nelliemif Posted August 3, 2011 Share Posted August 3, 2011 (edited) Hello, I've been waiting for hens for 25 years and I've finally managed to convince my better half that it's a good idea (perhaps I need to work on my persuasion skills!). Anyway, our Cube + extention and 4 hens are arriving on 23rd, our 25th wedding aniversary! Brilliant, fantastic, great, exciting, terrifying!! What do I do with hens?! What do I need to buy?! Panic is setting in (not an unfamiliar feeling - I'm hoping my girls will be a calming influence!) and I'm convinced they'll all be dead in a week, either from poor husbandry or preditor! Perhaps I'm over reacting (perhaps?!) but it suddenly feels like a huge responsibility and I feel totally unprepared. All words of encouragement greatfully recieved, Looking forward to hearing from you... please Edited August 3, 2011 by Guest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowy Posted August 3, 2011 Share Posted August 3, 2011 Perfectly normal feeling! What a great anniversary present as well! Now, deep breaths, calm down, go get a cup of tea and settle down with the computer to read through all the FAQs on this forum. You'll be fine Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Griffin Posted August 3, 2011 Share Posted August 3, 2011 You'll need to buy a comfy chair for all the hours you'll spend sat watching them Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sam Posted August 3, 2011 Share Posted August 3, 2011 Don't worry they'll be fine All they need really is food in their grub, water in their glug and a little pot of grit. Oh and bedding to go in the poo trays and nesting box. Other than that, that should be all you need to start out! You will probably acquire more 'stuff' later on It is recommended they are wormed every 3-4 months with Flubenvet, but you can worry about that then You should also check for lice&mites on then hens every now and then. Don't worry they won't be dead in a week Good luck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vickichicky Posted August 3, 2011 Share Posted August 3, 2011 You've already made a great 2nd decision by logging on to here! There really isn't much you can't find out on this site - and I always find the advice better than can be found in a book, as it's so personal and you can ask 'why & how'! Have fun with your chooks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chickenopolis Posted August 3, 2011 Share Posted August 3, 2011 I spend years nagging my OH who finally relented!!! Don't worry or panic. I too was convinced that mine would be dead within a week - and now just over 2 years on, they are still being wonderful, annoying, sweet, naughty little girls that they have grown to be. They have found their inner chicken, and it is wonderful to watch. The need to get more hens was so bad that in June I got 2 more, and now I want more, and more and more. Ooh by the way, people on this forum will talk about "morehens disease". Don't panic like I did and started searching the internet for what this was, convinced my chickens had it, it is simply that once you get hens, you will want "more hens"........ Just take it easy, don't rush anything, don't expect anything from yourself, the girls will help you. Arm yourself with mealworms, grapes and sultana's (Dolly will squeak at you if she thinks you are hiding some from her). Get a comfy chair in the garden, a mug of coffee, and just watch them. 2 years on and I am still doing that, and it is the best way to relax, plus your girls will reward you with eggs, and there is nothing more tasty that eggs on toast in the morning, when the eggs were hatched only minutes ago. Good luck - keep us updated, and we will want to see pictures of your new girls. Everyone on this forum is here to help, guide and to offer advice, but we are veracious in that we NEED photos of any new chickens..... Big hugs Sarah Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted August 3, 2011 Share Posted August 3, 2011 Welcome . Can't believe it's taken you 25 years . As the others have said, don't panic, it all starts to fall in place once you get your girls . In the meantime, you could have a read of the Shopping List for Newbies. You really don't need much to start off with though, so don't start thinking you've got to rush out and get everything on that list. Good luck and just come back here if you have any questions at all - if you you need to know something, just do a search and you'll find that someone has always asked the same question before. If that doesn't work, just ask us . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jackian Posted August 3, 2011 Share Posted August 3, 2011 2 months ago I was the same as you.. What took me so long mainly lack of space but that was soon sorted after ear marking part of our very small garden and taking a while to make a WIF. It all happened one slightly drunken Sunday evening my OH came in while I was on the PC and said "I think we should do it..If we don't do it now we never will" Before I knew what had happened I had ordered a wooden coup. The next morning after the night before I was My only regret if any , I did not know about omlet at the time and would dearly have loved an eglu .I am biding my time., I got our girls from Omlet , and they are a joy . The moment I found the first egg, well it might have been made of gold Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chickencam Posted August 3, 2011 Share Posted August 3, 2011 Don't worry I think that we all recognise that feeling, we took the plunge 4 years ago with 3 and we now have 11 A lot of their care is common sense and there is loads of advice to be had on here too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
