tracyann Posted February 4, 2011 Share Posted February 4, 2011 Hi all, Just wondered what the best piece of advice you have been given regarding your chickens that you can give me? Any pointers when choosing your new hens would be appreciated!! Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chortle Chook Posted February 4, 2011 Share Posted February 4, 2011 To go see some However nice the pictures in books there is nothing quite like seeing the real birdies. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oneyolktoanother Posted February 4, 2011 Share Posted February 4, 2011 To go see some However nice the pictures in books there is nothing quite like seeing the real birdies. totally agree and really think about the breeds you want as buying hens is so addvictive, also if you have'nt research what breeds usually go best together with the space you have Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sam Posted February 4, 2011 Share Posted February 4, 2011 I have a tub of mealworms that when I rattle they all come running which is really handy if I need to get them back into their run. I'd do something similar to this, i think some people use corn to rattle as well, just get them used to a sound to make free ranging easier Remember to post piccies! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gertie Posted February 4, 2011 Share Posted February 4, 2011 Not sure if you have already got houseing, in which case, ignore the first bit of this post!! If not...I would advise really thinking about what housing you need/want. Also, think whether you are going to be strict with yourself and not get more hens in the future - which will mean you need a bigger coop! I would say buy a bigger coop and run than you need...then when you contract Morehens disease it won't cost you any more money!! I would really read up about the housing and see what the pros and cons are of all the ones you are considering. Don't buy cheap, whatever you go for. I have ended up spending a fortune on getting the wrong housing first, then having to replace it. I now have a cube which is brilliant and so easy to clean and maintain. I just have hybrid hens which are lovely, friendly and good layers. I would also suggest getting a recommendation and going to visit. Plenty of research! I have learned so much from this site! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eggalp Posted February 4, 2011 Share Posted February 4, 2011 i agree with 5am re the free-ranging trick, i have a bright blue scoop that i use for their treats, so when i give them a call and they see the scoop they come running..........even if its empty Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
meezers Posted February 4, 2011 Share Posted February 4, 2011 Get the biggest coop and run you have space for, because you will be sure to fill it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted February 4, 2011 Share Posted February 4, 2011 If you want a pure breed do your homework and buy from a knowledgable breeder. Whatever type you buy make sure you are 100% happy with the environment they are coming from, listen out for sneezing hens and NEVER buy something thats ill because you feel sorry for it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pips_pekins Posted February 4, 2011 Share Posted February 4, 2011 I am still waiting to get my coop and run although they are ordered so haven't much to add. But the best advice I have had about choosing chickens is to go and see some different breeds. I have totally changed my mind about what I would like to keep since visiting breeders and seeing different breeds. Also get a good book. Choosing and keeping chickens by Chris Graham is a good one for beginners. At least I have found it very helpful and it has lots of information on different breeds. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JS1 Posted February 5, 2011 Share Posted February 5, 2011 Get more than one feeder and drinker to minimise quarrels when pecking order is being sorted out. Be prepared for lots of poo....It's amazing how much can come out of one little chicken. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
madchickenlady Posted February 5, 2011 Share Posted February 5, 2011 Always aim to give your birds the maximum space you can. Some coops/runs will seriously overestimate the amount of birds that can be happily housed. Overcrowding is at the root of a lot of health/behavioural issues. Oh, and I second the get the biggest house/run you can fit in your garden, because we all started out saying 'Oh, I'll just get two or three hens for the eggs' Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chestnutmare Posted February 5, 2011 Share Posted February 5, 2011 Yes, I agree. More than one feeder is needed as you might have a bossy one that might not want to share the food for a few days... Also, read as much as you can on this forum. I've learnt lots. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olly Posted February 5, 2011 Share Posted February 5, 2011 Best advice? (1) powdered garlic in their feed - it really does make the poo less smelly (2) aubiose/hemcore in the run - fabulous stuff (3) don't worry too much. Chickens know what they're doing even if you don't! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chicken bark Posted February 6, 2011 Share Posted February 6, 2011 I agree with all the above advice. More space = happier hens. Small and cheap is a false economy. I'd suggest getting some diatomaceous earth - it is an excellent red mite/louse powder. You just need to sprinkle it about the hen house, ends of perches and put it in their nesting box and dustbath. Hopefully it should keep you mite free. There are other powders out there - I just prefer one pot that does the lot rather than lots of different pots. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lorax Posted February 6, 2011 Share Posted February 6, 2011 My best piece of advice to add to the excellent (eggcellent, groan..) advice above is get hens that lay different coloured eggs. I find it really useful to know which has laid and I love having the different colours. We got four hens. We were going to get less but I think four is a really nice number to start with if you have the space. I also think: go to a good breeder (one that is recommended). I hesitated because the breeder's hens were more expensive but they were kept in beautiful condition and from what I can gather from friends who also have hens, ours seem healthier and lay more. Probs just a coincidence but.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cinnamon Posted February 6, 2011 Share Posted February 6, 2011 My advice is that when you go hen shopping,go with an open mind & see what hen takes your liking when you are there. They are all different & have different personalities,so let the hen choose you.....& be prepared to come home with something other than what you set out for! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...