lynseymander Posted September 18, 2008 Share Posted September 18, 2008 ok, so getting chickens was a passing thought which then in turn ended up with me ordering a coop. Just wondering if someone can do me a essential list of things i need to buy cos i'm getting confused. obviously number 1 is the coop and run. then i think i'm going to be using auboise and layer pellets so what next....? I'm getting confused over vitamins, wormers, disinfectants, apple cider vinegar, and all that type of stuff. I've read names like stalosen & diatom and don't even know what they are or do. please tell me what u use so that i dont go out and waste money on things that i probably don't need. thank you for your time and expertise Lynsey oh and any little tips wouldnt go a miss either Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eggstatic! Posted September 18, 2008 Share Posted September 18, 2008 I use cidar vinegar in the water as a boost but also just ordered citricidal as one of mine is sneezing a little. In the pellets i use garlic powder and bokashi bran to stop the poo from being as runny and smelly. I use grit to help with the calcium for the egg shell strength and diatom in the dust bath. I have also just ordered some stalosan to keep the run clean and some flubenvet incase of worms. There is probably other things that i have missed off but i have only had my chickens since the beginning of August. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted September 18, 2008 Share Posted September 18, 2008 You don't need to get everything you read about all at once....you would soon be bankrupt if you did. My must haves are initially: Bokashi bran Diatom Aubiose Apple Cider Vinegar A metal bin for food storage Later on: Flubenvet Limestone flour Codliver oil Barrier Red Mite Powder. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chelsea Posted September 18, 2008 Share Posted September 18, 2008 some info on this thread may help you. viewtopic.php?f=5&t=28048&hilit=+shopping+list Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
abwsco Posted September 18, 2008 Share Posted September 18, 2008 These are what I'd consider essentials. I did mine gradually before we got the chickens as I started a "bottom drawer" for them HTH Feeders Drinkers Feed Oyster shell/hen grit Bedding Poultry Spice ACV Louse Powder Red Mite Powder Diatom Wormer Mixed Corn Bokashi Bran Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eggypeggy Posted September 18, 2008 Share Posted September 18, 2008 You don't need anything but food to start with, maybe some bedding for nest box. Wait until you have them a little while and see how you go. I have only ever bought mine some corn as a treat, or scratch (wheat). And poultry spice if I've had soft shells and for moulting chooks. Plus poultry shield to clean coop. They'll generally get everything they need from there feed. If they're doing alot of free ranging with long grass, hen grit is a good idea.. help them digest. And at some point it will be a good idea to worm them.. but not neccessarily straight away. P.s. if they are young chickens.. start them off on growers mash/pellets until they are laying, then change to layers mash/pellets. Thornes Nursery and Poultry farm in Letchworth, does small bags of growers if you don't want a massive bag. They're really helpful if oyu need any advice. Have fun. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RubyReckless Posted September 18, 2008 Share Posted September 18, 2008 I agree with eggypeggy. Start with food (and a feeder), water (and a drinker) and grit. Add other things later as you wish. This doesn't have to be an expensive hobby, although it can be if you want it to be. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