majuka Posted August 3, 2011 Share Posted August 3, 2011 Perfectly normal, we were just the same Do your research but try not to dwell too much on what can go wrong or you will end up panicking. Enjoy your new girls. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Henergy Posted August 3, 2011 Share Posted August 3, 2011 You will be fine - its very daunting. I remember the night I got mine - I was so panicked that I'd made a big mistake. But its been wonderful & they are very calming. As said, there are loads of posts here to help. If you are struggling with a particular topic, type the word into the search box at the top & lots of relevant posts will appear. Good luck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
auntielizzie Posted August 3, 2011 Share Posted August 3, 2011 Please don't worry. I felt exactly the same; after dreaming of having chickens for so many years I finally got my wish. The first night was really scary - I kept leaping out of bed at every little noise, convinced something was going to attack them Every morning, I woke up at the crack of dawn and practically ran downstairs and into the garden. It suddenly felt like a lot of work and I felt soooo responsible and really started to wonder whether my OH had been right all along and I really didn't want to get "lumbered with more pets". I started to relax over the next few days and I would say within three weeks the girls had me organised Before I knew it, everything was perfect The girls really seem to be very helpful and are so independent in a lot of ways. They are fascinating, wonderful, funny, naughty little creatures and I love them to bits. We have been together for five months and looking back, I can't believe I got myself so stressed about it I can't wait until the day when I can increase my "flock". (I also panicked about Morehens Disease - I thought "oh my god that sounds terrible" and I'd never read anything about it in any of my books - luckily it didn't take me too long to work out what a silly billy I was I never tire of them, even last night when I went out in the pitch black to shut them in for the night, when it was pouring with rain (torrential), torch in hand, it wasn't a chore and I happily tucked them in and said goodnight to them. I find them a perfect way to wind down after a stressful day at work. They just make you happy and relaxed and you can't help chatting to them. Only trouble is, its difficult not to spoil them. The forum is fantastic. Enjoy your chickens! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
witzend Posted August 3, 2011 Share Posted August 3, 2011 DON'T PANIC!!! I've had mine just over a month and they're easy peasy. Apart from the very 1st night when I put them to bed, they have taken themselves off to bed and let themselves out in the morning............I keep the eglu door open because it's in my WIR I make sure they have water and food before they go to bed and then I top up their food and put fresh water in when I get up in the morning - sometimes this is after 10 on a Sunday (!) I poo pick when I 1st go in (WIR and EGLU, topping up the aubiose in the EGLU), and then, again, before I give them treats about 4.30pm. I probably don't actually NEED to do this but I just feel it's nicer for them to have less to tread in!!!! The poo pick stuff goes into a plastic bag which I keep in the run until the weekend. Morning routine takes less than 10mins I've had NO flies because I've a fly trap at the other end of the garden and there's no smell - even though they back directly onto my living room doors. Each Saturday morning I clean out the EGLU, rake over the chippings, sprinkle disinfectant, move the climbing frames around and put the poo pick bag in the dustbin. Weekend routine probably takes about 15-20 mins I've been pleasantly surprised just how easy it's been...................so far Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jennydavies Posted August 3, 2011 Share Posted August 3, 2011 Hello Witzend, why don't you put the poo into a compost bin and get wonderful fertilizer for your or friends gardens ? I collect the poo from the tray each morning, mix it with water, put it into plastic bottles and give to friends for their veggie plots. It's truly wonderful stuff and our veggie garden provides us and our girls with loads of stuff all through the year. Just a thought for you to try.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nelliemif Posted August 4, 2011 Author Share Posted August 4, 2011 Thanks everyone, much calmer this morning! Sooooo good to know there are friendly, understanding, human, people out there. I know where to come when things gets bumpy! I've decided where I think I'll put them - thought they could clear my veg patch for me (we've only just moved in a month or so ago, and I need to get a veg patch ready for next spring, hens doing the work for me - good idea or bad idea?) I've found my chair and stocked up on tea and coffee - using both as we speak!) and will be reading through everything I can find on here. What about dust baths? A seed tray/cat litter tray filled with play sand/soil? How do I keep it dry? And is there any way to find local omleteers? Now for that cuppa... Thanks, Nell Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted August 4, 2011 Share Posted August 4, 2011 They will make short work of your veg patch so it's a great idea. Just make sure you secure it well when you've got veg in there or they'll do the same again . They'll often find their own spot for a dustbath in a flowerbed if the soil is dry. You can put a tray of some sort in their run which, if you have a cover on it, will keep it dry. Some use small tub trugs (matching the cube, naturally ). