PixieDust Posted October 18, 2014 Share Posted October 18, 2014 The Winter Pack https://www.omlet.co.uk/shop/chicken_keeping/vitamins_and_tonics/8630/winter_health_pack_for_chickens/#reviews As I am getting my girls in time for winter, should I be prepared? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beantree Posted October 18, 2014 Share Posted October 18, 2014 I'm not a great believer in too many 'potions' Pixiedust. But you could switch them to rearer pellets over Winter while they are not laying. Occasional treat of a little fresh fruit or veg will help as well. Ours get some wheat as a late treat because it digests slowly giving them energy to keep warm during the long nights (so I've been told). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PixieDust Posted October 18, 2014 Author Share Posted October 18, 2014 Same here. I have heard good things about Poultry Spice. Other people have said Vaseline is good to use for Scaly Mite and protecting wattles and combs from frostbite and some people swear by Cider Vinegar. Should I avoid mixed grit and layers pellets for a time, do you think? I am not expecting them to lay over Winter. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beantree Posted October 18, 2014 Share Posted October 18, 2014 They still need the grit. That's to keep the gizzard grinding feed up to digest it properly Pixiedust. Especially important in Winter when they have so little time to eat anyway. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PixieDust Posted October 18, 2014 Author Share Posted October 18, 2014 Point taken. Sorry I know I probably ask really stupid questions sometimes, but just trying to get things right for their arrival. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chickabee Posted October 18, 2014 Share Posted October 18, 2014 I wouldn't worry too much about poultry spice or cider vinegar. As long as they have good quality feed and access to grit all should be good. I keep nutri drops and oregano extract, but don't use them often. Chopped up veg and a bit of scratch at bed time, and a few sunflower seeds are their treats. All learned from this forum. Thanks all Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Purplemaniacs Posted October 19, 2014 Share Posted October 19, 2014 I wouldn't worry too much. As you read the posts on here, you will find some very pampered chooks and some who have the essentials of good food, water and shelter. They all seem to get on well. I think a lot of it is up to you on how you want to treat them. Don't get me wrong I love my chooks and love giving them treats but they are also quite happy just on the essentials. Enjoy them, that is the most important thing Chrissie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mullethunter Posted October 19, 2014 Share Posted October 19, 2014 Mine have pellets and corn every evening as long as I'm home. Sometimes they get treats such as mealworms, broccoli or corn on the cob. The only 'potion' they have is that they've had Nettex moulting tonic over the last few weeks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PixieDust Posted October 19, 2014 Author Share Posted October 19, 2014 Thanks all for your advice. Whilst I won't feed then rubbish, I won't go silly either. Natural treats, good food and water are what they should have. I know somethings are useful to have, like gentian violet, but again, no point wasting money on stuff if it is going to sit in a cupboard going out of date. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
