Couple Constructs Miniature Old Western Town For Their Backyard Chickens

Apr 06, 2023

The relationship between animals and humans can be very dear, which is why some people go the extra mile for them. That is not only the case for cats or dogs, but also many other types of pets and even farm animals. One such case is the Missouri-based couple of Mitzi Ballard and her husband Tracy. Mitzi raises chickens, so when she needed a coop to accommodate them, she came up with the idea of an entire town-themed coop. Her husband Tracy was quickly convinced of her idea and decided to build it for her. What an incredible feat!

Mitzi raises a number of chickens at her home in Missouri. So when she needed a coop for them in her backyard, she got creative. After all, her chickens shouldn't just get a place to live - she also wanted something that looked nice and would give the animals some space to live in. She came up with the idea of creating a "coop town" of sorts—a coop made up of tiny buildings lined up like an old western town.

Once she had her idea, she drew out her plans. Then her husband Tracy brought her idea to life, building the coop town as we see it today. A name was also quickly found: Rooster's Ridge.

Rooster's Ridge has everything a chicken could need. There's a water tower complete with the town's name written on it, a blacksmith shop, which is actually where the chickens eat, a jail, which is where Mitzi stores the feed, the Livery Stables, and more.

Even the roads have been themed—there's Rooster Tail Road, Chicken Scratch Road, and Henpeck Road.

Then there's the social side of town, which includes a hotel, cafe, and mercantile store that are all painted in bright colors. No doubt this is where the chickens meet up to gossip over a warm cup of coffee - if they would drink coffee, that is.

But most hilariously is the saloon, which comes complete with a price list for "saloon girls" out the front! The prices seem fair, however, coming in at one egg for one hour, six eggs for one day, and a dozen for one week

With everything necessary for survival at Rooster's Ridge, the chickens have absolutely everything they could wish for—what a lucky flock! Mitzi told Apost: 

"I raise mostly Brahmas & Easter Eggers, and a couple odd breeds mixed in from my first flock."

What's even more adorable is that the town has a main rooster! His name is Cogburn and we're sure he rules the roost fair and square.

Having built such a wonderful home for her beloved chickens, it's no surprise that Mitzi and Tracy are often asked if they would build coop towns like Rooster's Ridge for other people. However, they do not, even for money offered. So if anyone is inspired, they'll just have to get building on their own.

What an incredibly creative and wonderful home Mitzi and Tracy have built for their chickens—it's as much for them (and the internet!) to enjoy as it is for their flock.

What do you think about Rooster's Ridge? Have you ever built or done something for a beloved animal that shows how much they mean to you? We'd love to hear about it! Let us know in the comments, then be sure to pass this on to any animal lovers you know!