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lavenders_Blue Posted August 4, 2011 Share Posted August 4, 2011 I have one of these covered dustbaths from Flyte so Fancy, my hens love it! In the winter, the ground is too wet for them to dig their own dustbath craters so it gets lots of use. In the wet weather, they also hide out under there to keep dry and in the summer it provides a nice shady spot for sitting. I don't think it actually gets used for dustbathing in summer as they dig their own holes, but they sit in there most days out of the sun. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Benaberry Posted August 4, 2011 Share Posted August 4, 2011 Welcome aboard I think we've all felt that way at some point early on with our new 'pets' - I know i did when husband finally agreed after a couple of years of nagging to buy a chicken house but as soon as my original girls arrived last July, I fell in love with their huge characters, and even remember cleaning out their house last December in the middle of a snowstorm Don't panic - my girls really are pretty much self sufficient; I check the girls, feed, change water and poo pick daily which takes about 10 minutes in the morning and then again do a night-time check and quick poo pick, and then big clean out weekly/fortnightly (depending on how much mess they've made!); any other time spent with them is really just an indulgence for me and them - usually involving spoiling them with something tasty... Re the dustbath, mine have got a big cat litter tray (one of the really deep ones rather than one as shallow as say a seed tray) - admittedly even then lots of the sand/compost gets chucked out, but they do seem to be having fun whilst making the mess. Their run is covered over, and it's in the most sheltered corner (protected by fence and shed), so it stays pretty much dry. They also then have great fun making their own craters in the garden when they get the chance Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daxigirl Posted August 4, 2011 Share Posted August 4, 2011 What about going on one of the hen parties that some experienced keepers run on here? You could have a good look and ask as many questions as you can think of. Or what about visiting a cube/eglu owner so you can have a look at their set up etc? (You can get carried away buying stuff that it turns out you don't need or not yet anyway.) You will need a foam garden kneeler to cut into a strip to poke in the drain space in the nest box to stop the bedding falling out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted August 4, 2011 Share Posted August 4, 2011 Welcome to the forum have a look around the forum and ask if you cant find an answer to your question Any run (and dustbath) will stay drier if you have a cover on the top of the run, Tarpaflex and Omlet sell clear tarpaulin type covers which are good, Omlets are made for the specific runs and Tarpaflex sell normal clear tarpaulins a little cheaper but maybe not quite as neat. In winter some people have tarps down to the ground on one or two sides of the run - in the summer that would be too hot though If you are anywhere near me I'd be happy to show you round my chooks and give you some pointers, I am in Towcester Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lindafw Posted August 4, 2011 Share Posted August 4, 2011 FOAM STRIP - brill idea...I have this problem and never thought how it could be solved Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hammy72 Posted August 4, 2011 Share Posted August 4, 2011 (edited) I have only had mine for a week and felt quite anxious beforehand but I am enjoying them more each day. They now 'talk' to me when I let them out in the morning and toddle up to me in the afternoon when I take them their corn treat, even pecking it out of the lid that I hold out to them. A week ago they were nervous of me now they know I am there to feed them. They are still quite flappy but I find sitting in the netted off area with them helps me get used to that and they also like jumping on top of their eglu run. They are dust batheing in their run (in the sunshine) and in the netted area when I let them out. The only thing I need to keep working on is my dogs socialisation with them. The dogs are fairly calm until they flap about. It might be that I always have to let them have their "chicken-out" time when the dogs are shut in the house, either that or I am getting a walk-in run so that we can all be in the garden together. I still do a 3-point check every night (eglu porthole, tray and door) and have been a bit OCD going back to check again so that I know they are secure from foxes. However, they put themselves to bed no problem about 9pm. Everyone on here has been very helpful with my newbie questions so ask away... Edited August 5, 2011 by Guest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
auntielizzie Posted August 4, 2011 Share Posted August 4, 2011 And is there any way to find local omleteers?Nell It doesn't indicate on your post where abouts you are in the country - I am in Welwyn Garden City, Herts. I'm sure wherever you are there will be somebody on the forum nearby. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Purplemaniacs Posted August 4, 2011 Share Posted August 4, 2011 Welcome to the forum, you will find lots of answers on here and if you can't find the answer post the question and someone will always answer it. They are a very helpful lot. Where abouts are you, don't post your exact location just the area and someone close may be able to show you their set up. Chrissie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vickichicky Posted August 5, 2011 Share Posted August 5, 2011 You will need a foam garden kneeler to cut into a strip to poke in the drain space in the nest box to stop the bedding falling out. aha! Thats a good idea! I currently use a small strip of paper over the hole....mind you it is a good way to check to see if there is any mites lurking underneath (so far none in the cube )..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
