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[tinamc]

Hi All,

 

I got my coop yesterday and am picking up my 4 girls on Saturday. Cant wait!

 

Before I get them I was wondering what supplies I need to get in ready for them? The place that I am getting my girls from is supplying me with a bag of food, so I don't need to worry about getting that at the mo.

 

I was reading a post about a shopping list for newbies and so far on my shopping list i've got some bedding and grit, but it also mentions things like apple cider vinegar and poultry drinks, do I need to be getting these?

 

Also i've read somewhere that mealworms are a good snack for hens, and if so, are the dried ones that I get for the wild birds ok to feed to them?

 

Sorry for the loads of questions....I feel like I did just before my son was born worrying what size nappies I needed etc!!!!

[poppy ben grace]

Bless your heart, we know how you feel, how exciting for you! I would get some acv, its a good thing to add it to their water. Other handy things are purple spray(for cuts, pecks etc), anti pecking spray incase of bullying, mealworms are good, the dried ones for birds are fine. I would also see if you can get some flubenvet wormer, your girls may have been wormed already but this is really the best wormer, avoid the cheaper "herbal " wormers, they just dont work as i found out at the cost of one of my hens. Cant think of much else, am sure others will have some good ideas soon! I know its hard but try and relax when they arrive and enjoy them, they are the best! We will want to see pics!

[Sam]

When I started out all I got was bedding, food, water and grit. I've seen the list and you could end up spending a fortune But I've done everything quite basic and still have happy healthy hens

[cheekymonkey200]

I'd agree with Sam! I had no idea what to get when I picked my girls up but the breeder sent me away with just food, wormer, bedding and grit. I've gradually accumulated more things as I've needed them but only cleaning liquid and flea powder (which makes Maude and Mildred smell delightful ) Don't spend too much money, as long as they have the right food, they'll eat pretty much whatever treats you give them, keep them clean and full and they'll be happy as larry and you'll always have Omlet on hand for emergency extras!

 

Try not to worry too much- though I still wake up in the middle of the night worrying I'm doing it all wrong!

 

Good luck and let us know how you get on!

[chick wiggle]

Yep i agree, just look forward to getting your girls for now. If they have food, grit and water and you keep them clean, they will happy. Thats all i had when i started, you pick up the other things along the way as and when you need them.

If you bought everything all at once you'd need a second mortgage

Of course, one of the most important things is a comfy chair and a camera as you will be sat for hours just watching them!

Such an exiting time for you, i cant wait to see your photos

[tinamc]

Thanks for your help!! I'll be going out later to get all that i need for their arrival!

 

Will post some pics of my girls as soon as I can!

[tinamc]

Also I was just wondering, I have some ACV in my kitchen cupboard, is this ok to give to the chickens or is chicken ACV different to human ACV?

[witzend]

I'm having a senior/blonde day today - what's AVC?

[zakjon-98]

Acv is apple cider vinegar and it's like a tonic you put in their water.

[witzend]

LOL - that's ok then...............I've got some in!!!

[Egluntyne]

The sort of ACV that you buy at the supermarket for salad dressings is not the correct sort. You need the unrefined cloudy sort available at equestrian shops and online. Omlet sell it.

[witzend]

Mine's from Omlet x