tessa Posted May 23, 2009 Share Posted May 23, 2009 Hello, I am really new to forums so i don't really know what to do. Everyone hear seems relly friendly so I will introduce myself. I am a mother of three children just about to get my first chickens. We are sooo excited. I have bought a coop and am hoping to get 3 chickens very soon. I live in Bo'ness and there only seems to be 1 supplier in my area...All Year Round.com. The guy does'nt seem very friendly and he did'nt like me asking questions on where his chooks come from and how healthy they will be. Can anyone recomend a friendlier supplier. I have no idea what to feed them on and whether i need straw ect. The coop is sitting on my patio so I need to know what I can put in the coop( ie sand,straw,soil...) as slabs seem a bit boring for them. Do they like sand?. I am intending to ley them roam around the garden during the day (when i am not at work). Are they allergic to anything?. I hope someone can give me a hand because books are no way as good as experienced advice. Tess Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joojoo Posted May 23, 2009 Share Posted May 23, 2009 Hi Tessa Welcome to the forum. It's a fab place for all sorts of information (and hilarious nonsense), not just about chooks. Have a look on here (the chicken part of the forum) http://club.omlet.co.uk/forum/viewforum.php?f=42 you'll find a lot of answers to your questions and there is also a search button at the top left hand side of the page where you can find answers too. If you don't find the answer, just post on here and someone will be along to help you asap. Enjoy the forum and welcome to the (mad) world of chicken keepers xx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted May 23, 2009 Share Posted May 23, 2009 Hi Tessa and welcome to the forum . Another Scottish Omleteer . Here is a thread about All Year Round Birds (confirming your fears!) . I got my girls from George Ogilvie at Ballencrieff Mains Farm near Longniddry and I get most of my supplies from Drum Feeds (just off the by-pass at the Sheriffhall Roundabout). You'll need to feed them layers pellets (assuming they are at point of lay) and mixed corn is good for an afternoon treat. Horse bedding is great for putting down in the run - I use Easibed but there are various types which all work well. I'm not sure if this is the right phone number but they can point you in the right direction: Ballencrieff Farm Shop Ballencrieff Farm Longniddry East Lothian EH32 0PJ Tel: 01875 870551 As Joojoo says, have a good look round the forum and you'll find out all you need to know . Feel free to ask anything you need to as well . PS I'm just going to pop this into "Chickens" as it's more about that than anything else! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Electricbarbarella Posted May 24, 2009 Share Posted May 24, 2009 hi and welcome, you will find you spend a lot of time on here now. on the patio you could use aubiose which is a type of horse bedding, but the run will need to be covered up, or wood chips, get from b & Q, with regards to the suppliers, if you cant find a local supplier you are happy with then dont get biords from somewhere you dont like, wernlas collection deliver birds, may be worth having a look, or I am sure some others on here can help you out. May be that you need to have a day trip somewhere, otherwise you could have a look at the BHWT website and see if they have any rescues nearer you. x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
katieadams Posted May 24, 2009 Share Posted May 24, 2009 Hello! We're just about to change ours from bark chippings to rubber chippings because we don't have it all covered and don't have the space to store a massive bale of auboise!! We fancy rubber chippings because you can hose them down. There's a thread on here entitled 'who's got the smallest garden' and that's got a few pics of our gardens if you need some inspiration on where to put them and what to put them on (not all small gardens either!!) Here it is viewtopic.php?f=5&t=44553&hilit=smallest+garden Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
miffy Posted May 24, 2009 Share Posted May 24, 2009 welcome to the forum. this forum is a mine of information thanks to our fellow Omleteers !!! there are plenty of folk (like me) who know very little but enjoy the chat and fun on this family forum. I'm sure you will find this forum addictive!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted May 24, 2009 Share Posted May 24, 2009 Hiya Tessa and welcome This is the friendliest forum around, the others seem to have answered your questions so far. Our important questions to you (as we are very nosy) what sort of chickens do you think you will get? do the anticipated chickens have names yet? and are the kids excited? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freddie Posted May 24, 2009 Share Posted May 24, 2009 Well Hello! It doesnt seem so long ago I ventured on here for the first time!!! They're all nuts, but it's the far freindliest forum around, with everyone helping everyone else, and having fun doing so; BUT, kiss goodbye to housework now!!! I dont beleive many do any, as we're always sneaking on here!! Welcome to you and yr family, ask any question, about anything pretty much, nothing is too stupid(I've asked most of those tho'); Enjoy your hens Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
katieadams Posted May 24, 2009 Share Posted May 24, 2009 And have a look at Freddie's egg skelter they're great!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tessa Posted May 25, 2009 Author Share Posted May 25, 2009 Hello everyone, thanks for all your replys. I have great news.... I have found a supplier of my first chooks. A lovely lady in biggar ( feufield farm) is going to sort me out with hens,food,bedding and drinkers/feeders. She was really lovely and chatty and I am off with the family on Sunday to visit her. Apparently she has a coffee shop and petting farm there so the kids are going to love this. OOOh I reckon i'm more excited than the kids about our new pets. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted May 25, 2009 Share Posted May 25, 2009 Sounds a super place. I fancy a day out there myself! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Valkyrie Posted May 25, 2009 Share Posted May 25, 2009 Hello Newbie Tessa. This lot are a friendly bunch with all different interests - which are very helpful and if you go on the All Things Nice section - very tasty! There are the nutty ones - not me of course - and there are the knights in shining armour who come to peoples' rescue. Then the chicken clinic where you will find things that you never heard of and seen - a mine of information. Enjoy your chickies and they are timewasters, so be warned - they do something daft every day. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Budgies Posted May 25, 2009 Share Posted May 25, 2009 Welcome aboard Tessa! How exciting that you'll be going to get your new girls soon! Bet you can't wait. Look forward to seeing you around the forum Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
