Single hen

[Space Chick]

Hi,

 

I'm getting my 4 girls in just over a weeks time (along with their lovely new green cube), and I wanted to get everything ready for them.

 

Can people review my shopping list! Let me know if theres anything I need which I haven't put on! I want to ensure that my girls will feel settled in and loved from the minute they arrive.

 

1. Feed, feeders, glugs - coming from Omlet so OK

2. Corn (going for the Super Mixed Corn from the Small Holders Range as this includes grit and oyster shells)

3. Garlic powder

4. Fresh veggie treats

5. Bedding - not sure what type is best though (hubby thinks that we can use straw or paper shreddings but I'm not sure?)

 

Also do I need:

Chicken spice

Red mite powder

Anything else?

 

Thankyou, I want to make sure I get things as prepared as possible, what with being a first time chicken mummy and all!

 

Debs

[Guest]

hi

If u use straw unless u have a big garden for a compost heap it does take a lot longer to rot down...I have used paper in my horses stable before and it can blow around once u take it to be composted(I had bits of bank statements all over my field quite a lot of fun trying to read them)

 

Get some horse type bedding..comes in bales sealed in plastic bag..everyone is using different but all similar Easibed /Hemcore/Aubiouse./dust extracted shavings it all rots down a lot quicker..and nicer to handle etc

Need to shop about as all the equine shops etc do seem to charge different prices...

I am not an expert but i was told layers pellets had oyster shell in it (complete feed)??

 

All I got was wormer/layers/grit/water container(awaiting cube glugs and grub)/ using low level dog bowl which is working great for food/bedding/ mite powder just in case/that was it..didnt go for ointments and spice stuff thought if i need it later can get it.

 

Newspapers to line the bottom of the house just to make it easier to clean out really

 

Good luck

[Space Chick]

Thankyou indie999,

 

I didn't think about wormer. Will they need to be wormed straight away then? How often do they need worming? Is it every 3 months like dogs and cats?

 

I'm getting my girls at Point of Lay, so I thought they would be vaccinated and wormed?

 

Can't wait now, but it is a little daunting.......!!!

[Guest]

I am no expert but if the seller is reliable and can let u know when they were last wormed etc I am sure that will be fine.

 

I have got 3 chickens from a seller and am getting another 2 tuesday next week so have decided to worm them all together when the others arrive.(thats what I was advised by the seller)

 

I understand its 3monthly unless they lose condition in between(as obviously they can get worm burden anytime)

 

Am sure someone else will correct me...I need to look more into wormers(most find it cheaper to buy online as well)?

 

 

Dont feel daunted as they are dead easy to look after..i only got them tuesday and seems like they have been with us for longer indie

[Space Chick]

Thanks again Indie,

 

Hope all goes well with picking up your new girls on Tuesday. It sounds like your hooked already.

 

Debs

[Falkor]

How exciting, a cube and four lovely new ladies in your life! Have they got names yet?

 

I have had chooks since Nov 08 and this is what i use all the time:

 

1. Layers pellets

2. Super Mixed Corn (from the Smallholders Range)

2. Aubiose Horse bedding

3. Mixed girt in a coup cup

4. Garlic Powder - calms the poop smell

5. Diatom - for the beasties!

6. Apple Cider Vinegar - added to water once a week for a healthy gut

7. Flubenvet Wormer (fed with pellets for 7 days once every three months)

 

 

I also have poultry spice but rarely use it mainly cos I forget . My girls just get our peelings and leftover cooked veggies....I used to buy bits especially for them but no more. (well maybe the odd tin of sweetcorn ).

 

I did buy two big plastic dog bowls from poundland to be used as treat bowls as the chooks can`t tip them up....the best £2.00 I ever spent!

 

I have brought other bits and pieces like......bungees, D clips, a big wide holed bird feeder, caged bird fruit holder, guinea pig treat ball, meal worms, bokashi bran .....the list goes on and on but the point i am trying to make (there is one honest!! ) is that bedding and layers pellets are essential and everything else can be got as you go.

 

My next chicken purchase will be a childs bucket and spade for WIR poop picking

[bigmommasally]

I think you will need some grit and a small container for it as they need this available all the time.

 

A comfy chair, coffee on tap, and a camera are also essentials for the first few days at least!

 

Enjoy your new hens

[Guest]

I think you will need some grit and a small container for it as they need this available all the time.

 

A comfy chair, coffee on tap, and a camera are also essentials for the first few days at least!

 

Enjoy your new hens

Yes I am looking for a wooden seat to put in the run so on a sunny day i can go and sit in their with them...

[Space Chick]

Thanks all,

 

Sorry for the delay in responding, was out with my friends yesterday, talking non stop about my new arrivals and now all my friends children want to come and see them when they arrive, and have started asking their parents "Can we have chickens" - oops

 

As for the names of my girls, I have decided but I can't share them yet! I have a unique opportunity to raise some money for charity. So, in my office I have provided a list of 60 "potential" names, people pay a £1 each to guess a name, and the lucky winners get an Easter Egg. With all the cash going to the charity our office sponsors. I have my names in a sealed envelope. I know that one of my work friends uses this forum, so if I shared the names - she could cheat!

 

Anyway, big day planned ridding my garden of Ivy as I know its poisonous to chooks.

 

Once again, thanks for your help, although no doubt there will be more questions from me soon.

 

Debs