What makes a chicken coop easy to live with?

[MadMitch]

Oyster shell or Limestone floor?

Couldn't find any on my shopping trip yesterday. Also what straw do you use for the nest box. Looked in the garden centres and pet stores and it was all the chopped rabbit straw. Is this ok to use? I couldn't picture the girls making themselves cosy in this as the bits seem quite small.

[Egluntyne]

I get my limestone flour from an equine supplier. You can also get it on Ebay as sold for reptiles.

 

Most pet shops will sell oystershell grit.

[chucknette]

Hi Michelle

 

I bought my limestone flour and oyster shell from scats.

As to the nest box I put shredded paper and aubiose in there they seem to like that.

 

This is also bought from scats or any other equine place.

 

Hope this helps

 

Nette

[MadMitch]

Thanks. I will have a look......only 2 days till the cube comes.

[Hen Watch]

Perhaps you could look in the Yellow Pages for a horse supply or Tack shop. From the Tack shop near me I buy Limestone Flour, Garlic Powder, Apple Cider Vinegar and Auboise bedding (which is what I personally would recomend for the nest box - or Hemcore which is similar). My one also happens to sell layers pellets and mixed corn which is quite handy.

 

Oyster shell can be found in some pet shops. But it might be better to just get Mixed Poultry Grit. It will usually have soluble shell in it as well as grit.

 

Have you got a CWF in your area?

http://www.countrywidefarmers.co.uk

[redhotchick]

While you are buying and for reference....My 2 hens have gotten through a 1.25kg tub of mixed chicken grit in about 8 weeks! I can't believe how much of it they eat! I haven't been throwing it away, they have eaten it all, I never see any coming out the other end though (sorry) maybe I don't look close enough. Surely they don't digest the flint.....

[MadMitch]

Perhaps you could look in the Yellow Pages for a horse supply or Tack shop. From the Tack shop near me I buy Limestone Flour, Garlic Powder, Apple Cider Vinegar and Auboise bedding (which is what I personally would recomend for the nest box - or Hemcore which is similar). My one also happens to sell layers pellets and mixed corn which is quite handy.

 

Oyster shell can be found in some pet shops. But it might be better to just get Mixed Poultry Grit. It will usually have soluble shell in it as well as grit.

 

Have you got a CWF in your area?

http://www.countrywidefarmers.co.uk

 

Thanks we have one about 30 miles from me. I managed to get nearly everything from the town and country store, it was just the flour or oyster shell I couldn't get. I got some aubiose for the run so I will just use that in the nesting box. Guess I always pictured them in a straw nest but if they like the aubiose then I will go with that. Cubes arriving tomorrow but my chicken contact seems to have gone AWOL. Fingers crossed I will be able to get hold of her by the weekend.

[..lay a little egg for me]

While you are buying and for reference....My 2 hens have gotten through a 1.25kg tub of mixed chicken grit in about 8 weeks! I can't believe how much of it they eat! I haven't been throwing it away, they have eaten it all, I never see any coming out the other end though (sorry) maybe I don't look close enough. Surely they don't digest the flint.....

Mine have barely touched theirs...how strange