Lavenders_Blue Posted September 2, 2009 Share Posted September 2, 2009 Hi , I'm new to hen keeping, and have been lurking on the forums for a while trying to find out as much as I can about it. I'm due to be collecting 4 ex batts sometime in September (not been given a definite date yet) and would like to ask you.... ...... what would you buy to go in your 'chicken starter kit'? I can see there are hundreds of products out there that I could buy, but obviously I don't want to go mad to start with! What would be your essentials to get started?? Many thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
legend21 Posted September 2, 2009 Share Posted September 2, 2009 Hi Lav Blue, I have 6 ex batts, got them in May, my essentials are Diatrom Earth, use it every time I clean out the poo tray and put some in the next box and in there feed. Stalosan F put on the ground before I put the bedding on top of it. Garlic powder to reduce the smell of their poos. Apple Cider Vinegar sploshed in their water. Citronella essential oil. I now have a host of stuff that I have bought since they arrived and more people will be along shortly to tell your their essential items. Good Luck and enjoy your girls Jackie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scrambledhead Posted September 2, 2009 Share Posted September 2, 2009 Congratulations on getting some ex batts you'll love watching them develop. You might want to consider some purple spray and something to worm them with, I think the concensus on the forum is that Flubenvet is the one to use but expect someone with more experience will be along soon! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chickendoodle Posted September 2, 2009 Share Posted September 2, 2009 I agree - garlic powder and apple cider vinegar (get them from a horsey shop - much cheaper) Worming stuff (we use Vermx & Flubenvet - probably overkill but hey) Food & a bag of corn (good for enticing anywhere Gentian violet spray and anti pecking spray - Flytesofancy on line are good Any treats you want to splash out on - dried mealworms are expensive but much loved Finally and most importantly: A comfy seat to watch them from Have fun Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimnpaula Posted September 2, 2009 Share Posted September 2, 2009 see the faqs on this site, this thread http://club.omlet.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=42&t=46461&view=unread#unread should help Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lavenders_Blue Posted September 2, 2009 Author Share Posted September 2, 2009 Very helpful replies, thanks everyone. Chickendoodle - I'm glad you mentioned a comfy chair - it hadn't occurred to me....... but will definitely be an essential!!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sammy Posted September 2, 2009 Share Posted September 2, 2009 There's also a sticky thread "First Aid Box" in the Chicken Clinic to give you more ideas. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xScrunchee Posted September 2, 2009 Share Posted September 2, 2009 I would say that to start with you need a coop, chickens, food and garlic powder (helps make the poo less smelly) and maybe a small bag of mixed corn. Everything else can be got bit by bit. Omlet say that they provide EVERYTHING you need to start keeping chickens. Therefore you don't NEED much. Over time you can get treats, vitamins, worming products etc but to start with you can just get the very basics and work from there. My chickens are my hobby and I spend a fair bit on them however-they can be kept just as healthy and happy for not a lot of money. Personal choice really Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted September 2, 2009 Share Posted September 2, 2009 Have a look at **this** article from the FAQ section, which is full of useful info for beginners. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ubereglu Posted September 2, 2009 Share Posted September 2, 2009 Poultry Spice-full of vitamins and minerals, which chickens need, especially when moulting and regrowing feathers. Also, some mealworms, they're very high in protein, which is what your ex-bats will also need to help feather themselves up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ness3103 Posted September 2, 2009 Share Posted September 2, 2009 i would definitely get the purple spray, and anti-pecking spray, poultry spice and flubenvet. i didn't get any of those initially and found that i needed them and had to wait for them to be delivered which was a nusiance. when i got the girls i got , food, grit, louse powder, apple cider vinegar, mixed corn and bedding. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
