorts for chickens.  I'm going to build a frame, two actually, one for each side of the welded wire run.  One that is big enough for the chickens to go in and out while keeping Z on her side.  Then I'm going to cut the wire out from the center, making sure there's none sticking out to be hurtful.  I'm also going to attach two hinges to the inside part of the frame (thinking safety here, then the horses won't rip it off) and attach a piece of wood to use as a door that will swing up and out of the way.  Maybe use those those bolt snaps (like you see on a dog leash) attached to chain to keep it open and something else I can dig up to keep it closed at night.  Voila!  End of project.  
    So, there you have it.  My idea.  A few possible modifications here and there as I go along, but essentially that's it.  Eldest said I should build it while Hon is at work today.  I figure I'll wait until I show him my masterpiece, which by the way I drew on a napkin like you see folks do in the movies.  Those plans always seem to go off without a hitch.  Besides, it's not 30 out yet and I'm determined to get some of that kitchen wallpaper down.  Smiling & Waving, Sharon