Pro - Does anyone else's nest boxes get soaked in rain?

[cats_dogs_chicks]

Argh. This time last year I was reading up on everything and doing all my research into getting some hens. I had two books on chickens(gave them away and only 1 returned).I even had plans for the 30ft down the side of the house. Then things changed with my husband's job, chicken finances got spent and then had hassle from neighbour behind over my cats. They spent 98% of their time in a run. That is now 100% for the past 7 months. I was heartbroken all year not being able to get my chickens. I didn't even go to the local self sufficiency show that year. I put the thoughts of chickens out of my mind.

 

On Sunday last I went to this years self sufficiency show. Got an aloe vera plant, some strawberries and as I had some change left on impulse I got a grain feeder, water feeder, half big bag of food, half big bag of shavings and 2 six week old bluebells. What did I do

 

I set them up in the garage in an old childs playpen with chicken wire around it, on sheets of newpapers and some shavings. They are using a cat carrier as a bed. The guy selling them said to keep them in for the next 4 weeks as they are two young to go out. In a shed if possible. Unfortunately I can't as the cats have one side and the dogs the other. So it has to be the garage. I leave the light on and the utility door open to let in extra light plus the radio on.

 

I have nothing else sorted for them. I was doing my best Monday night not to throw up. Buyers regret my husband called it. I feel a bit calmer after talking to a local guy who makes arks. He says they quieten down when older.

 

I have nothing for them. I would love an eglu but don't have room down the side for the run that comes with it. Plus delivery to Ireland is expensive. If I go wooden does it make a difference whether it has felt on the roof or ladder or would it be better all wooden? I really want to try to mimimise red mite attacks. They will be housed on concrete but with either bark/wood chippings/straw/topsoil and multipurpose compost depending on what I can get my hands on. Plus they will have access to the 25ft by 4ft cat run when the cats are housed in the shed. Plenty of things to root and scratch at there.

 

1 - So the house - wooden with or without felt. Does it make a difference? Or save up and get the eglu?

2 - they are on food that came with them and I have a few weeks supply left. When can they go on to other food?

3 - are they too young to introduce any food treats for them? If not what could I offer them?

4 - what sprays, powders,cleaning products and food/worming/general health supplements etc do I need to stock up on? I am in the middle of Ireland and although chicken keeping is increasing it will still be hard enough to source things quickly.

5 - What can I give them to stop them being bored? Any toys?

6 - Are they too young for a dust bath? if not what mix of soil should I give them?

7 - what can I grow for them to eat? We are already trying to grow some veg.

The child pen is 123cm long x 65cm wide x75cm height. It has a trellis and chicken wire roof on it as one likes to try and fly.

 

Any advice on how to calm down, get my thinking hat on and stop stressing out over having chickens?

Thanks

[jellykelly]

Wow - That's an impulse buy and a half.

 

Ok firstly.... housing. If money is an issue and ou need a temporary house, look at pets at home. Currently they have a plastic dog kennel reduced to £29. If you knock up a little wooden perch using three bits of wood to fox into a H shape, they'll be happy.

The run (playpen will be good for now). You could make your run. All you need is simple DIY skills. Contact your local timber merchants - ask them to cut some wood to the appropriate lengths and you simply collect and screw together. Pin some weld meld around the sides and job done!

 

I don't have much idea about what to do with chicks, but I'm sure you'll be told that they need to go under heat and be fed growers pellets from about 8 weeks of age.

Erm treats, I think is slow and small introductions to greens and mealworms etc - but do not over do it.

 

Everything else - I'm sure someone else will be along soon to help.

 

Good luck!

[chicken bark]

Wow.

 

That's jumping in at the deep end.

 

Have you tried looking to source food, health stuff online? I think flytesofancy.co.uk could have everything you need (including advice) and they ship to Ireland. And there is Omlet themselves of course. Then once you have stuff in you can relax and search to source things locally at your own pace.

 

It sounds as though you have a good long term plan - but avoid felt on wood. How about looking for a second hand rabbit hutch - put a perch in it and pop hole. There are lots of people with ideas out there!

 

Good luck with it all - it sounds as though you will have your hands full but try to enjoy it!

[Egluntyne]

As it is still quite cold at night, I would say at the very least, they need to be given a source of heat. Many chicks will still be in a brooder at this young age, being gradually weaned off heat. They are probably being noisy because they are cold.

 

I'm horrified that the breeder sold them to you in the full knowledge that you were unprepared tbh.

 

Whatever housing you decide to get for when they are ready to go out, it must be dry, draught free and predator proof. It would be better with a roof that is not covered in roofing felt, as this is a haven for red mite. Also..... I'm afraid chicken wire is not up to the task of keeping a determined fox out. Weldmesh is a better option.

 

The chicks should be ready to go onto growers pellets at 6 weeks, can have a few greens to peck at, and fresh water daily.

 

Are they all girls?

[Redwing]

 

 

1 - So the house - wooden with or without felt. Does it make a difference? Or save up and get the eglu? Wooden is fine - no felt on the roof if you can possibly avoid it2 - they are on food that came with them and I have a few weeks supply left. When can they go on to other food? see below

3 - are they too young to introduce any food treats for them? If not what could I offer them? They can have a bit of lettuce, cabbage or dandilion leaves no problems, not too much or they get runny poo! 4 - what sprays, powders,cleaning products and food/worming/general health supplements etc do I need to stock up on? I am in the middle of Ireland and although chicken keeping is increasing it will still be hard enough to source things quickly. Some lice powder and Poultry Shield disinfectant would be useful to have, wormers etc.. can come later

5 - What can I give them to stop them being bored? Any toys? a few logs or a tyre to jump on and root around would be good

6 - Are they too young for a dust bath? if not what mix of soil should I give them? some very dry Garden soil or compost in a cat litter tray will be appreciated 7 - what can I grow for them to eat? We are already trying to grow some veg. lettuce, cabbage, spinich, and oregano are all liked by chooks

The child pen is 123cm long x 65cm wide x75cm height. It has a trellis and chicken wire roof on it as one likes to try and fly.

 

They should move to growers pellets now, mix in the remaining food with the growers pellets to help them change over. As I read it they are still in the garage?? if so this will be fine for them until they are about 10 weeks old

 

Any advice on how to calm down, get my thinking hat on and stop stressing out over having chickens?

Thanks