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

[millymollymandy]

Hi I am now the proud owner of two chickens piri piri and chili!

 

I got them with an eglu from someone who couldn't look after them anymore.

The lady I got them from gave me lots of extra stuff like vermex and garlic powder but some of the things I am a bit confused about.

 

Poultry spice, oyster grit and garlic powder i guess I just add a bit to their feed every now and again.

 

She also gave me a bag with mini weetabix, musli and porriage oats? Is this a treat for the chickens or her shopping!! Also she said their favourite treat was dry bread and that she gave them potato peelings? I thought they were both bad for chickens but didn't want to argue with her as I haven't kept chickens before.

 

They are both now happily eating the weeds on the lawn better than any weedkiller!!

 

OMG had the chickens for two hours and got an egg already woo hoo

[Madbird]

Hiya!!

 

I'm a new chicken mum too, so can't offer a lot of advice as still learning myself... but I do know that chickens should NOT be fed raw potato peelings.

 

Lucky you for getting an egg so soon!! the girls must be happy

 

(edited to correct my typo - oops!)

Edited November 11, 2008 by Guest

[Egg Lou]

Hiya!!

 

I'm a new chicken mum too, so can't offer a lot of advice as still learning myself... but I do know that chickens should be fed raw potato peelings.

 

Lucky you for getting an egg so soon!! the girls must be happy

 

Pretty sure this is a typo as they should not be fed raw potato at all

[C&T]

Mine certainly love weetabix - with water, not milk, and just a little bit sloppy.... and have seen others on this site have given their chickens porridge made with water too - although I have not tried that yet with mine! Although, it could of course just be her shopping!!

[Egluntyne]

Definitely don't give them raw potato of any sort.....it contains a toxin. It is rendered harmless when cooked though.

 

Mine love cooked peelings, and mashed spuds.

[Hen Watch]

Glad to hear Piri Piri and Chilli have arrived safely and that you already have an egg.

 

Poultry Spice - I personally add to treats every so often as a "pick me up".

Oyster Grit - is soluable shell which gives them calcium to make egg shells hard. So you can leave a little pot out for them, or mix in with feed. Normal Hen Grit (they pick up in the garden, or which you provide) acts as "teeth" on their insides to grind up food.

Garlic Powder - I use a teaspoon every day in their feed, helps reduce poop smells.

 

There is a good bit on treats for chickens in FAQ.

viewtopic.php?f=42&t=12659

Mine love cooked potato peelings and loads more besides. Not sure about dry bread, small quantities might be best soaked, but I can't comment as I never give mine bread. You will find you hardly have leftovers of anything now you are a chook owner.

[Guest]

No Bread.

 

But mine love toast with MArmite - but you have to "marmite" both side or thay turn there noses up if it falls marmite side down and they can't see it!

 

Louise

[Plum]

Love their names, did they come with them. You are asking all the questions for me thanks.

[millymollymandy]

yes they came with those names but I might change chili's name to sweet chili much to the annoyance of OH!

 

They are both happily pottering around the garden as I speak, no egg this morning but as I got one within two hours of getting them I shouldn't complain!

 

So glad I got them now not sure the cats are though they seem terrified of the chooks he he

[Plum]

Hope she is sweet.

Mine turned their noses up at marmite on toast, after my friend had laughed at me making it for them.

[helenmb]

Poultry spice - only give a little pinch in their food when they are either under the weather or moulting, oyster grit - you can mix a bit into their food or scatter some in their run and they'll pick it up when they want some grip and garlic powder - add in a rounded teaspoon full or so to their food everytime you fill up their grub container it helps make their poo less smelly, however the garlic powder stinks and if you get it wet goes all weird and sticky! i guess I just add a bit to their feed every now and again.

Congratulations on getting your two girls. Answers to some of your questions about extra supplements above.

Agree with the comments about potatoes that others have already posted. I think the general rule is not to over do treats and stick to giving them in the afternoons after they have filled up on the important stuff (think of the extra bits to them are like chocolate and crisps to us!).

 

Enjoy your girlies - pictures please when you have time as we'd love to see them in your new home.