4m x 3m Omlet pen, cube, new auto door still boxed and coop light

[Electricbarbarella]

I need to get prepared now, here is my list so far, have I issed anything important?

Dustbin to keep food in, does it have to be metal?

layers pellets

mixed corn

washing up bowl for dust bath

 

I honestly can't think of anything else, ias that really it.

[Egluntyne]

I use metal bins as they are rodent proof.

 

I'd get some Red Mite or Louse Powder.

 

I'd also get some Mixed Poultry Grit.

 

They sell Barrier Louse Powder, layers pellets, Mixed Corn and Mixed Poultry Grit at Horse and Rider.

 

If you go any day but Tuesday, the chap will load it into your car for you.

 

I usually ring first to check that they have stuff in. If they haven't, they will get it very quickly for you.

[Ain't Nobody Here]

You'll not need it straight away, but you'll need some form of worming treatment. Lots of people use Flubenvet.

[Electricbarbarella]

I said about grit but the lady at the place i went to yesterday (forgotten what it's called already) said they don't need grit as it is in the pellets, what do you mix it in with the pellets? ( I really have no idea what I am doing yet but I am learning).

[Egg Lou]

I said about grit but the lady at the place i went to yesterday (forgotten what it's called already) said they don't need grit as it is in the pellets, what do you mix it in with the pellets? ( I really have no idea what I am doing yet but I am learning).

 

It is usually in pellets, but most people prefer to have extra on hand for the hens to help themselves to..

Mine is in a seperate gallery pot from www.Flytesofancy.co.uk.

[Egluntyne]

They do need grit.

 

There are minute particles of grit in the pellets, it is true, but they need mixed sized pieces of grit too, to help with the digestion of food other than pellets.

 

If they free range for long periods, they will pick up enough small stones etc to do the job, but if confined to the run for long periods, and given food other than pellets they need grit to mash the food up.

 

Mixed Poultry Grit is ideal as it also contains bits of oyster and other sea shell, as a source of calcium.

 

I fill up a plant pot with the grit, and they help themselves.

 

A big bag costs less than a fiver at H&R.

[BeckyBoo]

You forgot a camera, comfy chair, cup of tea and a cleaner - to do all the housework you're about to neglect whilst you sit watching chickens (see comfy chair and cup of tea above)

 

That list with some mite powder and grit is just about it really. You'll add to it as you go along and find things you want to have, I have citronella to drop round the run to keep the flies away, and some tea tree, but everyone develops their own thing. You could add some bedding although if you use shredded paper you won't have to buy any.

 

Mrs B

[Ain't Nobody Here]

That's true, you'll need bedding of some sort for your run. Hemcore or Aubiose are very popular.

[Electricbarbarella]

I was going to get some auibose, how do youactually pronounce that?

But I didn't think I would need it straight away as they are on grass, will it take them a week or so to trash the grass.

You don't need beddig in the house do you?

I a,m getting sdo very excited now that i am actually dreaming of chickens.

[Ain't Nobody Here]

Dreaming of chickens is quite normal .

 

There have been whole threads discussing the pronunciation of Aubiose . The general view is that it's "oh-bee-oze".

 

You'll really only need it if you end up with a permanent run. I think most people get fed up moving the eglu all the time and find a permanent site.

 

You can use shredded paper in the nestbox. It's free!

[Egluntyne]

I was going to get some auibose, how do youactually pronounce that?

But I didn't think I would need it straight away as they are on grass, will it take them a week or so to trash the grass.

You don't need beddig in the house do you?

I a,m getting sdo very excited now that i am actually dreaming of chickens.

 

There was a whole thread about how to pronounce it a few days ago **here**.

 

I think in the end the consensus was Or Bee Ose.

 

You don't need bedding in the house, but I do put it in the nesting box as I think it will be more comfy and I put a bit in the poo tray too.

[Ain't Nobody Here]

You say "or-bee-ose"

I say "oh-bee-ose"

let's call the whole thing off

[Electricbarbarella]

well that made me laugh.