sarah-w Posted October 12, 2008 Share Posted October 12, 2008 3 days until 5 days until What do I need!!! Will get feed from the place we are getting the chooks from but there seems to be so many other recommended supplements etc on here I don't know where to start Also we won't be moving the eglu around, it is going onto a specially built area with wood chip base-how do you recommend I keep this clean-raking out and replacing woodchip? and if so how often?? So many questions where do I start?? Sarah Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JEAN Posted October 12, 2008 Share Posted October 12, 2008 We have had our chooks for 3 days and I too am a little confused by which of the health supplements and powders you use all the time and which you only need if there is a problem. Will be eager to see what replies you get. We ordered a bag of feed from Omlet to get us started but we did get offered feed from our chicken supplier when we went to get the girls. The organic feed seems to be harder to find that non organic and about £5 extra on a 20 kilo sack. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plum Posted October 13, 2008 Share Posted October 13, 2008 Hello, Not got mine yet but if you trawl through the frequently asked questions bit and the chicken sections you'll get lots of answers. I would link you to the threads but sorry I dont know how to. Cant wait for mine but would love to hear how you get on and see pics. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
quickcluck Posted October 13, 2008 Share Posted October 13, 2008 Dont panic You wont need much at all! Feed obviously..... mine prefer the non organic! If you have a choice I'd say get garlic power for less whiffy poo, and bokashi bran for less runny poo!! Bedding for the run, newspaper for the poo tray and shredded paper or straw for the nest box.... If you fancy treats, then mixed corn or worms... but they will love any fruit or veg you give them so not essential!! Any other stuff you'll collect as time goes on! Hope it helps... I am sure many other more experienced people will be along shortly! Good luck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted October 13, 2008 Share Posted October 13, 2008 Hello Sarah . It is really daunting when you start out . We've all been there! Here are some threads about chicken "shopping lists". Don't be fazed by the lists of stuff. There really are only a few essentials - all the rest can be bought if and when you deem it necessary . http://club.omlet.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=33236&hilit=essential http://club.omlet.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=32441&p=507372&hilit=+essential#p507372 http://club.omlet.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=32228&p=504365&hilit=+essential#p504365 http://club.omlet.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=31371&p=494395&hilit=+essential#p494395 And a couple on ideas for run material: http://club.omlet.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=33102&hilit=run+bedding http://club.omlet.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=32079&p=502597&hilit=+run+bedding#p502597 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dancing cloud Posted October 17, 2008 Share Posted October 17, 2008 Don't forget essentials for yourself - a comfy chair out of the rain, warm clothing (waterproof if in the rain), a large mug for tea/coffee, and a large glass for tipple of your fancy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Topdollar Posted October 17, 2008 Share Posted October 17, 2008 The comfy chair and the drink is an essential as you will be spending most of your time outside watching your chucks. They are so much more entertaining than the telly Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
welsh sarah Posted October 17, 2008 Share Posted October 17, 2008 hi sarah we are not far from each other and i am a sarah as well just wanted to say hi i just think you need feed to start and build up to everything else as needed where are you getting your chickens from by the way? sarah Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jen&Rog Posted October 17, 2008 Share Posted October 17, 2008 How exciting and good choice on the - I've got one and a but they all prefer the orange for egg laying! To be honest when I first got my girls all I used were the layers pellets, mixed grain as a treat and straw for the nest. Over the years I've accumulated 'stuff' as we've needed it; personally I'd let them settle in for a while and see how you get on. I've got various treatments in the shed I've barely used. When you need anything it's always easy to get hold of. But you wanted a shopping list !! so here are things I use from time to time: 1. Worming treatment (Flubenvet) - per 6 months - essential! 2. Limestone flour to put in the pellets, or calcium drops for the water (if you have soft egg difficulties) 3. Probably wise to have some red mite powder, tho' I've only used it once (famous last words?...) 4. I'm using the bokashi bran a bit at the moment to see if it has any effect on 'the runs' - might be worth getting some. To be honest there's nothing else I've really needed. I've got some violet spray on stand-by in case of a fox attack and fast treatment needed. I've also just ordered some Avipro as one of mine could have sour srop - this is full of 'friendly bacteria'. But again I'd only get things as you need them. Hope this helps - and happy hen keeping! Jennie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...