Patridge bantam chicken poorly foot?

[gemmcd]

Hi - eglu and 3 chickens and the stuff that comes with the whole eglu package due to arrive in under 2 weeks now - so scary! Anyway what else should I get - the lady on the phone said didn't need anything else - wait til I need it etc but now I am panicking and reading reviews etc wondering if I should get things like -

 

verm - x - or do I wait til they have worms (and how would I know?)

chicken spice

Bokashi

cleaner thing (seeing as I am addicted to my dettol spray but assume this is more pet friendly!)

 

Or is it as lady says wait til I need it?

 

Oh and also wondering about whether it should go on grass or put wood chippings down (but how do you clean the wood chippings and will it smell more than on grass?) I have a large lawn but will it get ruined?

 

OH and also what do I put in where they lay the eggs - is it hay? Just normal bedding from a pet shop?

 

I know these are really daft questions but want to do it right! I am hoping that once I get them it will all fall into place and I will soon be able to answer others q's! Want to go on a hen party but noone near me

 

G

[bringmesunshine]

Hi gemmcd, welcome to the wonderful world of chicken keeping. It's great, you'll love it, just relax!

 

You might as well get some Verm-x and the poultry spice as soon as you can because they're things you'll need regularly.

 

If you have a large lawn and can move the eglu and run every day or two, then your lawn is safe. The only time it'll get damaged is if the ground is very wet for long periods of time or if you leave them on the same patch for too long.

 

I've never kept chickens on bark so don't know about the smell but it's a good way of saving the grass if it's liable to get thrashed.

 

As for the eglu itself, put newspaper in the poop tray and you'll easily be able to remove the droppings everyday. And yes, the hay from a pet sop (or most supermarkets) will do nicely in the nest box, though you could also use shavings, or shredded paper or straw. In summer, I just cut long grass with my shears and use that (there's no point paying when it's there for free!)

 

99.99999999999% of the time, chickens look after themselves. Just make sure they have somewhere warm and dry to sleep, plenty of food, fresh clean water every day and treats so they get to know you (grapes are a firm favourite with my lot) and you'll be fine. Enjoy your eggs!

[Ain't Nobody Here]

verm - x - or do I wait til they have worms (and how would I know?)

I would recommend Flubenvet rather than vermx. It seems to be much more effective, according to Omleteers! You dose them every 3 months or so. Search for "Flubenvet" on the forum & you'll get loads of advice.

 

chicken spice

Not essential, but you can add it to their feed as a health supplement.

 

Bokashi

Again not essential, but it really helps firm up their poos, reduces smell and helps their digestion. You add it to their food.

 

cleaner thing (seeing as I am addicted to my dettol spray but assume this is more pet friendly!)

I use Ecover washing up liquid to clean the eglu & feeders but also have a pet friendly spray cleaner from Pets At Home.

 

Or is it as lady says wait til I need it?

She's right but there's no harm in getting some things if you feel you want to & wait till you learn more about chicken keeping and can decide on the other stuff.

 

Oh and also wondering about whether it should go on grass or put wood chippings down (but how do you clean the wood chippings and will it smell more than on grass?) I have a large lawn but will it get ruined?

Most people seem to end up making a permanent run - moving an eglu on grass regularly is a pain, especially in the winter when they make a mudbath within 2 days . Mine is on soil with hemcore or easibed on top. It works really well.

 

OH and also what do I put in where they lay the eggs - is it hay? Just normal bedding from a pet shop?

I use shredded paper. It's free and is a good use for all those nasty bills! Just be careful the shreds aren't too long - they can get their ankles tangled!

 

I know these are really daft questions but want to do it right! I am hoping that once I get them it will all fall into place and I will soon be able to answer others q's! Want to go on a hen party but noone near me

 

Not daft questions at all, we've all asked the same ones . Once they've arrived, you'll be surprised how it all makes sense. And keep reading the forum, that's where you'll get all the answers!

 

Hope that helps .

[eggypeggy]

I'm on the wait and see side of things.. I have to say the only extra things I've purchased for the chooks is grit, poultry shield (for cleaning the coop and glug, grub), corn ( from the poultry supplier, as a treat - optional) and poultry spice for a moulting bird ( which is aloso like a treat, they love it)

 

Do you have a poultry farm near you?.. If you do they'll have everything you need, but personally I would wait until you have the chooks to see what you would like/need.

 

They don't actually need anything to start with, just food, water and a little cuddle from time to time, bit of a free range if you can.

 

Have fun with chooks .. you're going to love it!

[quickcluck]

Hi Gem

 

I too am very new to chicken keeping and loving it of course

 

I agree with ANH, definately flubenvet over vermin x......

 

The only extras I have are bokashi and garlic powder or their poo's would be too much to take! I also have Diatomeous Earth which I sprinkle everywhere and in the dust bath.

 

I use shredded paper in the nest box and news paper in the poo trays.

 

I also have mixed corn or mealworms as a treat although they love any fruit and veg! Some grit is also good...

 

there are NO silly questions here.....

 

Just enjoy your chooks!

[gemmcd]

Thank you so much! Where can I get flubenvet though - couldn't see it on omlet shop page?

 

I feel slightly more confident. Worried about grass though....will have to see.

 

Thanks again, you have really helped!

 

Gx

[Ain't Nobody Here]

Here is a useful thread about Flubenvet.

 

It used to come in a large-ish tub for about £15 but it was far too much for backyard chicken keepers. It would do us about 3 decades . Lots of us gave away/sold small amounts to other Omleteers but they have now brought out a much smaller tub. The price is ridiculous though, so you would be better asking if anyone has some spare they could give/sell you or just buying the bigger tub.

[alih]

gemmcd I have a tub of Flubenvet and can easily send you some if you would like? pm me if so with your details - i will never get through all of mine with 4 chickens. Agree with ANH re everything. My 4 are on permanent space with wood chippings which I change every 2 months or so. I put folded newspaper and a handful of easibed in the nesting box ( and a plant pot at night so they don't sleep/poo in there). It's very relaxinf and such fun - your life will never be the same again!