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

[Raina]

Hi all,

 

I have a few Questions,

 

 

1) Which is Best, Organic Feed or Layers Mash/Pellets?

 

 

2) How much/When should i give the hens Grit?

 

 

3) Whats the Best Bedding?

 

 

 

Thanks for reading,

 

 

Raina

[Redwing]

hi there.

 

Layers mash is a ground down powdery food and pellets are a compressed form of the same stuff. Mash takes longer to eat so is good if the hens are confined for long periods of time as it will keep them occupied, mash makes more mess than pellets though. Organic versions of both are aviailable but its personal choice as to whether you choose to feed organic or not.

 

Making up your own feed up is not a good idea - always use pellets or mash which is a balanced diet for chickens

 

You can feed grit in with the food, a handful to a feeder would be ok or you can feed it in a separate small dish (I use a hook on one) I fill mine up when it gets low - the chickens know how much they need and will only take it when required, if you let the chickens free range they will pick it up from the ground so don't panic if they arent taking any from the dish!

 

Aubiose/Easybed/hemcore are types of horse bedding that are good for chickens, you can use these in the chicken house and also in the run if it is protected from the rain by a roof or cover. Woodchips are good for the run too (I use Aubiose and woodchips mixed together)

 

phew!

[Ain't Nobody Here]

Hi Raina, don't worry about asking questions . We've all done it!

1) Which is Best, Organic Feed or Layers Mash/Pellets?

I feed mine layers pellets. Sometimes you just have to give them what your local supplier sells!

 

2) How much/When should i give the hens Grit?

I give them grit in a coop cup attached to the inside of the run. That way they have access to it whenever they need it.

 

3) Whats the Best Bedding?

I've used Hemcore in the past, which I loved but got too pricey. I now use Easibed, which is just as good and half the price.

 

Hope that helps!

[Raina]

Thanks Everyone

 

 

I used to buy Aubiose for my tortoises, I loved the stuff

[AbigailGrace]

Hello..

 

I just thought instead of opening another topic i could be cheeky and add to this..

 

How much and is it needed.. Types of questions..

 

Garlic powder.. Why do they need this..

 

Poultry spice.. Same ^

 

Bokashi Active..? I hear it's useful for the eglu dropping tray as well as the feed.. Is it just to break down there poo when composting and adding a lighter smell to it..

 

Well really.. What is my shopping list to contain..

 

Just everything i need..

 

Thankyou..

 

(hope you don't mind me adding..)

[Chook n Boo Mum]

Hello..

 

I just thought instead of opening another topic i could be cheeky and add to this..

 

How much and is it needed.. Types of questions..

 

Garlic powder.. Why do they need this..

 

Poultry spice.. Same ^

 

Bokashi Active..? I hear it's useful for the eglu dropping tray as well as the feed.. Is it just to break down there poo when composting and adding a lighter smell to it..

 

Well really.. What is my shopping list to contain..

 

Just everything i need..

 

Thankyou..

 

(hope you don't mind me adding..)

 

Garlic powder - reduces the smell of their poos, I add a couple of heaped teaspoons to a plastic container full of mash, plus a similar quantity of limestone flour for strong eggshells (and yes I do believe this works as after I ran out for couple of weeks I had two or 3 softies with no other good reason that I knew of, got some double quick after that!! other people use baked crushed eggs shells) and serve them morning & evening from the "doctored" box, mixed with warm water at this time of year. I also add a handful or two of bokashi bran, which also helps with smell and solidity (is there such a word?!) of their poos. At bedtime, well an hour before dusk when they come & knock on the door for their tea , they have a handful of corn mixed with their warm mash, with the occasional handful of sultanas/grapes/sweetcorn/mealworms. Not very scientific measurements I'm afraid, but it works for us!

 

My 3 darlings seem to have gone off the pellets, although there is always a feeder of "doctored" (as above) pellets available in the run, should they want/need it.

 

I have never used poultry spice, although I understand it's an excellent tonic when they are poorly or moulting.

 

Hope this helps.... and the shopping list will extend as far as you let it !

 

Sha x

[AbigailGrace]

Oh fab thankyou..

 

Very helpful..

 

Abigail