Is your dog's unusual barking a secret code for something mysterious?

[DeeDee]

Hi,

 

I collected my first chickens yesterday and am after any advice you can give!

I have brought some apple cider vinegar and poultry spice and was wondering if anyone could tell me when to start giving this to them? The chickens are 18 and 16 weeks old.

All I have been doing this weekend is chicken watching!!!

[Mollie333]

What breed are they?

 

You can give it too them anytime. Generally, you don't need to use both as they're both supplements. I use ACV the first week of every month, more frequently in winter.

[Mum]

Welcome to the forums DeeDee and congratulations on getting your girls

 

Apple Cider Vinegar I put in their water each and every time I change it. Not only is it a supplement for the girls but it also prevents somethingorother from developing in the water (can't remember, long time since I learned it).

 

So, do tell:

Which type of chickens do you have?

What are their names?

Is it just the two?

What type of housing have you gone for?

 

Looking forward to getting to know you around the forums

[lindafw]

New chickens = hours of doing nothing watching them just be. Remember how good they are for your physical and mental health...all that destressing. On the other hand I am sure I am known as the mad chicken lady

[Cheeky Chooky]

Congratulations on your new girls I mix Poultry Spice in with their Mash and use a teeny drop of Herban in their water to keep them

[Luvachicken]

Well done on getting your new girls.

They are the best time waster of all.............

[sadietoo]

Congratulations....

 

I only use Apple Cider Vinegar for the first week of the month..

You will need to worm them about once every three-four months...

Feed them a good quality feed, sit back and enjoy...for the most part chickens are very good at looking after themselves...when the moult or are poorly they need a bit more help, but generally they are quite good at being Chickens in spite of us...

 

Relax and enjoy xxx

[DeeDee]

Hi everyone and thanks for all the replies.

I have 5 girls, 2 Isa Browns, 2 bovan Neras and 1 Red Ranger.

Have taken two days off work to make sure they are ok, a bit sad I know!

I have put the poultry spice in the food today and they seem to like it.

A few more questions for you all:

 

The girls dont go in to thier house at night and I am having to pick them up and put them in the house, any tips on how I can get them to go in themselves?

Also I have noticed that one of the girls has runny poos, all of the girls vents are clean and they all look healthy are eating and drinking, could this be a change in the environment and food? I have put a few greens and apple in there for them to eat aswell.

[Ain't Nobody Here]

Welcome to the forum and congratulations on your new girls .

 

You'll probably find they'll learn how to put themselves to bed in a few days .

 

Squitty poos aren't uncommon when they're settling in. It should clear up (but bear in mind you'll get "curry" poos from them all occasionally (it's a caecal clearout apparently!). Bokashi bran can be useful in firming up poos generally and reducing the smell.

[DeeDee]

Thanks aint "Ooops, word censored!"ody here, I am trying out the torch in the house today to see if that works.

Love your walk in run by the way, your pictures helped me when I got mine!

Haven't named the girls yet as my 4 year old niece wants to help me choose names!!!

[Cheeky Chooky]

Awww sweet Could be interesting Can't wait to hear what they're named!

[DeeDee]

Well I have had my girls for just over a week now and love them, although I cannot actually believe how much they poo !!

and on that subject I was wondering how often you all clean out your house? I have a walk in run and pick up the ones I can see on a daily basis. I have put down easichick in my run which is about 1 1/2 inces thick, can anyone advise how often I should re new this?