Daywalker Posted November 9, 2007 Share Posted November 9, 2007 Hi all, just started using Hemcore for the GNR's run. I'm currently using it dry but the packaging suggests watering it. What do you do Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laura & CTB Posted November 9, 2007 Share Posted November 9, 2007 Use it dry - you only have to wet it for use with horses Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted November 9, 2007 Share Posted November 9, 2007 That's right. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted November 9, 2007 Share Posted November 9, 2007 Keep it dry (it'll soon get soggy when it rains ). I put the winter cover on if it's really wet so it stays nice and dry for them to scratch about or dustbath in. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carol U Posted November 9, 2007 Share Posted November 9, 2007 Glad someone else asked this. I started using hemcore yesterday and so far they've managed to get it in their feed, water, sand tray, grit pot and spread over half of the garden! Are mine particularly messy or is this normal? Dread to think how far they'll spread it once their winter cover comes off! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lesley-Jean Posted November 9, 2007 Share Posted November 9, 2007 I only use it IN the eglu and dry. I use play bark (biggest chunks possible) in he run. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chelsea Posted November 9, 2007 Share Posted November 9, 2007 hemcore and chickens = hemcore everywhere (I still wouldnt use anything else though) mine are the same - its everywhere and we are forever changing the water. One of those things me thinks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted November 9, 2007 Share Posted November 9, 2007 Try puttin less in the run - mine only get it in the food etc when I've out too much in. Also have a go at getting them to drink out of a bunny bottle - much less mess and the water doesn't get contaminated... I'd swear that mine used to wash their feet and bottoms in the Glug! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted November 9, 2007 Share Posted November 9, 2007 Mine get hemcore and mud in their water - mmmm, tasty! I've fixed plastic whirlygig covers with cable ties round the base of my eglu run and don't lose any into the garden now. This isn't a very good pic (& they're not on the hemcore - it was their day on grass) but shows what I mean. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dancing Gal Posted November 9, 2007 Share Posted November 9, 2007 I use a combination of bark and hemcore - the ground is earth and it seems just fine. Not pongy at all and they seem to enjoy. And the pooh seems to disappear. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lesley-Jean Posted November 9, 2007 Share Posted November 9, 2007 I love their perch Vicki Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daywalker Posted November 9, 2007 Author Share Posted November 9, 2007 Mine get hemcore and mud in their water - mmmm, tasty! I've fixed plastic whirlygig covers with cable ties round the base of my eglu run and don't lose any into the garden now. Someone else said they used plastic lawn edging. Thanks for the replies. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
puffball Posted November 9, 2007 Share Posted November 9, 2007 Mine get hemcore and mud in their water - mmmm, tasty! I've fixed plastic whirlygig covers with cable ties round the base of my eglu run and don't lose any into the garden now. My hens seeem to prefer muddy water as well Vicki! Whenever we wash out the coop and fill the water bucket at the same time, they always go for the old water that has mixed with mud and god knows what else those hens have in their run! (that last bit sounds irresponsible-don't worry I do check what they have in there... ) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olly Posted November 10, 2007 Share Posted November 10, 2007 It's just like cats, they usually prefer to drink out of the stagnant green puddle in the garden than the fresh clean water in their bowl! I don't put too much hemcore in - enough to cover the ground, but not a really thick layer. It doesn't spread about too much, and I use plastic lawn edging secured with cable ties as a 'kick-board' (can't claim the credit though, someone else had the idea first). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jaime Posted November 10, 2007 Share Posted November 10, 2007 I copied someone else's idea and fitted feathered boards that are used for fencing round the run. They are about £6 for more than enough in a pack from Wickes and little tiny curtain hooks - one at each end to hook them onto the mesh. They look substantial but they are only very light. Looks very neet and they can just be lifted off for cleaning. They keep the Hemcore in place very well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amanda newbie Posted November 10, 2007 Share Posted November 10, 2007 I love some of these ideas. I will be getting some sort of protestion for round the base of the run when I get the hemcore. I also like the bunny bottles and the look of the brocoli hung up. Also the perch in the run. Well seems enough to keep me busy for a while Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amanda newbie Posted November 10, 2007 Share Posted November 10, 2007 After reading all of the above I have been and bought hemcore in a farm feedsa shop in Market Harborough. Moved the ercu onto the patio laid the hencore finely and scattered a bit of corn. They were fussing round me like mad wanting to get back into the run. I also got a rabbit water bottle and added some hanging brocolli. They went straight back into the run when I had finished, not sure what they seemed to enjoy more trying the feeding bottle or hunting the corn. It was lovely to watch. Next its building a perch, not a handy person at all so could be interesting, and putting something round the edge of the run to keep the hemcore in. Thanks so much everyone for all these ideas. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Goosey Lucy Posted November 10, 2007 Share Posted November 10, 2007 Try hanging up some nettles, but upside down. Not sure why, it was recommended by my (locum) vet the great Victoria Roberts. My hens love it and it helps keep my conscience clear about about the state of my allotment (I'm growing nettles to give to my hens) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amanda newbie Posted November 10, 2007 Share Posted November 10, 2007 Wondered why all the nettles had disappeared from the bottom of my vegatable patch. They have also got rid of the caterpillars from my brussels, I thought they were lost but now think I may have a crop for christmas. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted November 10, 2007 Share Posted November 10, 2007 If I hadn't had 2 old whirlygig covers, I might have got these: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Rotary-Airer-Cover_W0QQitemZ160175317708QQihZ006QQcategoryZ101409QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem You can cut them in half to make them go further. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carol U Posted November 10, 2007 Share Posted November 10, 2007 I like that Jaime - looks very neat. I tried plastic lawn edging this morning but couldn't get it in far enough because of the skirt so it looks a bit messy. This afternoon, when they were supposed to be freeranging, the girls spent their time throwing all the hemcore out of the open door! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted November 10, 2007 Share Posted November 10, 2007 I like that Jaime - looks very neat. I agree, it looks really nice but my girls kick the hemcore quite high so I suspect it would go flying over the top of the boards! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted November 11, 2007 Share Posted November 11, 2007 Nice to see you again Jaime Mine have kickboards, unfortunately not as clever as J's, mine are just base boards from an old slatted bed, held in place by a couple of bricks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
