Single hen

[Sky]

Our Ark is now ready to accept our new girles who we are picking up from Cambridge on Saturday Could someone please tell me which is the best material to use in the nesting boxes. I am planning on putting newspaper sheets under the roosting perch but I am not sure whether to use straw or shredded paper in the nesting boxes.

 

Also, I have ordered the netting fence from Omlet so that we can give the hens more space when we are at home. If I need to electrify this fence as an extra deterrent to keep Mr Fox away, can I use the same energiser as I use on my pony fence or is there a different one for chickens?

 

Sorry, so many questions

[Hen Watch]

Can't help with electric fence query - but I have seen previous posts on this forum about it - sure someone will come along with help soon.

 

1 of my 4 girls used to eat shredded paper so I had to stop. But lots of folk on here use it no problem at all (and it's free). But for me, my personal favourite is Auboise or Hemcore horse bedding in the nestbox, poop tray and run. Can't beat it.

[atsw]

I line the poo tray with sheets to newspaper (The Daily Telegraph fits a treat!), and use straw in the nest box. Our oldest hen, Fifi, loves to eat and shred newspaper given half a chance, so that's why straw is used for the nest box rather than newspaper. Apart from the odd days where the three of them get bored and decide to pull all the straw into the run ( ), it all seems to work very well.

 

Andrew

[Sky]

Ok well since I have a barn full of straw then I think I will start with that and see how it goes, the Aubose does sound like a good option and I can probably get that from my horse shop so if the straw is a problem then I will change. For the time being I will stick with what I have got - my "credit crunch conscious hubby" will agree with me I know

[fluffyknickers]

Hello, I live in Chelmsford too.

 

I have a and and - owned them for two weeks.

 

Mine sleep in the nest box but at the moment, not worried about it. I put aubiose (nearest I found was Harlow) and shredded paper in it. I dont know if mine eat it as never see them when they are in there.

 

I am a bit soft and as they are young and sleeping in it I do try to make the nest bit really comfy.

 

M

[Sky]

Ooooh lovely to hear from another "beginner" and so close. I am actually in the Hanningfield area but Chelmsford is the nearest main town

[fluffyknickers]

Oh great - I am just up the road in Great Baddow.

 

I have asked and still ask, every possible question to the point of being annoying! So when I do answer other peoples questions its only because I have asked the same!

 

There are some places with useful bits in Battlesbridge - corn, wood chip, bedding, feed. I ordered most of the main bits from Omlet and other places on line.

 

I am waiting very impatiently for my first egg!

[stoice]

Welcome to the forum by the way! Yay, another essex chook owner!

 

I use Hemcore inside their house and outside as I have a covered run (It absorbs a LOT so it needs protection from the rain). I've also tried shredded paper, chopped straw (Medi-bed) so my next purchase will be easi-bed (Small chopped wood bits). I thought the best way to see what material is best is to try them myself. Thing is it takes a while as a bag of bedding lasts ages.

 

Thanks for telling me about Battlesbridge Mazzyc, I work in Southend so could swing by there on my way home. Sky, here is a list of chook friendly suppliers I have found about the place...

 

Upsons in Hatfield Peverel is pretty good for feed and horse bedding too.

Marriages in Colchester Cowdray Centre (Think there's one in Chelmsford too)

Tower Feeds in Tiptree.

DF Feeds in Hullbridge.

Potash Garden Centre, Hawkwell

Marks Tey Pet cash and carry.

[fluffyknickers]

The place in Harlow is good as has Aubiose - just got to remember the name!

 

We should have an essex meet up some time soon (youd all be welcome here but very small house and garden!).

 

x

[Sky]

Thanks everyone. One more day to go. Will keep you posted as to how it all goes although I am sure you are all pretty experienced on "chicken arrivals" Will do a bit of research on the electric fence issue although I am sure that the people where we collect the hens from should be able to answer that one.